'Golden Moment' - on my Uncle and Aunt's 50th. Wedding Anniversary

When did this happen? When did the love of a lifetime start?

Did it spark that golden moment you looked in each other’s heart?

Did you find mirrored there the very qualities that make you two one –

Your kindness, your compassion, your goodwill that blesses all under the Sun.

For this is a union that was always meant to be -

A joy in one another for the whole world to see.

Over many a night and many a day,

What a long road you have travelled together,

And how many lamps you have lit along the way;

With sweet speech and loving act -

Maama’s good heart and Maami’s sweet tact.

This was no mere whim of playful Fate

That has made you each, the other’s soul mate.

How He must rejoice, that Shining One,

Looking upon you two,

And seeing that this was a union well done.

You had already won the game of Life,

That instant you became man and wife.

Not just fifty years or so,

This golden moment must have started many lifetimes ago.

That’s why the whole world can see,

This is a union that was always meant to be.

My Grandfather's Legacy

Of the many people who have influenced my life for the better, my Thaatha (grand-father) imparted the most valuable lessons. That is kind of ironic, because he was never actually trying to teach me anything. I can't remember a single occasion where he gave me a lecture, weighty  advice, or, any one time where we had a lengthy philosophical or moral discussion. That just wasn't his way. The life lessons I learnt from him made a deep impression on me not because of anything he said, but because of who he was and how he lived his life. 

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Thaatha was an environmentalist, long before the term became fashionable. 

2. Birthdays and Anniversaries are important. 

3. What is worth remembering is worth writing down.

4. Always carry a book. You never know when you'll need it.

5. Love is in the simple gestures.

6.  There is nothing in this world so big as a heart that has no room for a grudge in it.

7. Do not let the actions of others dictate your reaction to them. 

8. Plant, person, stray dog - there is not a thing in creation that isn't worthy of care and attention.

9. Take care of your own health. It's the gift you give to those who love you.

10. Be cheerful. Be happy. Be of smiling countenance. That's the gift you give to your Creator. 

He made it look so effortless; I on the other hand am still striving, but that's okay. We're all on the learning curve. 

Endless Bounty

Thanks

For shelter and food,

For the 'bad' and the 'good'.

Thanks

For the gift of love that shines from my mother’s eyes,

And for the gift of a father who is good and wise.

Thanks

Thanks for the gift of friend and foe,

Unknowingly they taught, and I did learn and grow.

Thanks

For the care I’ve found in my Beloved’s arms

And, for the unfading joy of my children’s charms.

Thanks

For health, wealth, and Life’s simple joys,

For guidance, direction, free will and choice.

And above all, Thanks

For a heart that yearns for you,

Your Grace has blessed my love and keeps it true.