GRIEF TEACHES US LESSONS FOR LIFE ✍️

 

(Was reminded of this old post today. I wrote this 7 years ago, on 20th October '2018, just a little over a month, after my Mum passed away.

Maybe, it will help another person who reads this post, to find strength in times of prolonged sicknesses in the family; or help someone deal with their own tragic losses of loved ones, and with the unbearable pain that we all feel, during and after the death of people, who matter to us. Hopefully, it will just encourage us to try and be grateful anyway, even when it is very, very difficult.)

It's easy to have a positive outlook, when everything goes well, and when life is filled with joyful moments. 

The real challenge is to try and keep smiling,

- when there is absolutely no reason to,

- when the situations in life cause your world, to come crashing down all around you,

- when you don't know how you're going to get through, the long road ahead,

- and when your pain is so intense, that it leaves you completely heart-broken.😪

It's always a struggle to smile through the tears and hard times, when a family member is sick or when we lose them forever; because those are the times, when it is easiest to give up on everything, and to feel completely dejected, lost and upset.

Somehow though, that same God who created us and who knows every falling tear, is always there, in the form of people who care;

- to make sure that he fills us, with the courage and strength to face the future, 

- to keep moving ahead,

- and to keep living life, one moment at a time, without worrying about, what the uncertain future may have in store for us.

The greatest gift I ever received in life, was the 'Gift of a Family', and the struggles we faced together, all through our journey; because it was those very trials and difficulties, that taught me these important lessons, which will stay with me forever. I will always be Thankful to God for that.🙏😊

ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND 😊💕

 

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME 🎶

- Randy Newman

Another one of those very sweet Disney songs about Friendship. 

When people are still listening to a song, even 30 years after it was composed, it means they wrote a good song.😊

(Song shared from a page on YT and the pictures are from the Disney page.)

SONGS OF HOPE AND PEACE 🤍🕊🌈

 

The Stop-Gaps brought together many amazing choirs and performers, that we all enjoy listening to, in their Concert 'A Call to Peace', which happened at the Tata Theatre, NCPA yesterday.

'Bridging the World with Song' - That is what Alfred D'Souza and 'The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy' have been doing for many, many years, at every concert they do. Each Choir and Soloist who sang last night, chose very meaningful songs, that brought out the message of 'Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood'.🤍

In a world that is constantly tattered and torn by violence, disharmony, bloodshed, negativity, irrational thinking and the completely illogical loss of innocent lives; an evening like this, filled with melodious songs, that calm and soothe the heart and soul, is like 'A Rainbow of Hope'.🌈 🕊One that reminds all of us, who love music, that the joyous 'Melody, Harmony and Rhythm' of beautifully written songs, filled with positive thoughts, can truly 'Heal the World and make it a better place, for the entire human race'.🎶

It was wonderful to have a choir from Borivali 'Symphony Voices', conducted by Allan Rodrigues, performing in this concert also. They made us feel so proud, with their wonderful harmonious singing.👏👏👏

The best part about an evening like this, besides enjoying all the beautiful songs, sung by every choir and soloist, is getting an opportunity to hear many of my favourite choirs and singers on one evening, and to meet lots of music loving friends. 

A chance to listen to lots of old friends, singing in, or accompanying various choirs, to hear some amazing soloists, to feel proud of a few ex-students who were performing, and to meet many, many friends, who were in the audience too; made last night, even more special.😊💕

WHAT FRIENDS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO 🎶

The One Voice Children's Choir just shared this song, a few days ago on their YT page. I like this Choir and have been listening to their cover versions of songs, for many years.

COUNT ON ME 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir 

If you ever forget, how much you really mean to me,

Every day I will, remind you.

You can 'Count on Me', like 1 2 3

I'll Be There;

Cause that's what 'Friends' are supposed to do.😊💕

I'm also sharing the lyric video of the original song.

- Bruno Mars 

(Video shared from the YT pages of the singer and choir.)

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 🎶

 

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR 🎶

- Sangah Noona 

MOON RIVER 🎶

- 2 Cellos

(Videos shared from various YT pages.)

XAVIERITES FOREVER! 😊💕

 

The 31st of July is the Feast of St.Ignatius of Loyola, and every year on this day, I am always reminded of my days at St.Xavier's College and St.Xavier's Institute of Education (SXIE). They will forever remain, the best 6 years of my life as a student. 

Some of my most talented and successful friends in various fields today, have been the ones I met back in college. That 'Xavierite Connection' with old College friends, and with Xavierites anywhere, will always remain unique and special.😊💕

This new College Anthem was composed a few years after we left college, by Fr.Terrence Quadros and Fr.Roy Pereira.

This video from 'The Xavier's Special' on Jukebox Jammies #97, which happened on 11th July '2020, has the old College Anthem, that I remember. This one, was sung by Kim Cardoz. We used to enjoy singing this Anthem, back in SXC. 🎶

...And I also remember this fun song, sung in college, quite a few times; earlier by my Principal Fr.Emil D'Cruz and Fr.Terrence Quadros; and then later, by my Professor and Principal Fr.Frazer Mascarenhas, together with Fr. Terrence, who was the Counsellor of the College for many, many years. Fr.Roy Pereira would accompany them on the piano, even back then. 

Over the years, Fr.T has modified these lyrics. But it was always enjoyable, to listen to them singing this song.

(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)

GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BLESSING 🙏✍️

 

(Almost everyday, FB reminds me of so many old posts that I had shared and forgotten about. I wrote this one 3 years ago, on 21st July '2022.)

What better way to 'Give Thanks', than by using my talent and practising my skill of 'Writing', which I consider to be the 'Best Gift', I was ever Blessed with, without asking for it.🙏😊

HIDDEN BLESSINGS ✍️

I didn't ask for this Life I'm living;

It was given as a 'Gift', for free.

I didn't ask for the Love of a Family;

I was blessed with the Love of Three.✨️💖

I didn't ask for a comfortable Home;

I was given every Comfort, that I would ever need.

I didn't ask for Friends, to share my Journey;

Together we've turned into trees, from a seed.🤗💕

I didn't ask for a Job, that I would Love;

For many years, my Talents, it helped me explore.

I didn't ask for the Joy, that children bring,

Countless kids, brought me smiles and more.😊

I definitely didn't ask to become a strong warrior;

Like many loved ones, mistakenly think I am.

I certainly didn't ask for all the heartache and pain;

For decades, to constantly shed tears like an overflowing dam.😪

How I wish I could ask for the struggles, to just go away;

To have 'My Family' back, Forever and Always to keep.

But if I received so much, sown in my life without asking;

Maybe in this phase too, there is a 'Hidden Blessing' to reap.🤔

FRIENDS FOREVER 🎶

 

(A FB Memory from this day, 3 years ago, 7th July' 2022.)

I've loved this song from the first time I heard it. I remember hearing it, in the 9th Std. when an old friend, sang this song for some of us friends, as he was bidding us farewell, when he was about to leave the city.

I asked him for the lyrics, after I listened to him sing this song, because I liked the words so much; and I still have that page of hand-written lyrics, somewhere in an old song diary.🙂

It has remained a special song since then. It's so beautiful and sounds even better, when performed with an entire orchestra.💕

Sharing two versions of the song. The first one, is from an old Andre Rieu concert, which I have shared before, here on my blog; and the second one, from a different concert, was posted on their YT page, just a month ago.

AMIGOS PARA SIEMPRE (Friends for Life) 🎶

- Andre Rieu

(Videos shared from Andre Rieu's YT page.)

I WANT SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS 💕

 

(This post is not written by me. It's something I read on a friend's page, a few days ago. It made me wish, that I had a friend like that too. I just wanted to save this forward. So, am sharing it here.

I only ever had one person in my life, who knew me as well as the Coach, in this little story; and that was my Mum.✨️💖

I have many Friends who care, but after my mother passed away, I don't think I have anyone, who is as close to me, as she was...and I miss 'My Best Friend', every single day.)😪

She was drowning.

And nobody noticed…

Nobody, except her.

It was June 2022, at the World Championships in Budapest.

Anita Álvarez, an American artistic swimmer with Mexican roots, was performing a flawless routine.

But when her performance ended… she didn’t come up for air.

She had lost consciousness.

Her body floated for a few seconds, then began to sink.

Slowly. All the way to the bottom of the pool.

The audience didn’t notice. Neither did the judges.

Everyone was clapping.

But her coach, Andrea Fuentes, noticed.

She knew Anita—knew exactly how long it took her to surface.

She felt in her heart that something was wrong.

Without thinking twice, she dove in.

Fully dressed. Shoes and all.

She swam straight down, grabbed Anita by the waist,

and brought her back up.

She saved her life.

This story left me thinking…

Who knows you well enough to notice when you’re not okay, even if you’re still smiling? 🤔

Who would dive in for you without hesitation when you no longer have the strength to come up for air?

And more importantly…

Would you be that person for someone else?

Are you present enough in your loved ones’ lives, to sense the moment they start to sink?

Or are you just another spectator, clapping, not realizing that inside, they’re fading? 😔

In this life, we all need someone who doesn’t just see us—

but truly notices us.

Someone who knows, when we’re about to give up,

and has the courage to jump in and save us. 💕

UNFAIR WEATHER FRIEND 🎶✨️💖

 

(I love it when FB Memories reminds me of old posts like these. This is one, that I wrote 2 years ago, on 29th March '2023. Had saved it to post later; and forgot about it. So, sharing it today.)

'My come whatever, Unfair Weather Friend'.🎶✨️💖

- Marla Cannon Goodman

Very rarely do we get to hear the voice of the 'songwriter' who actually wrote the song. I found this song sung by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, in their last collaboration together.

...and then, I discovered that Marla Cannon Goodman wrote this song with Ward Davis, and that neither of them ever imagined that their song would be sung, by two country music icons one day.💕🎶

So, because we always hear the voices of the singers who sing the songs; I thought I would share this version instead, sung by one of the two songwriters who wrote the song.✍️

Also found a blog post, in which Marla shared the lovely story, behind how the song was written; and how, it later came to be sung by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, It's sometimes so nice to hear about, how a song came to life.🎶😊

(Videos shared from different YT pages.)

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🎶🤗💖

 

I discovered this song during the pandemic and thought the lyrics were so beautiful and uplifting. I haven't watched the Musical; but the words of this song are so lovely.

It's such a comforting song, that just makes you feel you are 'A Little Less Alone', in times and moments of extreme 'Loneliness', when the world seems to constantly remind you, that you have no one to call your own, and makes you feel so empty.😪

The lyrics of some songs, just have that ability to act like a balm and soothe your troubled mind and heart, at least for a little while...and when the song is sung by a Choir like this, they make it sound even better. 

It's difficult to express and put into words, the 'Magic of a Melody'.✨️🎶...But songs like these, that touch your heart and soul, feel like a warm, tight hug from a loved one, that you have truly longed for and missed forever.🤗💖

YOU WILL BE FOUND 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir (Dear Evan Hansen - Broadway Cover version)

SONG LYRICS 🎶

Have you ever felt like nobody was there?

Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?

Have you ever felt like you could disappear?

Like you could fall, and no one would hear?

Well, let that lonely feeling wash away,

Maybe there's a reason to believe you'll be okay;

'Cause when you don't feel strong enough to stand,

You can reach, reach out your hand.

And oh, someone will come running,

And I know, they'll take you home.

Even when the dark comes crashing through,

When you need a 'Friend' to carry you,

And when you're broken on the ground,

You will be found.

So let the sun come streaming in,

'Cause you'll reach up and you'll rise again;

Lift your head and look around,

You will be found

You will be found

You will be found

You will be found

You will be found.

There's a place where we don't have to feel unknown,

And every time that you call out

You're 'A Little Less Alone';

If you only say the word,

From across the silence, your voice is heard.

Even when the dark comes crashing through,

When you need a 'Friend' to carry you,

When you're broken on the ground,

You will be found.

So let the sun come streaming in,

'Cause you'll reach up and you'll rise again;

If you only look around,

You will be found (You will be found).

Out of the shadows,

The morning is breaking,

And all is new, all is new.

It's filling up the empty,

And suddenly I see that,

All is new, all is new.

You are not alone

You are not alone

You are not alone

You are not alone

You are not alone (You are not alone)

You are not alone (You are not alone)

You are not

You are not alone (You are not alone).🤗❤️

Even when the dark comes crashin' through,

When you need someone to carry you,

When you're broken on the ground,

You will be found.

So when the sun comes streaming in,

'Cause you'll reach up and you'll rise again,

If you only look around,

You will be found

You will be found

You will be found

You will be found.

You Will Be Found.✨️💖

(Song shared from the YT page, of the OVCC.)

GIFT OF A FRIEND ✨️💖

 

(An old post that I shared on FB, five years ago, on the 29th of March '2020.) 

When you are blessed with the gift of 'Time', it allows you to ponder and reflect, on life's many 'Blessings', and on the things, that we can be most 'Grateful' for. 

One of those special Blessings in my life, is the gift of 'Friends'...Friends are truly a Gift.✨️💖

As we journey through life, we come across so many special people, who we call our Friends. 

Some of these Friends, grow closer to us than others; while others, brighten our lives for just a few short moments.

Some Friends remain a part of our journey through life, for many years; while there are others, that we somehow lose touch with, somewhere along the way.

Some Friends help us 'Grow', some teach us 'Lessons for Life'; and some almost become like 'Family'.🤗💕

With some we share common interests, hopes and dreams; and others, stand by us through life's hardest times, and become a shoulder that we can lean on.

Some add Music and Colour to our lives; and a few others, just know how to make us 'Smile'.😊😊😊

Whether our Friends are with us everyday, or miles apart; each one always holds a special place in our heart.❤️

Thinking of all my Friends, old and new, near and far...

Miss the ones who are far away...

Grateful to God for every Friend, who has been a part of my Life, through the years. Thank you for being a 'Special Gift'.💕🌈😊

Sharing this beautiful song called 'Gift of a Friend'. Do listen.

GIFT OF A FRIEND 🎶

- Demi Lovato

(Song shared from another YT page.)

COMFORT AND REASSURANCE ✨️🎶

 

(Another song that came up as a FB Memory. Originally posted there on 8th June, 2021.)

The pandemic was a difficult time for most people. But those of us who were already lonely, just felt even more isolated.

My mother had passed away only a year and a half, before the pandemic began. Even now, I struggle to deal with her absence in my life, every single day.

So, back in those days of 'Social Distancing', only I know, what I felt.

In those moments, songs like these offered 'Comfort and Reassurance'. We were still 'Alone'; but when we heard someone singing a song like this one, it just made us feel, a little less 'Lonely', at least for a little while.✨️💖

'Miles and miles of empty space in between us',

And nothing can really take the place, of those missing smiles...

...and yet, 'When we need Love', all we have to do is reach out, and someone who cares, will always be around.🙂💕

WHEN I NEED YOU 🎶

- Albert Hammond 

(Song shared from the singer's YT page.)

SUNSHINE AND MOONLIGHT 🎶

 

These two songs came up as FB Memories today. One shared on this day 7th June, in 2021 and one in 2023.

For many, many years now, I have always posted songs that I like, for friends to listen to. 

During the pandemic years however, the frequency and number of songs that I shared, practically every single day, increased a lot; because the only thing I did in those terribly scary and isolated years, was 'Listen to Music'.🎶😊 

It kept me company and made me feel a little less 'Alone'.✨️💖

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDER 🎶

- Piano Instrumental (Paul Hankinson)

An instrumental version of one of my favourite John Denver songs. It has such a soothing and beautiful melody.❤️

(Song Lyrics)

'If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you, a day just like today;😊
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song, to make you feel this way.🎶

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale, sure to make you smile;😊
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish, for sunshine all the while.'✨️

- John Denver 🎶

MOONLIGHT AND ROSES 🎶

- Jim Reeves

(Song Lyrics)

'Moonlight and roses
Bring wonderful memories of you
My heart reposes
In beautiful thoughts so true.

June light discloses
Love's golden dreams sparkling, anew
Moonlight and roses
Bring memories of you.'

Jim Reeves really sang some of the most beautiful songs.🙂💕

(Videos shared by others, from various pages on YT.)

ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND 🎶

 

ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND 🎶

- Mariah Carey

COUNT ON ME 🎶

- Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans

ASKING FOR A FRIEND 🎶

I discovered this singer named JJ Heller, at some point, during the pandemic. She composes the simplest, sweetest and most meaningful 'Original Songs', together with her husband.

This is one of her very real songs, that lots of people would connect with. 

A short chat that I had, a little while back, reminded me of this one.

ASKING FOR A FRIEND 🎶

By JJ Heller, David Heller, and Ross King

(Song Lyrics)

What do you do when,

Every morning,

The first thing you think is,

You just want to stay in bed?

I’m just asking for a Friend.

What do you say when,

All of your feelings,

Are so overwhelming,

That you’re too tired to pretend?

I’m just asking for a Friend.

Maybe you’re thinking,

She sounds like a mess.

But trust me when I say, 

She’s doing her best.

Doing her best.

We all need,

We all need the same thing;

Someone to 'Let Us In'.

We all need,

We all need 'A Safe Place', 

We don’t have to defend.

I’m not asking,

For all the pain in all the world, to end.

I’m just asking for a Friend.

How do you come back,

From losing all you have?

You’re so afraid that,

You’ll just lose it all again.

I’m just asking for a Friend.

Maybe you don’t know,

The right thing to say;

But trust me, what she needs,

Is 'Someone to Stay'.

'Someone to Stay'.

We all need,

We all need the same thing;

Someone to 'Let Us In'.

We all need

We all need 'A Safe Place', 

We don’t have to defend.

I’m not asking, 

For all the pain in all the world, to end.

I’m just asking for a Friend.

I’ve been looking for Connection,

But I don’t know where I fit in.

I’m still afraid of rejection,

But I’m ready to begin.

‘Cause I could really use a Friend,

I’m just asking for a Friend.😊🎶

(Video shared from the singer's YT page.)

MIRROR IMAGE ✍️

 

(Originally written on FB, two years ago, on this day, 10th March '23.)

The Mirrors in our Eyes;

Clear Visions to See,

Piercing, Discerning, 

Reflections of the Deepest Soul.

The Mirrors in our Minds;

On Constant Re-play,

Pondering, Wondering,

Reflections of Honest Truth.

The Mirrors in our Hearts;

Forever Aimlessly Lost,

Yearning, Longing,

Reflections of Devoted Love.

The Mirrors in our History;

Strolling Down Memory-Lane,

Unearthing, Discovering,

Reflections of a Forgotten Time.

The Mirrors in our Dreams;

A Walk into the Unknown,

Waking, Sleeping,

Reflections of Unfulfilled Desire.

The Mirrors in our Lives;

Like a Friend, Always There,

Accompanying, Guiding,

Reflections of Untampered Reality.

(I only ever had 'ONE REAL MIRROR' in my Life; and I see more and more of 'Her Reflection' staring back at me, every single day, each time I look into one.✨️❤️

I guess, that was the starting point of these reflective verses, when I wrote it two years ago.)

KEEP SMILING! KEEP SHINING! ✨️💖

 

I usually only post things that I have written myself, on my blog.✍️

But a few days ago, I came across this Forward, on someone's page.

Pooh and Piglet have always been 'My Favourites'. So, I had to share this, because it was so sweet. 😊

“It’s a quiet night tonight, isn’t it, Piglet?” said Pooh, gazing up at the stars. 

“It certainly is,” said Piglet, his little paw resting on his Friend’s. 

“What do you think the stars talk about?” asked Pooh. “When we’re not listening, I mean.” 

Piglet thought for a moment. “I think they talk about Light,” he said. “About how even in the darkest skies, they shine as best as they can, no matter how small they are. Because they know someone, somewhere, is looking up and needs to see them.” 

Pooh smiled. “That’s a lovely thought, Piglet. Do you think we’re like that too? Little Stars, shining for each other?” 

Piglet nodded. “Yes, Pooh. I think that’s what we’re meant to do. To be a Little Light for someone, even when the night feels very big and very dark.” 

Pooh sat quietly for a moment, then said, “If that’s true, Piglet, then I think you’re the 'Brightest Star' I know. Even on my gloomiest days, you make me feel like everything will be alright.”

“And you’re mine, Pooh,” said Piglet, softly. “Because with you, I always feel safe, even when the woods seem scary, or the path isn’t clear.”

The two Friends sat together under the stars, wrapped in the kind of quiet Love, that doesn’t need grand gestures or fancy words. Just Presence. Just Care. Just two Lights, shining for each other in the great big world. 

“What do you think we should do tomorrow?” asked Pooh after a while. 

“I think we should just Keep Shining,” said Piglet.✨️💖

...and then, reading that Forward, made me think of this song. It matches what Pooh and Piglet were talking about, perfectly.❤️

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR 🎶 (Song Lyrics)
- Dionne Warwick ft. Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder

And I never thought I'd feel this way,
And as far as I'm concerned,
I'm glad I got the chance to say,
That I do believe I Love You.

And if I should ever go away,
Well, then close your eyes and try,
To feel the way we do today,
And then, if you can remember.

Keep Smiling, Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
That's what Friends are for.

For good times and bad times,
I'll be on your side, forever more,
That's what Friends are for.

Well, you came and opened me,
And now there's so much more I see,
And so by the way I Thank You.

Oh and then, for the times when we're apart,
Well, then close your eyes and know,
These words are coming from my heart.
And then if you can remember.

Oh, Keep Smiling and Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
That's what Friends are for.

In good times and bad times,
I'll be on your side forever more,
Oh, that's what Friends are for.

Keep Smiling, Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
That's what Friends are for.

For good times and bad times,
I'll be on your side forever more,
That's what Friends are for.

Keep Smiling, Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
'Cause I tell you, That's what Friends are for.

For good times and for bad times,
I'll be on your side forever more,
That's what Friends are for
(That's what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure,
(Count on me for sure,
Count on me for sure.)
That's what Friends are for.

Keep Smiling, Keep Shining. ✨️💖

(Video shared from another YT page and the lovely picture and Forward, I just found on the Internet.)

FAR AWAY PLACES 🎭

 

What if we could write a letter to our loved ones, who have journeyed on?

What if they could reply?

What if there was some way or someone, who could deliver those letters back and forth, between heaven and earth?🤔

These imaginary situations and scenarios, have been very creatively woven into the Storyline, of the play called 'The Far Post', which is set in a 'Post-Office', at a Border. A play by 'Dur Se Brothers', that is Written, Directed and Performed by Yuki Ellias, together with the Choreographer and Co-Performer of the show, Tapas Boro, and the innovative use of masks and puppetry.🎭

Yuki is a well-known name in the world of Theatre - Acting, Directing and Teaching too, but she is also an old college batchmate and friend from Xavier's; and I was just 'So Proud' from beginning to end, as I watched her in action, performing on that stage at the Prithvi Theatre, on the 26th of February '25.🤗❤️

The Play is a story of two enemy soldiers, killed in battle; who embark on a journey into the after-life, with the help of an endearing 'Postman Aunty' and her pet Goldfish.🐟

It is a 75 minute play, which kind of reminded me, of a Charlie Chaplin 'Silent Film', because there are very few dialogues in it. But despite that, the audience was completely engrossed and focussed right through, because of so many fascinating things, happening on stage.👏👏👏

The wonderful acting by Yuki and Tapas, was supported by a great backstage and technical crew. The smooth and seamless transitions by the two actors, with the masks and puppets and the switching of characters, the choreographed movements, the effects created by the Sets, Props, the perfectly synced Sound and Lights,(including a little shadow-play also); and most of all, the lovely background Music and Singing too, all collectively added so much to the performance.🎶

I loved that the Folk Fusion Band 'SOFIYUM' from Gangtok, Sikkim, played some soft and melodious music and songs in this play, 'LIVE', while the two actors (playing various characters), took the story forward. All the songs are in the Lepcha language, with English sub-titles. It was lovely to hear the multi-talented Yuki, joining the band, in singing a couple of songs also.😊

I was fascinated by a lot of things in this play; and I could see, that the rest of the audience was, as well. This very 'Unique and Different' play, in a Language that we do not know or speak, had the audience reacting in many ways, right through, with smiles, laughter and even a few tears. 

When Performers use their Talent and Creativity, to think 'Out of the Box' and do something, which is so 'Unusual and Innovative', the result is always a very 'Interesting Experience'.😊✨️❤️

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ✨️💖✍️

 

I spent a few hours today, with one of my closest friends from DB.  Was nice to have Lunch with her, on the 'Feast Day' of St.John Bosco.😊

The two of us joined the school together, way back in 2004; and over the years, we became more like 'Family'.💖

I miss a lot of things about that wonderful place, which I always called 'My Second Home'. But most of all, I miss the long conversations, that we used to have, about anything and everything.

We do meet occasionally, but it doesn't compare with seeing one another, every single day. 

Thankfully, I will be meeting her again tomorrow, together with all my other colleagues. It will be quite an awesome 'Reunion', to see everyone again, after an entire year.💕

Since this has been an extremely 'Nostalgic' week for me, with DB being in my thoughts, quite a lot; I also remembered, how I actually landed up being a Teacher at DB.

It really wasn't my 'First Choice', although it eventually became, the 'Only Place' that I ever worked in.🤷🏻‍♀️

Having studied in two 'Jesuit Instituions' during my College years, my first preference was a Jesuit School in Bandra. My Mum was quite pleased with my choice, because she had been a Bandra Girl. Her brother had studied in that same school as well; while she and her sisters, had studied in the school, just across the road.

The job was mine for the taking too, because a Teacher was retiring that year, (who coincidentally also shared the same name as me). I remember the Principal telling me, that one Lynette would be replacing another, if I decided to join them.😊

However, it had just happened, that a few days before that Interview, (in the place where I was born, and where I lived, for the first few years of my life); I had also very casually, met one of the Supervisors from DB, on a train ride back home from College. Her daughter had been a childhood friend of mine; and when she heard that I was doing my B.Ed; she told me to apply at DB also. 

So, even though I was more keen on joining Stanislaus; just because of that 'Chance Encounter' that day, I still applied at Don Bosco.😊

Looking back today, I guess that 'Unexpected Meeting', was just supposed to happen that day.💕

Since I had grown up with lots of childhood friends, who had been DB boys, I used to hear a lot about their 'Fun School'. I also had a couple of friends, who were Salesian Brothers, and I had always enjoyed, Interacting and Communicating with them. I think, because of all those 'Old Connections', joining DB, didn't seem like a bad idea to me either.😊

So, I told the Principal of St.Stanislaus, that I had also applied at Don Bosco; and since it would cut off the time of 'Commuting to Work' everyday, I would probably consider that, if I got in.🤷🏻‍♀️

The Principal in DB at the time, (who will always be my 'Most Favourite' Principal ever, and who also celebrates his Birthday today, on the Feast of Don Bosco), was more than happy to have me join them.😊

And so, I ended up becoming a part of the 'DB Family'. It was a decision, that I truthfully made, mainly to avoid travelling very far everyday; since I had done more than enough of that, during my 8 years in College and University, and it was quite exhausting.

Something that I decided to do, purely for 'Practical Reasons', ended up being the 'Most Wonderful Decision of My Life', because I spent an 'Extremely Rewarding and Fulfilling, Two Decades of being a Teacher', at DB.🤗💞

18 long years, when I was 'Blessed to Be a Blessing', to countless young children. Something, that not everyone, gets a chance to do, during their Lifetime.✨️💖

I often feel, that I would have enjoyed working in a Jesuit school too; since they had made my own College and B.Ed. years, the 'Six Best Years of my Student Life'.❤️ 

But the Salesians, are pretty good at making the whole 'Teaching-Learning Experience', very enjoyable, for the Students and the Teachers too.❤️

More than anything, they encouraged 'Creativity and Innovativeness', which is what I Loved most about the school. I got innumerable opportunities, to use and develop so many of my 'Talents, Gifts and my Creativity', both in and out of the classroom; for which I will be 'Forever Grateful' to them.❤️

Days like today, always take me 'Down Memory Lane'; and this walk, turned into quite a long 'Marathon Walk'.😄 But I guess, there's nothing better, (every once in a way), than looking back on the 'Good Times' and the 'Happy Memories', that we've had along Life's Journey; and very Gratefully, 'Counting our Blessings'.✨️✍️

(I just found this picture somewhere on the Internet and thought it matched this 'Extra Long' post beautifully.)😊