LEAVE A LIGHT ON ✍️🎶

Many years ago, a student of ours, took his own life, when he was in Class 10. He had been sitting in my classroom, earlier that morning; and in the evening, we received news that he was gone forever, just like that.😪

I will never forget what I felt on that day, and in the days and weeks after that. How much I wished, that I had spoken to him; if I had only known, what he was going through. How often I asked myself, why I hadn't been more observant, or noticed, any visible or invisible signs, or changes in his behaviour, which may have indicated, that he was troubled.

There have been a few other instances too; when I have known young people, who have taken this extreme step. And whenever, the person is someone you know, you always end up wishing, that you could have done something; just anything at all, to prevent them, from ending their life.🤷🏻‍♀️

Unfortunately, a lot of times, there are no visible signs of deep anguish, or of emotional distress or pain; because people can be extremely good at disguising, how they really feel, behind a cheerful face or talkative chatter.

Maybe the signs are there; but friends, family and people around a person like this, need to care and listen enough, to notice minor changes in behaviour, mannerisms, and to the things they say, or maybe don't even know, how to express. 

But sadly, in this world of 'Over-Connection', people are more 'Disconnected', than ever before. Everyone is so caught up, in living their own lives; that no one really takes the time to notice, when someone begins to slowly fade away into the darkness, quietly.😔

I saw the poster below, a few days ago; and discovered that the International Association for Suicide Prevention, collaborates with the World Health Organisation and the World Federation for Mental Health, to observe a day every year, on the 10th of September, called 'World Suicide Prevention Day'. 

So I thought, that I would write something about it today, just to create a little more awareness.✍️

I'm also sharing two songs, that speak about this. 

LEAVE A LIGHT ON 🎶

(Talk away the dark) 

- Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir

(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)

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.😊💕

THEIR MEMORY LIVES ON...✨️💖

 

(A FB Memory from this day, 8 years ago, 29th July '2017.) 😔

'I touch the future - I teach'.

What a day this has been! 

Earlier this morning,I heard that one of my teachers from St.Xavier's College, Ma'am Eunice de Souza passed away; and even before the day has drawn to a close, I received news that one of my teachers who taught me in Class X, Sir Devtosh Theckedath had also breathed his last today. 

On one day, the world has lost two amazing and special teachers. 

Both these teachers, touched my life during my years as a student; and even though, their passing away today, leaves me with a heavy heart, I thank God for blessing me with wonderful teachers like them, when I was a student. They have touched my life and the lives of countless others like me. 

I celebrate the 'Gift of Teachers' like them, to this world. They will always be missed and thought of very fondly.✨️💖

SABKA APNA APNA NORMAL ✍️

 

Last Saturday, I watched a Hindi film after many, many years. In fact, I visited a movie theatre, after a long time too. I haven't watched any film on the big screen, for very long. I decided to go and watch this one though, exactly a week after the film was released.

That was primarily because, I had loved 'Taare Zameen Par'. When I saw the Poster for this film, I noticed that they had used the same colour and font as that movie, and that it was called 'Sitaare Zameen Par'. So, I kind of guessed, that it would be a movie, which dealt with a similar concept.

In the weeks, before the movie was finally released in Theatres, I had already watched the Trailer a few times. I thought that it was quite amazing, how Aamir Khan had chosen to make a film, which brought the struggles and lives of 'Differently Abled' children, onto the screen in mainstream Hindi cinema. What a wonderful way to create an 'Awareness', and to speak about an important topic, using the medium of Entertainment.👍

I have always been an admirer of Aamir Khan's film choices, and his ability to do justice to every role that he plays. In the last few decades, he has also chosen to bring about a lot of 'Social Consciousness' and 'Awareness', both through his films and the TV show that he had done, called 'Satyameva Jayate'.

This film, is one more step in that same direction. It highlights the struggles of children, who are born with intellectual disabilities, autism and similar challenges like that. 

I especially loved the tag line of the film, 'Sabka apna apna Normal hota hain'. That one line, truly brings out the entire message, that the film has endeavoured to convey.👏👏👏

I have heard lots of different kinds of reviews, about the film. But in my opinion, this movie is almost like a 'Path-Breaker' in Indian cinema, simply because of the concept it chose to speak about; and because of the fact, that the actors in the film, were actually 'Real Differently-Abled' people. It must have been challenging to work with and to shoot an entire film, with those children; but I think, that's what brings out the 'Reality' of their challenges and struggles, even more.👍

Thanks to the fact that 'Inclusive Education' is now being spoken about, more and more in India, we have a lot of children with Learning Disabilities, and even with other Psychological and Behavioural challenges, in many of our schools today. So, most Teachers, even in regular schools, have had experiences of working with and interacting with 'Children who have Special Needs', every single day, for many years now.

But for a large percentage of the population in the country, they would not really have come in close contact with 'Special Children'. 

That's why, I think this movie, is kind of like an 'Eye-Opener' for many people. At least, it will sensitise the entire nation, and make everyone think twice, before that react harshly or negatively, towards a 'Special Person'.💖

As a Teacher, I also know that I learned more from the children in my classroom everyday, than I could have ever taught them. That concept, was also presented so beautifully in this film, with numerous 'Lessons for Teachers', along the way, brought out through the journey of the 'Coach'.

He thought he was teaching them; but ended up learning so much from the kids. That is another 'Reality', which every Teacher will tell you about, when they narrate stories of their 'Adventures as a Teacher'.😊

On a personal note, this movie was also Special to me, because an old college classmate, was part of the Production Team, as the Head Basketball Coach, who trained the kids and choreographed, all the Basketball scenes, with his team. How wonderful that he got an opportunity, to be part of an 'Initiative' like this. It makes me feel really happy and proud of him.✨️💕

I went and watched this film, just because I wanted to support a movie, that has tried to 'Create an Awareness' about an important set of people, who live and breathe among us everyday; but who just happen to be born, a little 'Different' from the rest of us. 

If you decide to watch it, don't go for the movie expecting a fast-paced movie with spectacular special effects or an extra-ordinary story. It's quite a simple story, with a few simple but meaningful songs here and there; about ordinary people, who are 'Challenged' in some ways, by virtue of their genetic make-up, over which they had no control.

Of course, the so-called 'Normal' people in the film, have quite a few 'Life-Challenges' of their own, to deal with as well. 

There are parts of the film, which are heart-warming, and which will make you Smile; and maybe Laugh a little too. 

But more than anything else, the movie will make you 'Think', about a few things, that you may or may not have thought about before. 

In doing that, I think the film absolutely achieves its main aim and purpose.✨️💖✍️

(A video of the Real 'Sitaare' of the film, visiting one of the many movie Theatres, where the film is running.)😊

(Videos shared from the Zee Music and Aamir Khan Talkies YT pages.)

ONLY ONE MJ ✨️🎶

 

(A FB Memory from this day, written on 25th June' 2023. But this post, is actually about something that happened, many years before that. I'm just always reminded of that incident, on this day every year.)

Only One MJ ✍️✨️

I still remember, how I found out that Michael Jackson had died, on this day, way back in 2009. There was this student in one of my classes at DB, who was a huge MJ fan; and early in the morning, just as I was taking attendance in class, he came up to me and said, "Miss, did you hear the news...MJ just died today." 

I looked at him with complete disbelief and thought it must just be some rumour, that he had heard somewhere; and I replied, "That's not possible."

Of course, he persisted and said, "No Miss! It's true. It was on the news this morning, before I came to school." 

I remember being very disturbed that whole day and unable to concentrate on the usual, everyday things, that I was doing in school.😔

It's not that I was a crazy MJ fan; because like many great artists, the fame and 'the persona' they create, kind of takes over 'the person', which doesn't really make them the most exemplary people to follow. 

The stories we had heard about his life, (whether true or untrue), didn't exactly make him, a very positive role-model for anyone...but the unexpected way in which, he suddenly vanished from our lives, did take me by surprise; and shocked the whole world as well.

I did love many of his songs; and even though a lot of singers have tried to sing his songs over the years, I think his voice and the way he performed on stage, was so unique and memorable, that there could only ever be one Michael Jackson.❤️

Sharing one of my favourite Jackson 5 songs today, 'I'll Be There', played by another favourite, Dave Koz.🎷✨️

(Found this video of the song, uploaded by someone else on YT.)

UNFORGETTABLE, IN EVERY WAY ✨️💖

 

I spent a couple of hours, with an old DB Teacher Friend today. She now lives out of Mumbai, and was here just for a day.❤️

As I was talking to her, it 'got me thinking about' those extremely 'Close Bonds and Unforgettable Friendships', that I have shared with so many, many people, connected to the DB Family.✨️

Since Don Bosco was a neighbouring School and Parish, for most of my life, I've had Batchmates, who studied in the school, even when I was a student myself; and I interacted with many others, as part of Deanery Youth Activities or the Choirs, when I was in the Youth Group, or when I was singing in the Parish Choir.

Later on of course, since I worked in the School myself for nearly two decades, I made innumerable friends, from the extended Salesian Family everywhere, because of the school.

These 'Friendships and Connections', were not just in my own School, but in various 'DB Institutions', all over the city, across the country, and in other parts of the world as well.💞

Each one of those Friends, will always remain 'Extra-Special', even though I hardly meet most of them anymore, except very occasionally.🤗💖

Two of my oldest and probably, the first Salesian Friends I ever made, way back when I was a student in school, were Fr.Isaac Arackaparambil and Fr.Glen Fernandes. Both their Families, still live in IC.😊

They had only just joined the Salesians back then, and were studying at Don Bosco Lonavla, We met during the 'Vacation Bible Joy' in the Parish, when they came home for their holidays.

It is fun to listen to this video again, just a day before the Feast of Don Bosco. If any Friends from IC or the Salesian Family everywhere (Priests, Teachers, Students and their Parents), happen to see this post someday, I'm sure they will enjoy watching this. 💕

WHEN DREAMS LIVE ON AND ON...✨️🎶

 

Don Bosco in our Hearts, we'll always sing,😊

The Melody, you taught our hearts to sing.🎶 

Towards the end of January each year, almost every DB Institution has a very Festive atmosphere. Everyone is either preparing for the Feast Day Celebrations on the 31st, or for their Annual Days, because a lot of DB Schools and Colleges, have it at some time around this week.

I've been seeing many posts, from Friends in different DB Institutions, sharing all the preparations and the festivities. It made me feel extremely 'Nostalgic'.

So, I went and listened to a lot of the DB Songs that I've discovered, over the last two decades. These are a few of my Favourites.💖

DON BOSCO IN OUR HEARTS ✨️🎶

LIVE THE DREAM ✨️🎶

HYMN TO DON BOSCO ✨️🎶

FRIEND OF THE YOUNG AND POOR ✨️🎶

(The videos are from various YT pages.)

LIVING IN THE MOMENT ✍️

(I found this old FB post today, written on this day three years ago, on 13th December '2021. I enjoyed reading all the beautiful comments, from friends and family, on this post again.)

'Life-Altering Decisions' are often extremely difficult to make; even when it is something you've been contemplating, for a very, very long time.🤔 

It's tougher when your 'Mind and Heart', are travelling in two completely opposite directions. (I think that's a chronic illness, that I suffer from all the time.)😄

You wonder who you should listen to; or whether you may regret the step you've taken, at some later point. 

You pray for Guidance, that you may not do the wrong thing.

...but more than anything, you wish your 'Best Friend' was still around, to tell you what to do.😔 

Of course, if she was, everything would have been smooth sailing, in the first place, anyway.😢 

Miss You Every Minute of Every Day Mum!🤗✨️❤

(Reading that old post today, made me write this new one, to add to it.)✍️

In May' 2022, I left the only place of work I ever knew, with the heaviest heart ever.😢 

But it was a decision, that I had been pondering over, for almost three years before that; and I only stuck around for those two additional years, because I did not want to leave the Institution (that I considered my 'Second Home' for two decades), in the lurch, during those Lockdown times. 

Only I know though, how much I struggled through, those mind-boggling changes in Technology, and everything else that we Teachers had to learn, at the speed of lightning, when Teaching went online, during those years. I truly went absolutely 'Crazy', in addition to struggling and trying to deal with, the 'Complete Isolation, Social Distancing and Coping with Grief and Loneliness', all at the same time. To say I was 'Absolutely Overwhelmed and Almost Drowning', would be an Understatement.🤦‍♀️

But once, those turbulent times were over, I simply couldn't delay my decision any longer. I guess, those two years, just took my 'Stress Levels' even higher, than it had been, right through my mum's long illness, and after her passing away, just a year before the pandemic.

I seriously needed some much required 'Peace of Mind', and long overdue 'Rest and Relaxation', with time to myself, in which I had absolutely 'Nothing to do, think of or worry about'.

In hindsight, it was the wisest decision I ever made; because so many of the health issues I had, all through my Life as a Teacher (which were actually an 'Occupational Hazard'), have slowly improved now.

I know that I kind of jumped into the swimming pool, without knowing how to swim at all, when I left DB; but I just had to. It was not because I didn't love the School or Teaching anymore, but mainly because, I was just too tired to swim anymore. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Lots of people, who knew how much I loved DB, the Kids and Teaching too, still don't understand why I did it; and it's actually, a very 'irritating repetitive question' from friends and family, that I am often forced to answer.🤦‍♀️

I guess, it was just something that I needed to do, for 'Me'.😊

...and yes, two and a half years later, I'm still not sure where I'm headed. I have lots of ideas, thoughts, plans and dreams in my mind; but my 'Grieving Broken Heart and Tired Soul', still lacks the Motivation, the Will, the Focus or the Desire, to do any of it...When I'm Ready, I eventually will. Just not as yet.😊

But life in general, is more at ease and relaxed now. I do little things that I love everyday, or I don't do anything at all, most of the time. I laze around a lot, without any schedule or deadline to worry about; and I procrastinate, like there's no tomorrow. (My Mum must be rolling in her grave everyday, seeing me like that.)😂

...But sometimes I think, that taking a 'Break From Life and it's Mad Rat-Race', and doing a whole lot of 'Nothing' for a long time, matters so much, to our Emotional, Mental and Physical well-being and health...Not everyone may agree, but it's what works for me.

The Future...Who knows!🤷🏻‍♀️

For many, many years now, I seriously just 'Live in the Moment' and Live my Life, 'One Day at a Time'. So, let's see where this seemingly 'Clueless and Pointless Journey' takes me.😊✍️

LIVING IN THE MOMENT 🎶

- Jason Mraz

FOREVER GRATEFUL ✨️💖

 

(Another FB Memory, from two years ago, on this day, 3rd December '2022. Written the day after the Remo Concert here...but it's about something completely different, which happened during that event.)

Yes, the concert in IC last night was great, and I wrote a long post about it.

...but for me, there was something else that made my day yesterday...and this time, it wasn't the Music.😊

As I kept moving around the grounds during the show, DB kids, their parents and ex-students too, kept spotting me from everywhere and came up to say Hi. I met so many, many DB kids yesterday, and each one kept saying the same things:

'We miss you.'

'Please come back.'

'It's not the same without you.'😢

Even parents of the children I've taught, coming up to me and saying;

'The children miss you'.💞

I took the longest time to make this decision. Pondered over it for three long years...and it definitely broke my heart to leave.💔

...But each time, I hear words like these, I'm just completely overwhelmed.😢 

Remo was singing happy songs in the background; and I almost had tears of joy in my eyes. It's difficult to explain the feeling.

...To just know what a difference you've made, and how much you mean to so many.😊

'Forever Grateful that I was Chosen to be a Teacher'.✨️

What a Memorable Journey!💖

...BECAUSE I'M HAPPY✨️😄

 

(An old FB Memory from this day, two years ago, 17th November '2022.)

Most of the time, when I write posts like this, it is more to 'Uplift and Motivate' myself, than others. If it makes other people feel good too, that's just a 'Bonus'.

This has been a sad week, in which I attended two Funerals, on two consecutive days.😢 

So, I was really glad to spend the afternoon, with old colleagues from DB today, who have been my 'Friends like Family' for 20 years; but who I hardly ever get a chance to meet now. That completely cheered me up.✨️💞

...And then FB reminded me of this post today, which also made me 'Smile'.😊

Was trying to look back and remember, some of the 'Happiest' moments in my life thus far, just because 'Happy' days make you 'Happier'.😊

(That sentence made me think of my 'Degrees of Comparison' English Grammar classes back in DB.😂)

I think, the day when I saw my name on the 'Admission List' at Xavier's, is probably right up there. That's the first thing I thought of just now. It's something I had wanted, for the longest time; and so, that confirmation that I had got in, just made my day.💕

Another 'Happy Memory' is receiving an extra-special audio cassette as a 'Surprise' on my 21st Birthday, on which my friend Marcelle, had managed to record lovely birthday wishes, in words and song, from so many, many Friends and a few Professors too, in College. 

I don't even know when she managed to do that; going all around Xavier's, for days before my Birthday, and secretly recording these awesome 'Voice Messages' on her Walkman. (That was in the days before Mobile Phones.)

Some of my old college friends, may remember being on it.😊 I must've listened to that tape hundreds of times, for years after that.

Best Gift ever!🤗❤️

If I actually sat down to make a list, it would probably be an endless one, with thousands of those happy moments, made at Don Bosco.💞

😊Travelling and discovering innumerable new places, together with the DB children, on every single school trip, over the years. Memories to Cherish Forever!

😊The Joy I felt, at the end of every huge Annual Day Production, that had turned out so beautifully on stage. There's nothing that can match the feeling, of helping children discover their Talents, and playing a small part in shaping those inborn Gifts, through Plays, Songs and Performances at School Assemblies, Functions and big Musicals too. Watching them bloom and grow right before your eyes, is 'Priceless'.🎤🎶💕

😊The Happiness that holding every issue of the School Magazine, I had worked on for months, made me feel...Unforgettable! Even though I lovingly put together, a couple of those each year, for close to two decades, I still didn't outgrow that 'Joyful Feeling', at seeing a copy of the latest 'Bosco Flash', fresh from the Printing Press in my hand, because for me, each issue I worked on, was 'A Labour of Love. ✍️💖

One happy thought sparks off another. It's almost like setting off 'a chain reaction of Joyful Memories'.❤️ The more time I spend thinking about this, the more moments, people and experiences are coming alive, from different stages in life and with different groups of people, that I have interacted with, all through life's journey. 

There's so much to be 'Grateful' for in one lifetime, if we only take the time to think about it. 🙏

I guess, if we all spent a few minutes occasionally, trying to remember 'Moments that made us Smile', it would really brighten our day so much.😊 

Happy Memories from the past, could bring lots of 'Sunshine and Joy' to our 'Here and Now'.😄

Just try it out some time; and you'll see, how it works like 'Magic'.✨️❤️

JUST LIKE A CHILD 😊🎶

 

- 14th November ' 2012 ✍️

(A twelve year old FB Memory)

Enthusiastic! 

Imaginative! 

Creative! 

Innovative! 

Open to learn! 

Expressive! 

Full of Life! 

A Joy to be around! 

How Wonderful to be a Child!

I wonder why we let go of all that, as the years go by.🤔

'Happy Children's Day', to all the kids I know.😊❤️

A beautiful song, that is so appropriate for today; but this one is for everyone who interacts with Children, in some way or the other, as Parents, Teachers, Guides, Mentors, Role-Models.

Little Eyes and Ears are following your every move and 'Listening' at all times. 

So, 'Careful'!😊

CHILDREN WILL LISTEN 🎶

- ONE VOICE CHILDREN'S CHOIR 

- THE SALVATION SINGERS 🎶

Dylan D'Souza and 'The Salvation Singers' are 'My Favourite Choir in Mumbai'. So, I'm always happy to share, one of their versions of a song again.❤️

The lyrics of this song are just as haunting as the harmony.

(Song Lyrics) 🎶

Careful the things you say, Children will Listen.

Careful the things you do, Children will See.

Children may not obey, but Children will Listen.

Children will look to you, for which way to turn, To Learn what to Be!

- 14th November '2019 ✍️

(Another old FB post from this day.)

Children fill the world with Sunshine and Cheer,

In the heart of a Teacher, each one holds a place, so Dear.

As Time goes by, the Countless Memories flood the mind,

And how often I wish, I could just click 'Rewind'.

To bring back the kids, from years gone by,

To hold on to the Joyful Memories, I still try.

Sending lots of Love and Happy wishes your way,

As I think of you, my students both far and near, this Children's Day.😊💕

- 14th November '2016 ✍️

(Sometimes it's great to discover these old FB Memories, and read things I have written over the years.)

The secret to being Happy, is never letting go of the Child in you, no matter how old you are.

Hold on to the Innocence, Simplicity, sense of Wonder, Imagination, Creativity, Joy and Laughter within you; and the Child in you will always be Alive. 

Happy Children's Day to the 'Child' in all of you.✨️❤️

(Videos from different YT pages, with pictures I just found on the Internet.)

EVERYWHERE I AM, THERE YOU'LL BE ✨️💖

 

THERE YOU'LL BE 🎶

- Faith Hill

This has been a very 'Emotional Week' for me.😢

The Diwali holidays are a time, when I get to catch up with a few of my Teacher Friends from work, for a little bit, and to re-live some of the happy times, that we all spent together at DB, for two decades. This is one of the few weeks in the year, when my friends are actually a little free; because right through the year, the endless school work and the stress that comes with it, hardly gives them any time to breathe.

Of course, when I listen to their 'overworked' stories now, I really feel like I made the right decision to step away, when I did.😊

But they were 'my only circle of friends', that I interacted with every single day, for so many years. And I truly miss those 'Everyday Conversations', so much. Now, I often think twice before even sending them a message, because I may disturb them, when they're doing something important. So, I don't get a chance to communicate with them, as often as I would like to.😞

But I was glad we met and talked a little this week. Together, we also visited the home of one of our ex-students, who passed away a month ago, very unexpectedly in the UK. He was halfway through his course there, and was on his way to fulfilling his dream of becoming a Physiotherapist. A Dream which was sadly, not meant to be.💔

A 20 year old boy, 'Just Gone', one night in his sleep, due to a pre-existing medical condition. Speaking to the parents, we could see the 'Question Marks' in their eyes. There were so many 'Unanswered Questions'. It was like there was so much, that was just 'Left Incomplete'.😢

They hadn't seen him for a year and a half, since he had moved to the UK to study. And even though technology did ensure, that they spoke to one another often, this sudden turn of events, left them completely 'at a loss for words'.

We were 'Speechless' too. What can you say in a situation, where no one can really understand 'WHY'. Looking back and Looking ahead, everything just seems like 'a whole lot of Nothingness and Emptiness'.😞

I know those 'Feelings and Emotions' so well. So, I can understand what those parents are going through. I could feel their 'Uncertainty' and the 'Constantly going back and forth', happening in their minds. I could sense their feeling of being so 'Completely Lost', and I could see the 'Utter Confusion' in their eyes.

The 'Longing to just Hold On to every Precious Memory' of their 'Only Child' was so evident, in every photograph, every incident and each anecdote from his life, that they shared with us.😢

How do you keep the Music playing, in moments like these?🤔

Some Questions, just have No Answers...🤷🏻‍♀️

...Then last night, I received news that another close friend lost his Dad.

Like me, now he too will have two pairs of eyes, looking down on him, from 'Somewhere out there, in those Blue Skies above'. 

Like me, he too will now experience, what it feels like, to go through life, without a Parent around, every single day.💔

That feeling of being 'Almost like an Orphan', like you are now 'Nobody's Child', is very Real, once both your Parents pass on from this Life. It's something that people, who still have both or at least one parent alive, would never be able to understand or identify with.😢

And yet, even though this 'Circle of Life, with all its Complexities', makes absolutely no sense to us sometimes; just because we are Still Alive, we have to 'Keep Journeying On', from one day to the next...🤷🏻‍♀️

Whether a Parent loses a Child, or a Child loses a Parent, the sense of 'LOSS' and the 'PAIN' we Feel and Experience, is still the same.

We pacify ourselves by saying that, the ones who have gone ahead, continue to walk with us, and are always with us, everywhere we go and in everything we do. 

Maybe they are. Who knows!🤔

(Video uploaded by someone else on YT.)

'TEARS OF JOY' MOMENTS 😊💕

 

(A FB Memory from 22nd October '2022. This was a tiny little moment, that absolutely made my day, two years ago.)

When you've been away from School for an entire term, and a child in the X Std. (that you speak to, after almost 6 months) says this to you, "Miss, every time it's our English period, I still wish you would walk into class."❤

...That really feels even better, than winning a 'Gold Medal'.😊😊😊

My Teacher Friends will identify with this 'Feeling'.😍

The little 'Unexpected Things' that children say everyday, that just make you 'Smile'. I think all Teachers will have a long list of 'Special Moments' like these, to 'Treasure Forever'.💞

...But that 'Joy' didn't end there, on that day.

Once I wrote this short post, another ex-student from an older batch, who is now all grown up and married too; wrote this, in response to what another friend commented on my post. 

It almost made me cry, because that student had passed out of school, more than 12 or 13 years before I wrote this, in 2022. 

To still be 'Remembered and Cherished' by students that you've taught years ago, in that way, is 'Magic'.✨️❤️

Truly, our Real Treasures in Life, are 'People and Moments' that make us 'Smile'.😊 

(The pictures are from different places on the Internet.)

YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART, ALWAYS 💞

 

(Some of these old FB Memories are 'Special'. This one is another old post from two years ago, 18th October, 2022. I wrote this when I received a copy of my 'School Magazine', 6 months after leaving DB.)💞

 

After close to two decades of working on so many, many issues of the School Magazine at DB, year after year (which was one of my Favourite things to do),😊 and putting together countless Tributes like these for other people; it was a very emotional feeling to read this today, in this year's First Term (October '2022) issue of the 'Bosco Flash'.❤️ Such simple and sweet messages, but filled with so much 'Love', absolutely made my day.😊 

DB will always remain 'Close to my Heart'. I have made so many 'Lifelong Memories', both in and out of the classroom, not just teaching children my subjects; but also helping them discover their innumerable Talents in Writing, Singing, Acting, Performing and so much more, through the various school activities. 

I think I loved the Extra-Curricular Activities in school, a lot more than actually teaching Subjects, because the 'Creative and Performing Arts', have always been something I love and enjoy. Hopefully, I was able to transfer some of that Love for it, to my children too.🎶💕

The unforgettable 'School Trips' all over the country and beyond, are 'Lifetime Memories' and I'm really going to miss this year's Diwali trips with all the children and my friends at DB. Travelling together with 100 and more kids on every trip, was always so enjoyable.😊

Reading these lovely messages today, just brought all the memories made at DB, flooding back.😊💕 I'm so glad, that in my 18 years as a School Teacher, I made a 'Small Difference' and was able to make a place in a lot of hearts. 

Even after being away for half a term now, it really makes me feel so blessed and loved; and I am immensely 'Grateful' for it all.❤️❤️❤️

Reading this old post and those lovely messages again, two and a half years after being away from DB, I'm just so 'Grateful to have been a Teacher'.✨️❤️

HER REFLECTION, ALWAYS ✨️💖

 

7 years ago, in 2017, this was 'one small baby step'.✍️

Over the years, I have had countless poems and articles that I have written, 'Printed and Published', in my own School, Parish and many other Magazines. My first poems, were published in the MIG School Magazine 'Marian Notes', when I was just in the 4th Std. And since then, I just kept Writing and Writing, more and more every year, as I grew up.💕

As a Teacher too, the 'Writer' in me, was always 'Alive and Kicking'. I wrote all the time, even though, I was technically, only qualified to be a 'Teacher'. Skits and Plays for Assemblies and Annual Days, Scripts for Comperes at numerous school events, Poems, Lyrics for Songs, Articles and News Reports - You name it and I wrote it.😄✍️ 

At DB, I constantly wrote a lot of Articles and Editorials, for the Schoool Magazine 'Bosco Flash' too, which was published twice a year. It was always, one of the many enjoyable parts of my job. Planning the Theme, Concept and Layout, Editing and Proof-Reading the magazine, picking out the fun Cliparts, Co-ordinating with the Printers, working with and Training many, many eager and enthusiastic, young 'Student Writers', for all the years, that I worked at DB. 

It meant a lot of extra-work hours and long sleepless nights, because it was something I did, in addition to making Lesson Plans, thinking of Creative ways to interest the kids, making PowerPoint Presentations and searching for Videos to enhance my classes, and those never-ending mountains of the dreaded, back-breaking 'Corrections' (all of which happened simultaneously, every single day).🤦‍♀️ Don't know how I ever managed it all, without dying in the process; but I loved it.😂

I also posted numerous News Reports, about various school happenings and events, for our different DB local and Province level websites, for many, many years. A couple of those, even got reposted on the DB National and International websites, which was quite 'Thrilling' for me, even if it was just a few simple 'News Reports' about regular school activities. For someone who has always loved 'Writing', that was exciting.😄

I remember also Participating and Winning prizes for DB, in a couple of 'Writing Competitions for Teachers'.🎁 So many fun things, I did as a Teacher, which were actually 'Way, way above and beyond my Job Description'. 😂 I just did those things, because I enjoyed doing them.

I often used to think, that if I hadn't been a 'Teacher', I would've been an 'Author', a 'Journalist' or maybe a 'Script-Writer', because I constantly did so much of it, all the time, even when I was a Teacher. It was like doing three or four different jobs, for 'One Salary', literally; but I Loved and Enjoyed every moment of it, thoroughly. 

Looking back now, I have absolutely no idea, how I ever did all of that, without ending up in the ICU, or with some Stress-Related Disorder.🤪 No doubt, I loved it; but I actually 'Multi-Tasked' like there was no tomorrow.😂 I guess, when you're 'Younger', you almost think you are 'Super-Woman', who can do just about anything. As you grow older and wiser, you realise (and your body reminds you constantly), that you're not.😊

I definitely don't want to go back to working like that, ever again.🤷🏻‍♀️ But, I will always remain 'Grateful' to DB, for giving me countless opportunities, to use my many God-Given Talents, in 'Writing and Music', right through my 'Journey as a Teacher'. I got a chance to 'Live so many of My Dreams', and to help nurture so many of my students Dreams too, in Writing, Music, Singing, Elocution, Oration, Public Speaking, Acting, Doing the same old things in New and Creative ways, and so much more. Definitely, a whole lot more than just 'Academics'.🙏

...And I got a chance to 'Travel' all over the country, (and a little beyond too), with the kids. 'Happy Times', which helped to create, some of my most 'Cherished and Unforgettable Memories', made with the children. There are so many, many reasons, why I Love DB so much, and I Always, Always will.❤️❤️❤️

Thinking about DB, makes me 'Nostalgic' every single time, (and made me go off on a tangent, with my reminiscing).😄 

But, coming back to what this post was intended to be about...

Because I wrote so much all the time, and for so long, right from the time I was in Class 4, I have seen my name, printed with my Articles, Poems or News Reports, on many different magazines and websites, very, very often, and also printed on the multiple Skits and Scripts I wrote, over the years, (which I will 'Hopefully Publish Someday', for others to use and enact, in schools everywhere.)✨️✍️ That is, if I can actually 'Focus and Motivate' myself enough, to really sit down, search, find, collate, put together and re-type all the numerous things, I have written over the years, which are now 'God know where', all over the place.🤔

But despite the fact, that I've written so much, this 'One Little Poem', published in 'One Simple Book' back in 2017, was a little 'Extra-Special' to me, because it was part of a book, by a well-known Publication - 'Scholastic India'.😊

In the middle of my Mum being very sick, I remember just sending in this one poem (which I had written, many years ago), and I was so happy that it was picked, to be a part of this book.

Hopefully some day, those 'baby steps' will turn into something more.✍️✨️❤️

So happy that I had an opportunity, to share my 'Feelings and Experiences as a Teacher', through my small contribution of 'Just One Poem', to this collection of anecdotes, by Teachers from different places.

Thank you to the Editor, Harshikaa Udasi, who told me about this interesting book, a few months before it was to be published. I remember being quite thrilled, that my Poem was picked to be a part of a book, being brought out by 'Scholastic India'. It was a good feeling, to know that so many more people would be able to read, what I had written. All Thanks to (Journalist, Author and Editor) Harshikaa Udasi.🤗💕

My Mum's Birthday is in a few days, on the 14th of October. (Both our Birthdays, were just 10 days apart.) So, that's why, it always feels more 'Special', that this 7 year old post, comes up every year, during this week. Also, since it reminds me of how, I could only be the 'Super-Woman Kind of Teacher' I was, because she was around as my biggest and strongest 'Support System'.❤️ From the moment, I lost that 'Support', I struggled to even do something, that I loved so much, on my own; and eventually, after a lot of deep contemplation, with an extremely heavy heart, I just gave it all up.💔😪

But, for as long as 'My Journey through this Life' continues, I know, that I will always remain 'HER RELECTION'.✨️💖

THEN SINGS MY SOUL ✨️🎶

 

I was reminded of a very 'Unique and Different' version of an old hymn, that I heard on this day, four years ago, on the 19th of September, back in 2020.

This was one song, from a series of great cover versions of songs, sung by different singers, that NYZ Music put out that year.

What made these songs Extra-Special to me, was that two of my boys, who I had taught at DB, when they were in school, played the music on all of those videos. 

Without a doubt, Suzanne D'Mello is a fantastic singer, and I've greatly admired her voice and skill as a performer, for many, many years. But I was actually happier, to listen to Alstan Remedios on Keys and Vivian D'Souza on Bass, accompanying her in this video, and also playing for other great artists, in all the other songs, which they shared that year.😊 

Listening to each of those NYZ songs every week, as they released them, was a very 'Proud Teacher Moment', for me.❤️

Both these boys are exceptionally gifted musicians, and their talent has definitely been recognised by many. I'm always glad to see them 'shine bright', whenever they get wonderful opportunities to accompany some real 'Superstars'.✨️

Am sharing one of those songs today.

HOW GREAT THOU ART 🎶

- Suzanne D'Mello (NYZ Sessions)

Of course, listening to this song, made me think of another fabulous version of the same hymn, which I also heard in 2020, on 'Carlton Braganza's Jukebox Jammies'.

Sung by the 'Amazing Grace Maureen', this one is also so, so awesome.✨️

While the NYZ version was more 'Experimental and Innovative', this one is the more 'Traditional version' of the hymn.

HOW GREAT THOU ART 🎶

- Grace Maureen 

(Jukebox Jammies #124 - 30th August '2020)

MAKE A DIFFERENCE ✨️✍️

 

(Originally posted on FB, last year on 5th September '2023.)

I've spent practically my whole life in classrooms; and on both sides of it too.😊 

This wish is for every Teacher who has 'Inspired, Influenced and Motivated', not just me, but countless others also.🎶

For my own Teachers, here and up there in those blue skies as well.❤️

For all the Teacher Friends I know, everywhere.❤️

For those who are an 'INSPIRATION' in different ways, in the 'Classroom of Life' every single day.❤️

THANK YOU for being a Listening Ear, a Guide, a Friend and for turning 'Little into Great' for someone, somewhere, often in ways you do not even know or realise.✨️

ALWAYS A LEARNER ✨️❤️

 

(Another FB Memory from 4th September '2019.)

As a student, when I was in School and College, my Teachers were always Special to me; but having been a Teacher myself for so many years now, makes me value all my own Teachers, even more than I did before.💕

Many of the Teachers who've taught me over the years, have Inspired me to be the Teacher and Person I am today. Some of them are still sharing so much with the students under their care, while some have passed on from this world; but the 'Lessons' they've taught me, continue to guide my steps every day.

Of course, the one Teacher that I owe everything to, will always be my Mother. She lives on in me, every single day. These songs of 'Gratitude' are for every Teacher, who has influenced me right through my life. 

THANK YOU!✨️❤️

IN YOUR HANDS 🎶

'I mattered to You,

You Cared.'💕

IN THIS MOMENT 🎶

'You'll always be a part of who I am.'💕

YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE 🎶

'You have changed the world,

One child at a time.'💕

- For all my Teacher friends.💕

- For every Teacher who has made me who I am. 'Thank You'.✨️

- For every Student, who taught me how to be a better Teacher everyday. You will always remain 'Special'.🤗❤️

(These are all songs dedicated to Teachers, that I've discovered over the years, on different YT pages; and the pictures are from various places on the Internet.)

I LEARN EVERYDAY...I TEACH ✨️✍️

 

(A FB Memory from 3rd September '2016.)

Being a 'Teacher' is so much more than just teaching a Subject. That's just the Academic aspect of what I do. 

While sharing what I know, with the children under my care, is a fascinating journey in itself; and while accompanying them on their journey, as they discover the 'Subject Matter' is important, there are some things about my work, that I love and enjoy even more...

I love the fact, that every day I get a chance, to help my boys discover and use their inborn Talents, in so many ways. 

I enjoy, being able to nurture their God-given Gifts in Writing, Singing, Music, Acting, Oration, Dancing, Performing and so many more talents that they have. 

The joy that comes from seeing them use those same talents, long after they've left school, is more 'Rewarding' than anything else, for me as a Teacher. 

I can never thank God enough, for choosing me to be a Teacher, because just by doing the things I Love, I get countless opportunities, to Reach Out to and Encourage so many students, as they discover the things they love and enjoy doing...

So Grateful, that I am a 'Teacher'.✨️❤️

(The pictures are from the Internet.)

A HARMONIOUS REMINDER 🎷🎻

...Because we often need to remind ourselves of this fact, every single day. Even when we know that it's only a song, it is just reassuring to say this to ourselves. It's like giving yourself a warm hug, whenever you need it.🎶

There are a few songs, which truly have that magical effect on people, every single time you listen to it, even without the lyrics. 

I picked this version, because I loved the harmony between the two instruments.🎷🎻

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🎶

- Michael Jackson 

I just happened to pick this song today...and then, a few moments later, I realised that the 25th of June, was also coincidentally, the day when Michael Jackson died. So, I thought I would add a little anecdote about that day; because it's something, that I will never forget.😔

Although I like lots of songs and many singers, I used to listen to and love, quite a few MJ songs, when I was younger. I still remember, how I found out that Michael Jackson had died. It really came as a shock to me, as it did, to practically the whole world.

I had just finished taking the attendance in my class, early on that 2009 June morning, when a little boy in Class 6 (who was a huge MJ fan, and who remained one, till he passed out of school) came up to me and said, "Miss, did you hear that MJ has passed away. It was on the news this morning, before we came to school." 

My instant response was, "What Nonsense!" But he persisted, "No Miss, it's true. It was on TV."

Imagine getting through a day, of facing class after class, and trying to concentrate and focus, when your day begins, with totally unexpected and unbelievable news like that.

I guess, we just feel a very different kind of 'Connection' with some 'Celebrities', especially the Musical ones. We may have never met or seen them. They may live continents and oceans apart from us...And yet, (in some strange way), the music and the songs they sing, make us feel like we know them.

...and their sudden disappearance from our lives, really hurts like nothing else.😢

ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE (1973) 🎶

- Michael Jackson

(Didn't know there was an MJ version of this song, till I heard this just now.)

So many years later, I still miss MJ. Just imagine how many more amazing songs, he could have sung; if only the many personal and emotional struggles, of living a life of stardom, constantly in the spotlight, hadn't got in his way.

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND (1972) 🎶

- Michael Jackson

I love this song; and it's so great to hear it today, in that young (but amazing) MJ voice, from way back in the 70's. 

I'LL BE THERE (1970) 🎶

- Jackson 5

What a 'Superstar' Michael Jackson was, even as a child, in those 'Just Call My Name and I'll Be There', Jackson 5 days.✨️❤️

(These videos have been uploaded on an MJ fan page and another page on YT.)