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.
(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.✨️💖
(I wrote this three years ago on FB, on this day - 27th July '2022.
I guess 'Parents Day', like every other occasion or festive time of the year, always makes me miss my Family, so much more, than I do every single day.💔
Life continues, only because I'm still breathing; but the meaninglessness of it all, makes absolutely no sense to me.)😪
For my many 'Angels in Heaven', today on 'Parents Day'.✨️💖
These three songs, are especially for my Parents and Grandparents, as I think of them fondly on this day. ❤️
Also for my Uncles and Aunts who have passed away.❤️
...and of course, for my brother and cousin too.❤️
Thank you for everything, that each of you meant to me, when you were still here; and for now being like my eyes in those blue skies, constantly.
Though I wish you were all, still right here with me everyday, you will continue to 'Live On', in my heart and my memory. That's where I'm keeping you, and where you will stay, 'Forever and For Always'.🤗
Though days like these make me miss you, so much more than every other day, I'm glad I have so many 'Angels', praying for me from up there.🙏
I like to believe, that from somewhere out there, you are always watching over me, even from a distance.✨️
WIND BENEATH MY WINGS 💖🎶
- One Voice Children's Choir, Jim Brickman, Mat and Savanna
I miss my Family every single day. I know that I will probably miss my many 'Angels in Heaven', till the day I join them, somewhere up there in those blue skies.✨️
Till then, I'll listen to songs like these, that say exactly what I would like to say, to everyone I love, who is up there.💖
I'm glad so many Songwriters, compose meaningful songs like these. I found a whole bunch of them recently. Will share a few of them this week, since 'Parents Day' is in a few days; and that makes me miss my Mum, Dad and Grandparents, even more than usual.😪
People write songs about all kinds of Love. But when you want to find songs, about Love for Family, and Relationships that are as 'Special' as that though; you have to really look for them, to find a few.
Somehow, these songs don't end up becoming as popular, as other well-known 'Love Songs'.🎶
But I think, that the simple lyrics in lesser known songs like these, are just as meaningful; because they come from the heart, and are an expression, of deep feelings and emotions, for people in our lives, who mean everything to us and can never be replaced.😪
(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.🤔
(This FB Memory is from 3 years ago, written on this day. I shared this post and song on the 20th of July '2022.)
The film 'You've got Mail' is one of my favourite movies. I think it's a very sweet film; although it isn't very realistic.
As far from reality and 'fairy-tale like' as the story is, it still is a very nice and warm film, that always makes me smile.😊
I have watched it quite a few times; but I don't think my attention was ever drawn to this lovely song playing in the background, before. I didn't even know this song by Carole King was part of the film, till I heard it today.
I often think about how movie makers, sometimes try to make their films like a slice of reality; and yet, the way everything always works out so beautifully in a film, is a reminder that it's just a piece of fiction. Real life is not at all like the movies; and yet, we watch and enjoy them anyway.
Just like the film, I think this song is nice too.😊
If we had to ever sit down and write out, all of the countless blessings, that we have received during our lives, we would never be able to stop writing.
I found this song, which sings about that, a few days ago. I liked the words of the song. So, thought I would save it here.
(There are days, when I find an old post like this one, which FB brings back to life. Posts, which still have a 'Like' or 'Comment' from my Mum on them. That may mean nothing to anyone else; but it makes that post, 'Special' to me.✨️💖
I'm sharing one of those old posts, written on this day, 8 years ago, on 19th July '2017.
Even during the time, that my Mum went through her 2 Cancers, with all the many surgeries, chemos and everything else; there were phases, when she was well enough, to still go online.
Whenever I find one of these old posts, it makes me feel, both Happy and Sad at once. Happy to see my mum's name, in the list of people, who had Liked that post; but Sad, that she can't read, anything that I write now, and that I'll never find new comments, from her again.
Tiny and silly little things like these, mean everything, to a daughter, who misses her mother, every single day.😔)
19th July '2017 ✍️
Blessings from above surround us constantly, sometimes in the form of the special people in our lives; and at other times, in the form of moments that matter, and that make a difference.
All we need to do, is to recognise those precious gifts, and to be 'Grateful' for these constant and abundant 'Blessings', no matter how large or small they may be.
Every moment in life, and so many people, who we meet on life's journey, are valuable 'Gifts' to us, from above.
Let's remember to BE THANKFUL TODAY, because who knows what's in store for us, tomorrow.🙏
(A choral version of a song that I like. I had shared this post and song on FB, 3 years ago on this day, 19th July '2022. It's great to listen to songs like these again, whenever FB Memories reminds me of them.)
From 'Lonely to Lovely' is what this song seems to be all about.🎶
A 'lone' note is a good place to begin a song, but that 'One Voice' would be pretty lonesome, without some 'lovely' harmonious voices, to keep it company.
Although Jacob Collier makes it seem like a cakewalk; doing something like this 'all by yourself', would be 'just one voice singing in the darkness'.
But when that 'One Voice', finds just the right voices to blend with it, so beautifully, 'Magic' happens...✨️
(An old FB Memory from 3 years ago, written on this day, 16th July' 2022.)
Thankfully, the rain took a little break today and was not pouring down non-stop, as it has been over the past week or so. That gave me a chance to go back to my favourite place in the city once again, the NCPA. This time, to listen to some 'Brazilian Jazz' by the 'Adil Manuel Collective'. Very different music, that I haven't really heard a lot of; but that I enjoyed thoroughly.🙂
What a talented set of musicians! Most of them, I was listening to for the first time and I was quite amazed by how good they all are.👏👏👏
Adil Manuel and Siddharth Shankar on Guitars were both awesome.🎸
Pranay Praveen on Drums and Anand Bhagat on Percussion were really good too.🥁
Yohaan Pissurlenker playing both the Bass Guitar and the Upright Bass is gifted as well.🎸
All through the evening, I kept thinking, they're sounding so good even without a pianist, which says a lot, about how great they all sounded together.🙂
Of course, the vocalists were amazing. That cannot but be the case, when you have Samantha Noella on stage. Her years and years of experience as a vocalist and performer have made her an absolute 'Jazz Rockstar'. She is an Inspiration to many. Listening to her, is always a lesson in how to sing. Have been an admirer, for maybe 25 years or more.🎤🎼
Shubhangi Chakravarty and Palomi Ghosh, also have such beautiful voices. Singing in different languages, is definitely not an easy task; and all the vocalists did such a great job at that. There was even some Konkani in the set, because of the Portuguese connection, which was a very pleasant surprise. I wonder how long they all took, to get those pronunciations in different unfamiliar languages, right. Really amazing! Enjoyed all the lovely harmonies too.🎶🙂
I decided to go for this show only a few days ago; because the heavy rains had left me debating whether I should venture out and go all the way to the NCPA, Experimental Theatre or not. I'm so glad I went for this show though. Would have missed out on something special, if the rains had played spoiltsport.
Not only did the evening introduce me to some lovely different Music, that I am not very familiar with; but after the show, I also got a chance to take a leisurely walk along the sea-face from Nariman Point on Marine Drive and enjoy the salty sea-breeze on my way back to Churchgate station, which is something I always love to do, every time I go to the NCPA. It wasn't a very rainy night; but the city is always out in large numbers there, even during the monsoons.
45 to 50 minutes to pass, on my train-ride back home. So, I just used the time, to put down another one of my train-ride stories, that I know, some of my musically inclined friends will enjoy. ✍️
(These old FB Memories, often come back as motivational reminders, every now and then.
An old post, written on this day, 6 years ago.
My mother had passed away, only a few months before that.
I wrote these little posts back then, just to tell myself, that I had to 'Keep Going', because I had no other choice.🤷🏻♀️
But sometimes, you just get tired of trying to smile, a little more everyday; tired of trying to get through each moment, by yourself; and tired of facing this life, with all its many, unexpected challenges.😔
So you read these old posts again, and hope that your tired mind, is listening.)
16th July '2019 ✍️
Not everything turns out, the way we would like it to. Every person that we love, leaves this world and goes away forever, one day. 😪💔
...and still, despite the pain in our hearts and the tears in our eyes; we keep looking for those little moments, that put a song in our hearts and make us Smile.😊
The journey continues, 'One Moment at a Time'.🤷🏻♀️
My Mother died in September 2018, after suffering from two Cancers. It will be 7 years, in a couple of months. That was just a little over a year, before the pandemic struck the world...And I often say, that over a span of about eight and a half years, when she was sick, I practically became half a Doctor and a Nutritionist.
Of course, technically that's not really possible. But, I only say that, because when you are a 'Caregiver' to a Cancer Patient, for a prolonged period of time; you end up interacting with lots and lots of doctors, spending many days and weeks in Hospitals, and going through countless sleepless nights, dealing with the side effects of many surgeries, and endless rounds of chemotherapy.
And simultaneously, if you are like me, you also end up doing lots of extensive research, about the medicines being administered during the treatment, trying to discover information about nutrition and ways to boost immunity, during and post Chemotherapy, and learning about alternate foods and home remedies, that could be used, to supplement the medicines, in the healing process.
Together with all of that, I was also going practically insane, trying to balance my work, (which was equally hectic and demanding as ever) and trying to look after my sick Mother as well. It's an experience, that any person who has gone through times like these, can never forget.
...and I was only 38, when she finally passed away.💔 Being orphaned and left alone in this crazy world, at that young age, is something that I can write and talk about; but no one can really understand, what life after losing your entire Family, truly feels like. You live, only because you're still breathing everyday, but you stop being 'Really Alive', because Life, simply has no meaning anymore.😪
During her second Cancer, when my Mum was about to go through a long and complicated 'Whipple procedure', I remember asking her Onco-Surgeon, "Doctor, do you know what causes Cancer?"
I wanted an answer to this question, because I didn't understand why, she had got this second, even more menacing Pancreatic Cancer, after recovering from Breast Cancer, a few years ago.
Her Doctor was a very reputed and experienced Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai, who specialised in Pancreatic Cancer. His answer though was, "I have worked in this field for 22 years and I've done numerous surgeries, on many, many patients; but I still don't know, what causes Cancer." 🤔
That's actually the reality of this disease. Despite so much advancement in science and technology; and even though, human beings have travelled to the moon and back, there is still no concrete proof, about what really causes this disease, which affects so many families, across the world.
In my own extended Family, we have had at least 7 people (including my Mum), suffering from different Cancers, over the years. It truly is an illness, that leaves you feeling so completely helpless; because the medicines, though necessary, actually end up weakening the body, more than healing it. In some cases, it works; but in my own Family, four out of the seven people affected by the sickness, never recovered.😔
The experience of looking after a Cancer Patient as a 'Caregiver' though, teaches you many 'Life Lessons'. The pain and the feeling of loss, doesn't ever go away, especially when the person is your own Mother, who was also your 'Best Friend'.✨️💖 Nothing and no one, could ever replace her; and the intensity of the emptiness you truly feel, every single day, cannot really be put into words.😪
But I know, that because I watched her slowly die, little by little every day; I have become more conscious about a lot of things, when it comes to health.
I avoid medication as much as possible, I make healthier choices, when it comes to the food I eat, so that my gut health and overall well-being is maintained. I try my best to sleep sufficiently; and most of all, I try to reduce stress, by moving away from situations, whenever I find things or people, beginning to affect my emotional and mental health.
I guess, making small but conscious 'Lifestyle Changes' everyday, is the only way, in which we can try, or at least attempt, to prevent sicknesses of any kind. There is no guarantee, that it will work; but when you've watched a loved one slowly slip away, right in front of your eyes, despite doing everything that was medically possible; you can't help but try.🤷🏻♀️
One of the people, who influenced me greatly during my mother's illness, was Luke Coutinho. I followed his videos online, for almost 2 years; and finally consulted with his team of Doctors and Nutritionists, for a few months, towards the end of her life.
I learned so much from them, about food, nutrition, and about overall health and well-being. Many of those tips, have become a part of my lifestyle now; because I found them to be very useful. What I like most about Luke's videos, is how he supports everything he says, with research, studies and commonalities among patients with similar illnesses, that their many years of experience, working with numerous patients, have taught him and his team.👍
Doctors and other Health Care Professionals, may not always be able to save and cure every patient; but if, with every patient that they work on, they educate an entire family, about health, nutrition, mental health, and of the need to make conscious choices and lifestyle changes; their efforts are not really a complete waste.😊
I'm sharing just one of Luke's old videos, about 'Cancer Prevention'. If it helps even a few people, to become a little more aware and conscious, it may go a long way, in attempting to prevent this disease, which has disrupted the lives of so many families, across the world.
Luke Coutinho's You Tube page, has countless videos like these, on various topics, for anyone who may be interested.
I find myself going back to watch some of these occasionally, even now; and I know, that I will always be 'Grateful' for them, and everything that I learn, through these videos.🙏
(An old FB Memory from this day, 6 years ago. I had written this post, on 13th July' 2019, after watching one of my favourite movies, being enacted on stage, for the first time.
I have watched this film, hundreds of times, when I was younger. So, I was really excited to watch a stage version of it. It was an enjoyable experience.😊
This was also the first time, that I watched the talented Zervaan Bunshah perform on stage. Was so great watching the older Bunshah sibling, act and sing that day, just a few months after I had seen his amazing sister Delraaz, performing in India's first original Musical, 'Sing India Sing'.🤗💕)
After having watched the movie 'My Fair Lady' innumerable times over the years, I was looking forward to watching the stage production by Raell Padamsee's Ace Productions today.
I thoroughly enjoyed the performance. A wonderful cast comprising of a varied age-group and different levels of experience, together they completely did justice to a classic movie through their performances on stage.
Comparisons to the original are inevitable, when so many people in the audience know all the dialogues and songs almost by heart; but despite that, I doubt anyone left the auditorium disappointed.
Most of the lead performers have wonderful voices and there are some great actors among them. The actors who played the main roles of Eliza Dolittle and Professor Henry Higgins, were fantastic; but everyone else was awesome too. Well done to the entire cast and also to everyone in the team!👏👏👏
This is just the opening weekend. Those who've loved the movie, do not miss this stage production tomorrow or the next round of shows, of this classic and much loved Musical.😊
(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.
(On some days, these old FB Memories just make me 'Smile'. This is a sweet song and post, which I had shared 4 years ago, on this day, 7th July '2021.)
Although I miss you every moment of every single day, there are some days, when I just miss you more.😍
Your warm hugs.🤗
You, listening to every little thing I write or create.👩👧
The sound of your voice, calling my name. 🎶
The food you cooked. (I think I miss that most of all.)😋
My sounding board. 💕
My listening ear.👂
My 'Best Friend'. 😍
Just because I miss you a little more today, than other days Mama. How I wish I could hear you singing this song to me.❤❤❤
(A FB Memory from 2 years ago, on this day. I shared this post and this song, on 6th July '2023.)
I'm constantly listening to songs, all the time; and I enjoy paying attention to the words, whenever I do.🎶
...and then today, I heard a song that actually told me, to go and 'Listen to another song'. I found that really amusing, because I'm almost always doing that.😄
I guess, I also like a song more, when the words speak to me...and this new song by my very talented friend Neuman Pinto, has some great lyrics, that make you 'Stop and Think' too.✍️
'Everyone's shouting louder,
But they can't hear themselves.
Stop now,
Sound the alarm
Listen to another song
And maybe you will find an answer;
Open up your mind
Your opinion isn't mine,
And maybe there's something to discover;
'LISTEN' and maybe,
We'll understand each other'.
I love the message that the song is trying to convey. I also think that the musical styles and the rhythm, have been blended so beautifully, that it will make an older person feel like he is listening to a song from the Disco/Pop era; and a younger person would find himself swaying to the rhythm and the beat as well.🎶
One song that appeals to two different generations at the same time; and that is extremely thought provoking also. So proud of Neuman.👏👏👏
(A FB Memory from 3 years ago, on this day, 5th July '2022.)
I WONDER IF YOU WONDER
All those thousand times a day,
When my mind starts to think of you...
Somewhere out there, somewhere up there,
Are you thinking of me too? 🤔
SOMEWHERE OUT THERE 🎶
- Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram (An American Tail)
5th July '2025 ✍️
Songs like these, were the hallmark of Disney films, which used to always be my favourite.😊
This one though, wasn't a Disney movie; but somehow, animated films, are often a reflection of 'real human emotions and feelings', and present them on screen, so beautifully.✨️💖
People in similar life situations, just connect with the lyrics.
When you listen to the words of this song, and watch these videos; it appears to be, the story of a tiny 'orphaned mouse', on a quest to find his 'Family', that he has lost.
He seems to be, searching for his parents, who he misses and longs for, more than anything else. He just knows, that they are 'Somewhere out there', watching over him, even though they are gone. 💔
An 'Instant Connection', for anyone who feels like 'Nobody's Child', every single day; because they miss their Family too. 😪
Being part of a Funeral of a dear family member, who lives in a different city or even in another country, has become a possibility in recent years, because like every major event, even a Funeral can now be 'Live Streamed'.
Technology sure has made it so much easier, for people to share, even such moments of grief, deep pain and anguish. Even though you can't actually hug your aunt, uncle, cousin, niece or nephew; just being able to see them on screen, on a day like that, makes one feel like, we're right there with them, in their time of sadness.💕
But sometimes, I wish that technology could have allowed us, to 'Live Stream' conversations and chats, with our 'Family in Heaven' too.😔
If only there was a way, to talk to our Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, Cousins, Aunts and Uncles in heaven, everyday; I would probably be on that social media channel, all day long.
Every time there is a death in the Family, it makes me think of and remember, all of my own 'Angels in those Blue Skies', somewhere up there. When you have so many of them, who have changed residence, and who live there; you cannot help but 'Believe in Angels', who are constantly watching over you.✨️💖
I miss them every minute of every day. I talk to them all day long too, because that's what people, who've lost everyone who truly cares, do. It's our only way, to make sense of this chaotic madness, called 'Life without our Family'.😔
I just don't know if they can hear me though, talking to them incessantly, like a chatter-box; both verbally and when I write these posts.🤔✍️
If only, there was a way in which, I could hear them speak.😪
If only, they had never gone away, in the first place.💔
If only, they were still, right here with me.✨️💖
TO WHERE YOU ARE 🎶
- Josh Groban
(Videos shared from other people's YT pages and I found this pic on the Internet.)
