Hello everyone

Its been above seven and half hours since I landed in New Delhi but managed to get out of the airport only about five hours ago - all thanks to the Indian system of working. They had two lines for immigration check and as four flights had landed around the same time , it was a mad house. I took the opportunity to open my laptop and relax on the steps and send out a few messages. The worst part of this exercise of waiting is they are supposed to have at least ten counters operating and one especially for foreigners, for which I qualify. However, I guess the immigration officer decided that the foreigners could wait and came in , sat down and let out on big burp and said "next" - when even one had not been got through! The customs did not even bother with what I was carrying and even the two massive suitcases. They just asked me to show them my passport and thats it. The moment they saw the Spanish passport - it was "smooth" sailing.
Sonya and the boys were there to receive me and each one had their own stories to tell which I heard out with a lot of patientce as it was great to see them once again after our last goodbye in Melbourne. Sonya was crying as she saw me walk through the customs and I got a whole lot of hugs not just from her but the boys as well. I switched off my cellular as it required some rest and still have not switched it on. Though my body and mind want me to crash out my heart does not permit me to. I had to give all the details of my stay in Barcelona and I did give it without anything withheld. Sonya is feeling more relaxed now that she knows I have got rid of all the assets in Spain and will not be returning there. The only thing that hassled her was as to why I did not sell off the penthouse and a few other things instead of giving it away. I guess its just to show me how much anyone else mattered in my life. Anyway- as I told her - once done - its over and thats that. She however really took off when I told her about my bank accounts also being given away but cooled down when I told her about the apartments the boys now owned and there was enough money for them to live and work hard to increase their inheritance.

So - we have Varuns 18th, birthday falling tomorrow and he was already after me to hand over the bike to him today and I refused. The guy has really got some great gifts from everyone - Uncles, Aunt, Grand mothers, Grand aunts and cousins. My brother who is in the army is here at the moment and will remain at home till Varun has celebrated his birthday in full. He goes crazy with his gifts and has got Varun a pure gold coin - which also makes him a member of an elite club and it costs the earth. I still have to figure out this one. Grannies from both sides gave him cash and my sister got him the most expensive ts' and other accesories including a Tommy Hilfiger watch. Sonya has given him some of the Barca accesories that she picked up from here as well as a new DVD and Cd burner. She also changed his computer screen to a larger one (LCD). She knew what I was getting for him so there was no duplication. He has laready begun getting his gifts - so I had to give him my part - which began with my Mercedes Benz watch - one of a kind and given to the top manager worldwide. The watch is manafactured inhouse and only two are made every year. I have two of them( or rather had) -so one has gone to Varun and the other is waiting for Arjun. Varun could not believe his eyes when he saw me give him his watch - it like the other was and is a prized possesion. As he is also fond of watchesi also picked up a Levis watch from duty free. Sonya got the full kit of a lovely choker, a bracelet,a set of cute earrings (she does not like the dangling ones), a pair of "payals" - I am not sure what they are called in English but will take a gamble - Anklets made in gold. Besides all this I managed to pick up a whole lot of perfumes( and after shaves for the boys) and I ensured they were all the ones she really likes and uses. For Mum- I got her a huge state of the art bed warmer and a massager for her legs - the knick knacks are still around and the boys will attck them later tonight when the world sleeps!. My brother took away my stereo bluetooth and the MP4 player that works with the bluetooth. He is abs thrilled as it still has not hit the Indian market. He is going back home to his wife and kids down towards Mumbai - a place called Pune where he is posted this coming Sunday. Had a good surprise with both my lawyer friends landing up around the same time and I had to tell them to cool off as I was not ready to discuss all that took place in Melbourne and Spain. They know there will be problems that they will have to sort out and so will be back on Monday. I will hand over the bike to him( Varun) tomorrow or rather later this morning and let him take me for a ride. I want to ensure he gets used to the power of the bike and does not do stupid things like wheelies or go in for the drag races. I have warned him that if I ever find out - there will be no bike.Sonya has also got him his all India driving lisence - so he is now lisenced to drive anywhere.
Arjun too was most excited with the Ipod and the new mobile I got for him - and he has been loading both with all his stuff all evening. The Barcelona accesories are also a hit with the two and I would not be surprised if they are in the Barca outfit tomorrow!

Health and wealthwise all are okay and now that I am back and will not be travelling again is a relief to all of them - especially Sonya and Mum. As they say - now its time for Varun and Arjun to get moving. I agree with them but they need to get some experience and learn the langauges before venturing out. Sonya has taken care of that - with hiring a tutor, who cannot speak a word of English and is teaching them as I studied - six hours a day for six days per week and no other hoildays except sundays. I am more then sure, both will become totally fluent in not just Spanish but other latin langauges too. I will also push them to learn French - or at least one of them and the other German. Lets hope they do learn as its going to be a great advantage for them. English in any case is our mother tongue and they speak very fluent English and their Hindi is not bad either.

Well my dear friends - this completes my saga. I will pen down some happy, crazy, wierd things that have taken place during all these days. Things which I never penned down. I am totally dog tired as the jet lag has really hit me and am just waiting to shut off the lap top and sleep. So I take your leave - with lots of hapiness for Alan who has been a source of inspiration to me and the way he has taken care of Maggie - keeping in view his own difficulties. Fow everyone else as usual -I end here with al my love,xxx (for ladies only!!) and big bear hugs to all.
Ananth

Welcome back Ananth, Have a lovely day with your son tomorrow, make sure you get some rest though.

Love Mum
xxxxxx

You are now in the bosom of your family, home is where the heart lies Ananth, take your comfort and strength there and rest. Enjoy the fruits of your love and labours and return same in gratitude with abundance.

There is nothing more pleasing than to love and be loved.

Alan

Hi Mum, Hi Alan and everyone else,

Yes, its good to be back home and see all the familar mess around - traffic jams, people everywhere, road rage and everything else. I guess I missed this action!

Its 4.45 pm in the evening here as of now and we got the countdown going on to Varuns birthday. He still has a few hours before he gets the keys to the bike!! Even though he is loaded with some really great gifts - Sonya being the mum does not think its enough and so has gone off shopping to pick up something more for him. The result? She will have to buy two of everything - one for Varun and the other for Arjun. Arjun is pretty happy that he will have the Karisma - 250 cc - all for himself and he too is planning on the cosmetic changes he wants made.

I managed to watch the match and wowzie!! India really got the Aussies ( Trev - you reading?). This is the first time it has happened and now we wait for the next test where if played in the same spirit - the Aussies are in for a good fight - not taking anything away from them. They are a good fighting unit and its good to see India too turning into one.
I think I am slowly but surely getting over the jet lag and should be perfectly fine by tomorrow and we should be able to enjoy Varuns birthday without too many yawns from my side! Well - all the goodies (I never understand why I pick up anything as everything is now available in India and is cheaper then anywhere else!) have been distributed and even some of the ts', shirts, jeans and boots ( I only wear boots) have been booked and will vanish a little later tonight.
I recall those days when I had to carry pampers for varun and then later for Arjun every month as they were not available in India and I used to look quite a sight carrying 400 pampers and walking around. I recall on one particular trip - I had just picked up the pampers and a whole lot of chocolates - this was in Zurich. I had time so decided to take a stroll down to the hotel which was a decent walk. Along the way, I saw this Designer Hair Dressing Saloon and decided why not?? I entered the place and saw a creche with some toddlers and I guessed they belonged to both the staff as well as the clients. The kids somehow took a liking to me and soon we were all playing cuchico. I gave them some chocolates and meanwhile my turn came up. I dont know what the hairdresser felt about me - a brown guy entering an expensive place for a haircut - could he afford it? So, the guy asked me if I had francs to pay and I looked straight into his eyes and said "no". He looked perplexed and asked me how did I intend to pay so the crazy coot that I am told him that I could pay him in diamonds, rubies or gold as that was the custom in my Country. You should have seen the expression on his face and he just looked flabbergasted and muttered that he could not accept this kind of currency but only francs. So I smilingly said ok, I'll pay in swiss francs. Well, to cut it short - I had a haircut and as I got up to pay and asked the designer as to how much? He looked at me and started laughing along with the other workers and said that they did not accept swiss francs from foreigners and since I was one - it would have to be a free haircut. We all really had a great laugh (he had been watching me play with the kids and carrying two huge packets of pampers!) and he asked me to come again the next time I came into Zurich and he would accept the diamonds and rubies then!.
Now that I am back and had no need to carry papmers or chocolates or booze - but did carry some chocolates and aftershaves life has been easier. Well, now my trips are over and its upto the next generation to start moving and get a move on things or rather build up what they have been given.
I will stop here - but only for some time and will be back as soon as possible to bore all of you'll- but till then - let me sign off with a nice bit of humour - on how one applies for a driving lisence in the State of Bihar - the most illeterate and violent state in India: So here goes:
* DRIVING LICENSE APPLIKASON PHOROM*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -*

**NOTE: **Please do not Soot the person at the applikason kounter.**
**He will give you the licen.*
For phurthar instructions, see bottom applikason.

1. Last name:

(_) Yadav (_) Sinha (_) Pandey (_) Misra (_) Dot not no

(Check karet box)

2. First name:

(_) Ramprasad (_) Lakhan (_) Sivprasad (_) Jamnaprasad (_) Dot not no

(Check karet box)

3. Age:

(_) Less than phipty (_) Greater than phipty (_) Dot no no

(Check karet box)

4. Sex: ____ M _____ P(F) _____ not sure _____not applicable

5. Chappal (shipper) Size: ____ Lepht ____ Right

6.Occupason:

(_) Politison (_) Doodhwala (_) Pehelwaan (_) House wife (_) Un-employed

(Check karet box)

7. Number of children libing in the household: ___

8. Number that are yours: ___

9. Mather name: ____________ _________ __

10. Phather Name: ____________ ________ (If not no,leave blank)

11. Ejjucason: 1 2 3 4 (Circle highest grade completed)

12. Dental rekard:

(_) Ellow (_) Berownish-ellow (_) Berown (_) Belack (_) Other -__________
Give egjhakt color

(Check karet box)

13.Your thumb imparesson :
____________ _________ _______

(** If you are copying from another applikason pharom, please do not copy
thumb impression also. Please provide your own thumb impression.)

PELEASE DO NOT USE PHINGERS OF YOUR LEGS

Use thumb on your lepht hand only. If you dont have lepht hand, use your
thumb on right hand. If you do not have right hand, use thumb on lepht hand.

*NOTE* : IF YOU DONT HAVE BOTH HANDS, YOU CANNOT DRIVE.

WE ARE VARY ISTRICT ABOUT THIS



With lots of love to all,
Ananth

Hi all,
So finally Varun has turned 18 and can now be termed as an Adult. He got his driving lisence yesterday(on his B'day)and took over my bike. He was really and is kicked with life as besides the bike - I gave him my prized Mercedes Benz watch (only two watches are made every year and presented to the two top Managers worldwide). Its even more unique as the watch is made by Mercedes Benz itself. I got two of them - so one still remains for Arjun when he turns 18 in another year and a half. He was gifted a top of the line lap top by his uncle (my brother who is in the army who flew down especially for his birthday) and he also got his monitor changed to the larger LCD one on his PC. Sonya and Arjun did what Arjun is best at - cutting deals. He is forever making deals with everyone and makes a great profit each time and this time it was the cellular phone - with touch screen and the works. So Varun is also kicked about his new cvellular and has decided to use it on "special ocassions" (that would be on dates, I imagine). He then received a lot of cash from both his grandmothers and his aunt (my sister in the US)and finally he asked me and opened his first can of beer and drank it openly. I know for certain he does not smoke but even if he did, I would just advise him but not put any restrictions on him as it just does not help.
His freinds all got together and had a surprise party for him at the disco ( considered now as one of the best in the world - called "Elevate") and he really enjoyed him self and so did Junior along with him.
Arjun is also happy about Varun turning 18 as he knows that an increase in pocket money is due, the 250 cc Karisma is his and his alone and he has almost taken over Varuns PC now that Varun has his own laptop. So all in all he too got his fill of goodies along with Varun.

Today - I am back to my normal self - with gymming and running. I worked out a little more then usual and have also started out on a wieght and muscle increasing food supplement(No steroids at all). There are still no pains as far as the cancer is concerned and life is still the same - I still drive, work and do everything as usual. Sonya is a bit paranoid - so I got to calm her down. I had a fall due to a slippery floor while having a shower and it was really nothing to cry about- but she has been crying about it and she just does not seem to stop. All that happened was that I did not use my shower slippers as I usually do which give me a grip on slipperly floors.

I had a great nap after my workouts and breakfast and then after my lunch. Now I am wide awake wondering if I am going to get any sleep tonight. One thing however is that my appetite has become really good and keep having something to drink as long as I am awake( I am having a Red Bull - energy drink right now!).

So folks - I end this session over here and this time with no controversies !!!. So until later,

With all my love and warm hugs to all and as usual lots of xxx to all the wonderful women.
Ananth

Hieveryone,
Apologise for the lame joke on this post. Have fun.
Ananth

Hey Ananth

We would all have been worried if a loved one had a fall! As strong minded (and fool hardy, sometimes ) as you are, please appreciate that Sonya cares a lot about you. So do accept the fuss made over you graciously.

A hug for you because you fell,
Vinod

Dear Dr.Joshi,
Well, you could say I feel for her once again!! I am okay with it and have been pacifying her that I have not hurt myself. She tried to stop me from going for my favorite pastime - gymming and running and I had to explain that I was okay and fit enough to do the same. Anyway - things are now okay.
I do not know why but I have not been myself recently ( no joking by asking who I felt I was!!!) and have not been spending too much time on the net as I used to. I however, do reply to any questions that are posed to me. I just feel after the three continent journey - it has left me broken more emotionally then tired. I should be back to normal in a day or two and then I am back on the forum with a vengence.
Thank you for the hug because I fell
Lots of love and hugs to you ( I still havent a clue as to who Amma is),
Ananth

Ananth,

Please give Sonya a big hug from me.


Joy

Dear Joy and George (He will always be here with us),
Hope this finds you in good spirits keeping in view the circumstances. I think my life has come back on track as of now with the jet lag having got lagged behind and my tail bone which caused a lt of misery and pain (more to Sonya) is fine now and am back to my old habits - gym and running.
I will def. give a big hug to Sonya from you Joy.
With lots of love and hugs,
Ananth

Ananth,

Yes he will, and is.

I am in reasonably good spirits and I'm so glad you're back to yourself too.

Although it is indescribably hard, I've never felt the anger that Cookey/Liz obviously feels. I'm grateful that George and I knew exactly what we meant to each other, that we spent so much time together, that he left me and the children each a letter telling us how he much he loved us, was proud of us and hoped we would find happiness in time.
Someone described grief as a huge stone you have to carry for ever - it doesn't get any less heavy, but you get stronger and more able to carry it. I'm working on it.

A good day today - fine and breezy, if cold, with a beautiful sunset. Able to feel more grateful that George had been here than desperate because he is not here any more. Spent time outside. We have a 5 acre smallholding (little farm), so there's always lots to do. It's always been just a hobby - we both had/have day jobs, but very important to us both (and a different pace of life to your high-octane one, I think!). So lots of things to remind me of George - the pond we dug together, the vegetable garden etc etc. I and the children spent my birthday in December cutting down for firewood some of the half acre of trees that George and I planted the year Rosie was born.

I can understand your reaction to carers / partners and their pain - how can it compare ? Maybe we should go away and talk to each other somewhere else?

With love,


Joy

Dear Joy,
I really love what your name means and am even happier that George and you were ment fo an understood each other so well that you were able to take things more or less quickly in your stride. You have George to thank you for that - leaving letters for each one, is leaving something more then any amount of material wealth. I am sure the kids also realise the importance of the documents he left for each one. He had to pass on his legacy, his knowledge, his thoughts etc. to ensure everyone would lead a carefree (in the sense of not having anything at all)life. It just goes to show his strength and how he had accepted what had happened and what was the end result to be. I really believe if one sits with ones partner and explains everything things do not sink in at once. Noone wants to see the end result, everything is hunky dory. Its only when you keep going on and rubbing in that they begin to understand and listen to you.
Sonya, for example, has not accepted the fact that the cancer has reocurred and this time there is no way to fight it and so I have to make sure that everyone is taken care off and I am remembered as a guy who did care. Yes, I have led a very complicated life and I am not sorry for the same as I now think it was meant to be this way - get everything of the best and then loose it. I did lead a very fast paced life and a very high flying one. The cancer was my saviour in a funny way to rememeber what families go through, how it is to see one kids grown, sit and talk about things as one knows one is not going anywhere, playing scrabble and mind games with all - its all for one and one for all. And to think I missed all this for 32 years of my life. My father and mum were a couple just like George and you - both were very content with the life they led and did not look at anyone with jealousy. However, it was not so in my case and I went overboard. Now I am in a position where my sons ask for something and I cannot refuse as I did the same when I was their age!!

I have accepted everything and as George did, I too have left somethings for each one with my Lawyer to be handed over after my time comes. I am not scared of death at all and I certainly would not like Sonya to keep mourning once I am not there. She has a life to live and is still young and though she becomes hyper even if I say"ouch" - she is a very strong person. I keep joking with her and ask her what kind of a guy would she marry if she did decide to? Would she like a dark guy, or that tall handsome type or a home bird? She gets mad at me but also realises I am joking right now - but will recall all this when I am not there.I truly wish she does find happiness as I know I have not been the best of husbands and have given her more then her share of problems. I have no excuses for all the mistakes I made as I made them with my eyes open - which makes things worse. All said and done and even after all that I have done - I hope I am remembered "Ananth"(Never ending- thats the meaning of Ananth) and that I was not that bad a chap.

I am also happy that you recall all the good times which you both did together and liked what each other did. There are not many people like this in the world (I for one- who was just always on the move and would barely be home for a few days every month). You are a very lucky person Joy and you honestly spread your Joy to everyone and it feels so good when I write to you.

As regard to cares and partners - there is no question about not needing them on the forum. Each one have had an experience which another carer or partner will require. I have learnt a lot about what Liz is talking about - as she does love Robin so much and just cannot get him out of her system. She is a very strong person and a lovely one too (I am very serious when I say this).She really takes care of a lot of us idiots and I feel we should also remember the things we are learning from her experience. I think I really blew my lid sometime ago because of something that had happened to me that was bothering or frusrating me. I know she has never fully forgiven me for that and I do not blame her.

I think I have been really rambling - just putting down what crossed my mind without make them into sense before doing so. You will have to forgive me for that. You are a source of joy, Joy and always remember that. George would and is proud of you and how you have coped with everything and have the kept the family together. How many people can boast of that? As far as carers and parteners are concerned - I stress again - they are a must as they have seen things from one side of the fence whereas the patients have from the other. When I think about this it makes me realise how strong and generous they actually are. Its not easy to keep writing to cancer patients after what one has been through. You all do it because you care.

I think the last line is really the truth of the whole thing - You all have to be there to talk and console others because you care.

I hope I made some sense as its freezing cold in Delhi and its the kind of cold that gets right into ones bones. I had a dose of it a little while ago and am still shivering at the thought of having gone out.

So Joy - remember what I have said and do keep writing. Dont ever think we dont need you. We need you all more then anything else and thats the truth.

Lots of love,special warm hugs and a very special kiss,
Ananth