|
"Thank you to Black Tie International Magazine for
reaching out to Congratulate my parents on their 64 th
Wedding Anniversary".
"Joyce from Black Tie magazine called today to ask
if I would share their story with the readers of
Black Tie International Magazine".
So here it is:
My parents met in Dublin in 1960 at a dance. My father was a
dashing officer in the Indian Navy deputed for further
training by the British Navy and was stationed in Greenwich,
England.
His best friend was dating an Irish girl and asked my father
to accompany him to Dublin for a formal dance event.
At the dance, my parents met. Dad’s friend was busy dancing
with his girlfriend while Mum and Dad shyly met.
They say, they knew they would be together and
shortly got married in 1961.
Mum then moved to India, which was quite a culture shock,
but she quickly learnt the Hindi language and stole the
hearts of all Dad’s Indian relatives, most of all his
mother, who adored Mum!
The Three of us children were the apple of Mum and Dad’s
eyes. They nurtured us, taught us good values and the
importance of hard work and nourished us with tremendous
love.
Mom and Dad openly supported each other, though they were
not very outwardly demonstrative of their love for each
other, but they were a solid couple and ever in love.
Our family vacations were adventurous to the best hill
stations in India, lavish in experience but on a budget as
we got to stay in military rest houses ( formerly created by
the British).
The meals were prepared by Khansamas, or experienced x
British cooks and were always delicious!
From dipping in the River Ganges, to eating hot paneer
pakoras at tea at Kausauli and many many more experiences,
we loved our family vacations!
When we went to Dublin, our Irish grandparents and uncles
and aunts spoiled us with gifts and love and great stories!
“So, what is the secret of your parents happy
marriage?”
Black Tie International Magazine has asked me to share.
"I think it’s their loyalty to each other, allowing each to
be who they are, as their worlds were literally East and
West".
"Their loyal love for each other and their children and
strong bonds they created even with each other’s
extended families held them close to each other".
(Today, we know all our cousins from both Ireland and India,
which is indeed a huge family circle and greatly
empowering!)
"Lastly, they respected and supported each other’s values
and needs".
"For example: Mum raised the 3 of us Catholic but in turn
celebrated every Indian festival at home."
“The one quality I love about
each?”
Well, Dad laughed a lot and I love his laughter and
determined spirit, and Mum was a person I was always proud
of. Well dressed and personable, she chaired every PTA board
of every school I was at and had a magical way of buying me
any clothing or shoes or anything I had my heart set on. She
made it happen, no matter what stage of life my parents were
at. Ever generous and resourceful, my mother is very special
too.
Even today, enjoying adventures with my parents
photo taken
last month with them in Dubai at the
“One and only hotel”
"Thank you dear Joyce for asking me to write this
tribute. Yes, of course I am crying as I write this. But
more tears of joy as it’s an honor to write this special
tribute to both as they enjoy their anniversary in Dubai
today, carefully arranged by my brother and his family"." |