Tumor Travel: The recovery

The most exciting part of a typical sightseeing adventure, even more so than the destination itself, is the onward journey. For the kind of travel one embarks on with illnesses, however, it's the return trip to normalcy, the road after the major health event, that becomes pivotal to the travel's success story.

It's been a month since I have been home from Seattle. It was emotionally draining to not see my dad excitedly greeting me on the drive way upon my arrival from Seattle, nor mom with her fistful of salt to be circled three times around me to do drishti and ward off all evil. Somethings go from minor annoyances to major nostalgia overnight!

Not having the luxury of just letting ammamma know what's to be had for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, not seeing the forever willing taata that you could count on for fetching a glass of milk, putting the groceries away, or taking the trash out, has taken some time to get used to even for the girls.  While I am glad to report that my parents are back to their routine and to sunny weather, doing things they love, it's been difficult to adjust to routine here without them.

Taara's been happy as a clam, having my full attention for her morning routine before heading to school. Raaga's been busy as ever, catching up on school work and balancing all else that she does. I have slowly been getting used to manning my kitchen, my career, and my life, again.

Listening to the body and not overwhelming the mind has been the mantra. Talking candidly about my journey with a podcaster- friend helped open the floodgates and outpouring of love from all corners of the world. Being open about my limitations at work has helped me set realistic expectations and keep my plate manageable. Showing my scars, quite literally, to my students at Telugu school helped them understand why I wanted them to be quiet in the class and respect my situation. Unless I shine light with my words on that invisible headache, those around me won't know to accommodate it!

And so it goes. Excited for what's to come next!

Podcast- "Strength in storm with Jyothy": https://youtu.be/mKcx-VthcQQ?si=l10E_6IN-4C6RIX0

Raaga's Interview with Salem's Capital Communications Media: https://youtu.be/u6sYPPvIfkA




Impromptu movie night- 'Lucky Bhasker' was a fun watch!

Diwaloween!

Treats and lights

Humble holiday vibes

A very critical sorting job on the morning after Halloween :)

Impromptu movie night- "Lucky Baskher" was a fun watch!

Beautiful Fall hues 

Going ammamma-style with the flowers in the hair!

My plants moved inside for the winter 

Fascinating dew

Intoxicating jasmine

Birthday morning hike to Pittock Mansion

In my happy place, on my birthday, on the morning of my first day back to work

Coworkers turned friends for two decades!

First real drink after many moons, cheers to 45!

The whole crew

A pretty sight in the neighborhood, made prettier by my cute company

The cuties that make life infinitely exciting!

The home of all my anxieties, aches and excitements! Learning to be as kind to it as possible!

Visit to Safe Place in Hillsboro, kickstarting an exciting volunteering opportunity there

Met with Mrs.Rice for the first time at the Fall conferences- teachers are such beautiful souls! She took Taara in her wing after I shared with her about my being out of town for two months.

The pitch dark at 5:30pm takes some getting used to.

The chefs frying parathas for youth at Safe Place

Volunteering badges for the whole family- looking forward to many heartwarming and meaningful outings as a family wearing these!

Raaga with Ms Wendy Brokaw at Capital Communications Media in Salem. It was fun watching them talk about Raaga's journey!

Don't we look similar? :)

A quick click on the set prior to the interview


Team builder at King Pins bowling- much needed outing to find my grooves back at work

Look at me slaying the bowling lane on the left!

Taara brought home a bronze from an abacus correspondence competition!

Hanging out with Karen





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