Every year we call all our relatives on both sides of family on Diwali - some of ‘em, most likely the only call or two for the year (the other being Ugadi). Its something that I’ve been doing from year 1 I’ve been in USA. I often wonder if we didnt call them, would they ever feel like maybe calling us first and wishing us? I harbor those thoughts for a bit and eventually decide to call anyway coz there is an hidden bond that I feel for ‘em given they were an integral part of my growing up years.
For the last several years though (and this year, in particular), the age has really started showing on people. Someone was weak after a hospital stay, someone had a new disease, someone’s back and legs are bad, someone’s eyes are giving trouble. There are no longer greys, but whites and wrinkles. The conversations have a different tone than 20 years ago when they were in their 40s. Every time I put the phone down all I wish they are all there next year when I call ‘em.