Day 37 of 78: Part 1...Happy Birthday Mommy

I woke up this morning a bit tired. I was restless all night with thoughts of how I could celebrate my mother’s birthday. At home, I like to get together with my family and tell stories of her life and look at pictures over dinner and drinks. Ever since she passed away 3 years ago, I’ve hoped to not consider the day she passed as her day of remembrances but instead the day she was born. It helps shine a little light and joy on an otherwise heartrending day. I’d hoped to do something that she would love and write a poem in her honor. Sounds silly but she loved poems. 

I had heard music outside but just assumed that it was a neighbor. I didn’t even think to look out the window as I quickly rushed out the door, not wanting to waste a single moment of the sunny day. I exit the front door to literally a wall of people. The streets lined with flowers, people singing, chanting, dancing, smiling, celebrating and dressed in ornate and beautiful outfits. My eyes water up and my whole body warmed to the point of shivers. I stood in the street and wept with an overwhelming feeling of her presence. Paris threw her the party that I had not.

The view from my balcony.

The party was the Festival of Ganesha. A Hindu celebration that takes place every year on August 28th.  The devotees pull ornate floats bare footed down the streets in honor of Lord Ganesh. An elephant headed and human bodied lord that is worshiped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. He’s invoked before any major undertaking. They cracked coconuts in the streets, burned incense and carried baskets of offerings. There were people giving out free cups of some milky, jalapeno and red onion juice. It tastes just like it sounds. Huge vans gave away plates of garbanzo beans with coconut shavings, rather delicious and some sort of oat pudding with pineapple and raisins, also super yummy.  There are 1 billion Hindu’s and it felt like they were all here dressed to the nines and full of happiness.

 

 

Having wet my appetite, I sat at a restaurant with a great shot of the processions and had a fantastic meal! Happy as a clam and feeling all warm and fuzzy, I smiled ear to ear with total satisfaction and gratitude for that moment.