There is nothing special about this saree, bought with 6 more of the same lot. I was in \u201cplain saree with a border and easy to drape\u201d mode. Didn\u2019t want to spend lot of money either so when I found this lot, I bought few colors. Remember- I wasn\u2019t \u201cONE of you\u201d by then. So I didn\u2019t want to repeat the saree and absolutely never thought of story associated with it. But who knew in couple of months I wouldn\u2019t care if I was repeating the saree I would care what I want to talk about..<\/p>\n
So this Saturday I went to a graduation Party, celebrating Andrew Samson\u2019s graduation.<\/p>\n
Actually I could write two things about this Saree \u2013 Andy and his mother Pat.<\/p>\n
When I moved to Franklin, Ajey was in first grade and Anand was 3. It was a year of adjustment for all of us. From a community full of Indian in a very diverse town to a very white town. We were among the first brown people. Ajey was quick to adopt. His teacher adored him; Anand went to a preschool and was happy there. But I couldn\u2019t find my crowd. The rental place we lived in was full of Indian. For 4 years I was living in mini India where I didn\u2019t have to venture out of my comfort zone. When we moved to Franklin I was taken aback. A new house, two kids and Ashish\u2019s longer drive to work..<\/p>\n
In second grade Ajey became friends with Andy and Steve. And that changed so many things for me. Andy\u2019s mother Pat is one kind soul and always there for you. But our friendship started in a funny way.<\/p>\n
Imagine a scene \u2013 I invited Pat and family for Ajey\u2019s bday lunch at noon with some of my new and old Indian friends. I am still cooking in my yoga pants and the bell rang. Guess what – Pat and Dave with Andy at the door. Holy crap. I forgot that among the \u201cIndian Time\u201d crowd there is one \u201cnon Indian\u201d.<\/p>\n
So here I am, defiantly not looking like a host. I kept apologizing for not being ready and my future friend kept saying its OK. I think she asked if I wanted her to come back later. I tried to make her sit in the living room and she insisted they are ok in dining area. \u201cI am inhaling\u201d the aroma she said. People used to say that Indians smell of curry and spices. But here she was insisting she loved the smell.<\/p>\n
Confused I rushed to shower and came out in Saree , fastest in my life, I was all ready to be the host in Indian time. We chit chatted, talked about kids, food, cooking, culture, school and had great time.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s how our friendship started. Pat is Italian, Her love for everyone is so evident in her cooking. Pat\u2019s parents introduced their kids to all kind of food. That is so rare I tell you. Her mother cooked many Indian things in 60s and 70s. Can you believe that? Over the years I witnessed Pat in so many different role and she amazes in each of them. She is one friend one can ask for in any situation. She is my \u201cto go\u201d friend. Not only for me for all her friends. Every new situation in this (not so now) foreign land she is my pillar. I can ask her anything anytime and I know I will have a solution.<\/p>\n
I always wonder what if I hadn\u2019t invited her for that party, or if she hadn\u2019t come early. Meeting her in my ugliest, dirtiest form was an icebreaker I am thankful for.<\/p>\n
This is my favorite story to tell when I talk about Patty. I hope I could put in words what she means to me.<\/p>\n
This Saturday I went to congratulate a kid whom I see grow, who was a wonderful kid, now a handsome incredible man, an amazing musician.<\/p>\n
I still remember 2nd grader Andy who ate my spicy food with red nose and cheek and tons of water.
\nPatty and Dave.. You have done a great job !!!<\/p>\n
When Pat\u2019s mother asked me if I will Saree for graduation how could I not. So here it is my my sunshine Saree for a shining friendship<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There is nothing special about this saree, bought with 6 more of the same lot. I was in \u201cplain saree with a border and easy to drape\u201d mode. Didn\u2019t want to spend lot of money either so when I found this lot, I bought few colors. Remember- I wasn\u2019t \u201cONE of you\u201d by then. So…<\/p>\n