Jan 23, 2011

12 years ago today!

Twelve years ago today - January 23rd of 1998 is a memorable day in my life, the reason being it was the day we arrived in my dream country - United States of America!

Also, it was the day I saw the first snow fall. Yes, it was snowing at Boston's Logan International Airport when we landed. It felt like a dream in itself. Believe it or not I wanted to kiss the earth but refrained from actually doing it for fear of embarrassing Israel.

As we walked out of the airport Israel taught me how to taste the snow directly, I was delighted! I loved the fresh cold air as I had felt suffocated in the long plane journey. I was thirsty I remember, thirsty for good tasting water, the water from home, but alas that was one thing I missed for a very long time - may be even years before my taste buds got accustomed to local water...

Israel went and bought the bus tickets for our ride to Framingham. It was night so I couldn't see much, however I was astonished at the heaps and heaps of snow by the road side and how tall the bus was from the road and how all our luggage could easily fit in the compartments by the wheels.

When we arrived at the terminal Israel made me wait with the luggage while he went to get his car. I was waiting and waiting and waiting and dosed off waiting... Not sure how long before Israel came back - seemed like hours. Startled to his patting on my shoulder woke up in bewilderment - back to my dream again looking at the gently falling snow flakes through the car window. It was a brand new silver Honda Accord and smelled so good.

It felt a little strange to be alone with Israel - all alone - without any known or familiar faces around. How long it would be before I saw any of my family again?! How is it going to be all alone?! Did I ask for too much when I longed for America? May be I should have accepted the UGC posting or the PhD admission and got married closer to home... Will I even survive here? - were many thoughts that were rushing through my mind... bringing fresh new tears.

Israel was concentrating on the driving. Remember it was night and snowing and he had a new bride to take care of. So I don't blame him for not noticing my tears. But I was strangely worried if he would have cared if he had actually noticed it. I saw the small key chain teddy bear I had hand made and sent to Israel before our marriage was hanging at the rear view mirror. Suddenly everything changed; I knew right away if Israel cared for the teddy bear that much surely he will care for me too. I smiled at that and felt at home! I had arrived!!

11 comments:

Hari Gottipati said...

Wow! I thought teddy bear is just a toy, never imagined that it could wipe tears and bring smiles!

Bikram said...

awwwwwww :) and i am sure he proved over the years how much he cared for u :)

Bikram's

சில்வண்டு! said...

Queen Akka,
Fantastic!!! Really liked it.
Andha “Key chain” Vaazhga!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

What a lovely story. I find it is so often the seemingly little gestures that mean the most.

raji said...

nice nri..It was a pleasent experience reading ur story..untill the last line ..aww..it was touching.So you made a good judgement and felt yourself secured in his hands.

dr.antony said...

Marriages are made in heaven.And we have been taught to love.Mix them and you get the best recipe for life.

Amrit said...

NRIGirl,

I read it yesterday on Mobile Device but could not comment. As you know I am traveling.

Well, I have been reading yoru blogs the day you started and I can safely say - this is your the best post so far....very nicely narrated. When I started I could not stop. There was no boring moment in the blog post and no unnecessary word. Like a well edited, crisp and yet emotional movie with a happy ending.

NRIGirl said...

Thanks guys and gals! Every one of your comments makes me smile. Thank you for loving me and letting me share my stories...

Anonymous said...

A moving description. How insignificant things mean so much to us sometimes. I have to agree with "A", one of your best posts ever. May God shower you and Israel and your loving kids with lotssa happiness and love..

raji said...

Hi Nri,I recieved my teddy today.Just have a look at this picture what i posted.Thanks Hephzibah .:)for everything.
http://raji1082.blogspot.com/2011/01/ghee-good-or-bad.html

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

Ah, how lovely! But yes it is always so strange to arrive in a new country. I remember arriving in Mexico the first time, and Albert taking me around. He'd only been there two weeks longer than me, but I was like a baby!

This is a really wonderful post!

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