After having posted about my experiences and observations made during the recent floods in Kerala, I would like recollect how family and friends supported us and would thank them for their concerns, efforts and love.
My lil one: She was cooperative, which made me feel calm and relaxed, which in turn helped me to make decisions, which was less risky for all of us. Even today, when I recall her playing with her cousin at one moment and helping with packing the other moment, I cannot stop smiling and feeling proud!!
Mom n dad: Though my mom was worried and working out her own fears, both mom n dad took the energy to cope with the situation and support. Dad took care of providing options for safe stay, including the one where we finally stayed and organizing groceries. Mom was key in taking care of all needs of my lil angel; feeding her, applying mosquito protection, most importantly keeping her engaged, etc.,.
Sijo & Jincy: As always, they are there, especially during the time of need. He stopped cleaning his house and along with three other cousins (Sanjo, Kiran & Arun), he drove us to Trivandrum airport. Jincy took good care of kids and rewarded them for being good with chocolates.
Sanjo: Went extra mile(s) to drive us through flooded roads to our final station, we choose (Roy chettan’s place).
Kiran: As water started clogging the roads where we were staying on 15th Aug, he drove with my little one and parents in his SUV to his house. He also supported in my struggle to get flight tickets rescheduled.
Mariamma: She was of great support in taking care of little one, which gave me the opportunity to focus on recovery and also spend some “me time” with my boy cousins. She also got contacts to check flight reschedule options and alternatives.
Arun: He was key in organizing logistics, securing belongings and organizing travel. He is a real sakhavu!!
Simi: Her house was the safe station for most of my cousins for 3 days. She along with Davis and daughters, supported us in getting back to normal life.
Joy chettan & family: The whole family were generous and hosted us for four nights. Spent the “darkest” times with candles, prayers and interesting discussion about religion, politics, travel and start-ups. Also Thomas chettan & family made our stay there pleasant. Will not forget going through the “jungle” to repair the water pump….was little scary.
Devassykutty chachan & family: As the water did not enter my uncle’s (mom’s elder brother) house, he hosted his siblings and their kids post floods. Every generation was represented in good numbers and we all had fun (sometimes in respective groups). A day before my return, he cooked local savory (chakkadda) for me.
Jose chachan & family: They have been a great support always and was no different during the crisis. They hosted us and secured our belongings in their house before we all had to leave the house (was our 2nd station) due to flooding. Appreciate their courage and positive attitude during crisis!!
Roy chettan & Beena chechy: They helped organizing flight from Trivandrum to Mumbai without any ifs or buts.
Veera and Ashok Gupta (In-laws): They were regularly following-up our situation, supportive of decisions and were sharing options for support. In addition, they ensured that there was no inconvenience during my short stay in Mumbai and mom-in-law took the pain of visiting AirIndia and Swiss offices in Delhi for the ticket.
Velliappachan (Bro Jose Daniel): Though he was in middle of sorting his own health issues, he was following-up on our well being, was supportive of our decisions and was source of motivation.
Sis & bro-in-law: They were inquiring about our well being and providing moral support, especially to my parents. They also explored various ways to get information and support.
Bro & sis-in-law: Regularly inquired about our well-being and supported parents morally.
Wife: She was worried, especially about the little one. She was in touch as much as possible and also explored various ways to get information. Her efforts with travel agency in Germany, helped in convincing Swiss for a reschedule. She made sure that we did not have any inconvenience, after our return.
Avi & Ajay: They hosted us in Mumbai during transit. Were able to take rest and have some good food.
Appreciate the courage shown and love shared by kids Aparna, Merry, Cathy, Kichu and Ryan.
Concerns and wishes from Franklin, Raphy, Doni, Ushansh, Anuj, Nadeem, Asha, Divya, Niraj, Vikram and Estefania, was very supportive to say the least.
Because of all this support and love, it was easy to come out of the situation quick and strong. Thank you all!!