Hi guys,
Its almost one year now but it only seems like yesterday Ned was here. Its been rough going but going. My little Nedda bagel (shaan) keeps me going. I probably would have been on Prozac if it wasn't for him. He was and still is and will be my love, my heart and my soulmate. Funny I used to tell him jokingly that he is stuck with me for eternity. I miss him so much
I registered shaan today for his preschool, which he will start on Aug 2nd 2009. He went today with me to store to get his school bag pack (spiderman). He is so excited and ready, at least he says that anyway.
This will be one of the longest email I ever send in my life. Here are some details of prayer:
On Friday the 13th (yeah I know but I had no choice, priest are hard to get). The Prayer will start about 6:30ish and end about 9pm. I would like for you guys to get here around 6pm to enjoy the food, it is optional because otherwise dinner will be around 9pm which I know is late for non-Indians =): The priest will read verses out of Ramayana which I will explain at the bottom. He will try to translate as much as possible. A few of us will have kids, and I will set up kids place in my bedroom. It is a quiet time while the prayer is going on so my nieces/nephews will be in my bedroom with the kids. This day the prayer is inside the house like the 6month prayer.
On Sat the 14th, the prayer will be outside with a fire pit and will start around 10:30ish and be done before noon. Lunch will be phenomenal because it will consist of a wide variety of vegetarian dishes prepared by me and my family for Ned. We will be getting up around 4am to prepare it.
Brief summary of the meaning of this prayer:
In Hindu religion, if a person dies, we mourn for one year. There is usually a prayer after the funeral, then a 6month prayer and the the final one year prayer before the 1 year deadline. Like the bible which composed of chapters composed by apostles of Jesus, so is the Bagawat geeta and Ramayana and other Indian text ---which are written by sages (saints who meditate to days end/ years to compose these text....simply put, there is more to it!
On Saturday the priest will read one chapter from text called Ramayana (you can goggle it if you want) but in short it tells a story of one of our Gods--called Ram who was a prince and fought in a battle with giants (similar to the Napalms in the book Enoch which is dated to be written before Christ) among other things.
I copied and pasted this from wikipedia:
Ramayana; The story operates at multiple levels. At one level, it describes the society at that time: vast empires, the life of a prince destined to become the next king, the rivalry between mothers and stepmothers, the bond of affection and loyalty between brothers, contests to win the hands of a princess, etc. At a second level, it describes how an ethical human being and a leader of men conducts himself at all times, facing situations with equanimity, rising to occasions to lead his people independent of his own personal tragedies and limitations, cultivating affection and respect of his people. At yet another level, it is a story of the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this time as a human, combating evil, restoring justice in the land, fully aware of his divinity and resorting to use of his superhuman powers only when absolutely necessary.
We usually read bhagawat geeta but the priest stated that since Ned knew the concepts of the bhagawat geeta that we should read Ramayana. It is our belief that our souls/energy/spirits whatever you wanna call it... lives on and that the prayer helps them transition/settle on the otherside. I know some of you have different beliefs which is highly respected, but I wanted to do this for Ned because it is my belief and I know Ned felt the same way. He was new to it all but he embraced my culture/belief/religion with open arms which is one of the reason he was loved so much by my family and friends. He was a well rounded spirit with an open mind and heart. I know his energy was bright as it can be (yeah, he was human and had his moments which included frustration, some anger (i have only probably seen him mad twice in almost 10 years, he spoke his mind...and i can go on but all you guys knew him. He is the one that I will spend eternity with if I can. one piece/part of me.
with love
Vicki and shaan
p.s If i sent this email and you are out of country/state =): you know who you are...its becasue I wanted to keep you guys close by...we will get together when you are in town or bayarea..forgot to mention one very important detail:
p.s.
It will be all veggie dishes and I kindly ask everyone NOT to bring anything. All the food and drinks will be provided by me. Sorry guys there will be no beer but I'll make sure I have soda's and chai tea. If you eat meat or drink alcohol that day, you won't be able to participate on the actual prayer stage (the place where the priest sits, you will be able to tell who the priest is by their attire, there will be two). And just wave at Mehal (sweety's husband, he is suppose to stay away from non-vegan's just those two days only.
Thank you guys for understanding. I know its a lot to ask. love vicki and shaan.
