A flashback.... to... lock down....

This picture was the most normal that we had ever been since the lock down happened..It was a memorable day as our elder daughter Chynella Payne graduated from the air force, a long awaited one.We had our first flight after nearly five years from when we had immigrated to the U.S.A. Kevin my husband had everything pre planned so we would have a smooth ,safe and fun journey.When we landed in Texas , I felt a sense of calm ,as I was looking forward to giving our older daughter a long awaited hug. you Shantell our younger girl was very excited too as she loved travelling and this was a mini holiday for all of as a family..The day was sunny and beautiful and it felt great,as we looked out the window of our rented fancy car as the warm and cool breeze kissed our faces making it all surreal.

On reaching our hotel "OYO" the reality of actually being in Texas stepped in .At last we could kick our shoes off and relax before attending the graduation ceremony the next day.The hotel room was fancy with two double beds and a nice clean bathroom,cheap enough for a three day stay.The flight had given us an appetite and we all were feeling really hungry. All to our good surprise there was a Mexican restaurant right next door. so we got into our summer clothing , flip flops and all and walked across to enjoy a homey Mexican meal...the excitement began to rise and I was getting impatient....

Airman C.Payne had been away at boot camp for nearly three months...We all were apart from each other for nearly three months with no contact at all, except letters in the mail,which seemed to take a life time to arrive and the day had finally come ..we were here!

The sound of the morning horns woke us up at around 5 a.m, as our hotel was right bang beside the air force base camp where our girl was , my mind began to race and wonder what she was doing right then.Well we were going to get the opportunity to get to know about the experiences that our daughter had had.

After we ate our complementary breakfast,we got packed and head out toward the base,not ignoring the long line of cars all lined up in front of the entrance of Lack land air force base.Patiently waiting our turn we followed suit and finally reached our destination.It was still dark and pretty cool so we wore extra warm clothing to keep warm.

As the day went by and a few orientations later we saw Chynella come through with her squad ,jogging and chanting while proudly passing us in the Airman's run..My eyes overwhelmed with tears of joy as I held the card I made for her and held hands with our little daughter , her father and Chynella's boyfriend ,feeling so proud and wondering how much courage she had to make this decision....A memory I will never forget..as it was gut wrenching to kiss her good bye in the first place ,and here was the fruit of her labor... Cheering and calling out her name like all the other family members in the crowded arena did..What an awesome sight to see and hear..booming with energy of life in it s fullest, and a common goal to serve a commitment of great honor.

As we were in the midst of all these emotions we were also looking forward to our younger daughter becoming an American citizen too, on the 12th of march 2020 ...it was exciting as Airman Payne would be home on the 7th of March from tech school ,although at the back of our minds was this lurking virus ..which was like a shadow...waiting to engulf any one that was vulnerable and traveling was going to be a bit doggy,so we had to be really careful.

As a family we kept the faith and became aware of the new normal although remembering how far we have come with all the challenges since we moved from India,Goa,while experiencing almost loosing my husband Kevin to a nose bleed ,which was actually a burst artery in his sinus cavity..He was depleted of nearly most of the blood from his body and had to be given a blood transfusion and we are So grateful he is among us today. Although his life has not been the same as much as ours has not been too there are many a blessing we are grateful for and this picture above captured one of them.

With all this going on in our lives , It is my privileged to give you a flash back of the most awaited days for both our beautiful daughters who have come a long way..( they lost their biological dad at the tender ages of 9 and 4 and I widowed at 33 in year 2004, now years later here I am sharing my story). My miracle Kevin came into our lives and swooped us under his wings, when we were married and a complete family of four once again.

This is a wonderful time to embrace the little things, like appreciating the hugs ..the meals together...the laughter..the cry's together ...the times spent talking about our toughest days and our successes and most of all praying that we are all safe and free from this virus.Life can be challenging and beautiful at the same time, it is up to us to remember the trials as lessons to grow stronger and the achievements as the fruits of our labor, that are so very sweet .

"My flash back... to...lock down photograph" reminds me of the freedoms we all may have taken lightly,respecting the little things most important ,especially family.

Taking pictures and capturing memorable moments is the most wonderful thing I love doing , and this one speaks volumes.

Om*Peace*Love

jaki