Lata's visit to San Ramon, CA

  

Shilpa,Trisha,Lata,jamuna,Shobha

With Shilpa's family

At Lucas and Sean's apartment.

At Ventura beach waiting for oyster lunch 

near pier at Ventura beach

Ventura beach pier

with Dev at North Hollywood

No

Lata at North Hollywood park

Jamuna at North Hollywood park

at universal studio city

at universal studio

Lata ready to attend Sarina's party

Lall, Shobha, Lata for engagement party

L

Sarina and Nik's engagement party

During my daughter Lata’s visit:

    It was on 9th of July 2021 that my daughter Lata came from Toronto. Since it was after nearly three years that we met for the first time we were thrilled to see her. We have been waiting for her to come for a change as Louie my son in law/Lata’s husband passed away on January 14 this year (2021) due to cancer. Though  he had been suffering, he never wanted to go to hospital due to the Covid19.  But when he had fallen in the bath room as he became too weak and after 911 call he was taken to the hospital. The emergency staff was doubtful of something going on in his tongue.  He was referred to the specialist who diagnosed as  cancer of tongue. Doctor’s advice was to undergo surgery and removal of the tongue and reconstruction. He would have  tube  inserted in his throat for breathing. He also had to learn talking which  twould take about four months. Listening to doctor both Lata and Louie couldn't help but shed tears. 

After two weeks surgery was performed, he was on the way to recovery. During this time Bianca, their daughter along with her boyfriend were taking care of Louie’s business. As Louie felt better he started even taking care of his business, also driving around. We all were very hopeful that he would recover fully.  But things changed by December. He couldn’t be given chemo as there were in many places the cancer spread including lungs. Realization dawned on him and expressed that this was going to be his last Christmas. On January 14th of 2021 he passed away leaving his wife and daughter behind. 

    Lata with the help of Dev, my grandson organized a zoom meeting for all the family and friends in his memory.  All talked about his favorite things and his interactions with others, making us feel really good that he was remembered well. We all miss him so much. 

As Lata arrived in the evening on 9th July we all at last were happy that we could meet for the first time after nearly three years. At the same time Shilpa and her family came one day earlier. They wanted to see Lata also before they drove back to Seattle. It was a good chance as Lata arrived that day late at night before their departure. They met and Trisha'l new project of bags printed separately with specific messages was impressive. 

As Lata wanted to eat Manipuri food I got ready to cook for her.  But we had so many  plans to go out and hence she hardly had time to eat Manipuri food. at home. Next day on 7/10/21 it was Saturday my son in law Lall drove us to the city. After driving around and parking the car in a parking garage we had our lunch Clam chowder near the Pier 32/Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Next day on Sunday 7/11/21 and we were supposed to get ready by 4 am to leave for Ventura. Got up by 3 am to get ready. We were all ready to leave by car as it was the right time not to get stuck up with traffic jam. It was a smooth drive.We checked in around 11 am at hotel Marriott in Ventura which was quite near the water. After checking in we walked toward the ocean and joined the oyster truck line for lunch. We got a place to sit down and waited for the food as our number to be called out. The oyster dishes were quite good and it was a pleasant, new experience for me. In the evening we drove to the city and walked around the shops and restaurants. It was quite tiring for me but I continued to walk without complaint. We walked in the pier where many people were fishing. It was a nice place that we could take a picture together. 

    On 7/12/21 we spent the morning going to the Starbuck for coffee about 40 minutes walk but I went to the room while Lata and Shobha continued to walk near the water. Lall was working from the room as he was supposed to be working from home. Lata was anxious to do shopping at Ross and we found one which was quite a big one. I was also tempted to buy something I found interesting. By 3.30 pm we came to North  Hollywood where Lall's apartment was. The apartment was newly decorated and exclusive. But the guest room bed was too high and I couldn’t climb to the bed. Shobha managed to get a staircase for me to get up and down the bed. It was a bit strain for me. 

    Next day on 7/13/21 we went out to the park just in front of the building where Lall’s condo was. We (Shobha, Lata, and I) were watching people walking in one direction only. May be it was a way designed during the beginning of pandemic days. But we started walking the opposite side and continued till the end. Later we looked for foot massage nearby and found one not too far. Getting foot massage done in the parlor was relaxing. Next we headed for Ross for Less and it was equally big one like the one in Ventura. In the evening when Lall finished his work, he took us to Universal Studio and then to Griffith park from where we could see whole of LA. 

    I informed Myrna about our trip and talked about Lata for her hypnotherapy. They planned to meet in the park where Lata could give the therapy to her. After her therapy Myrna took me for lunch. After we drove around a bit and lunch together, she dropped me back at the condo. It was a nice meeting Myrna after a long time. We left for home around 3.30 pm and we passed through Carmel by the sea, a beautiful place no doubt. We had dinner there before we drove toward home reaching home around 11.30 pm. 

    Next day July 15 I went to get food from Anjali whom I requested to make Pakaora curry. She made it for me along with other dishes for Kanglen celebration, so nice of her. I’m having severe pain on my right thigh and couldn't walk with pain. Applying icy hot did not give any relief. I started doing my exercise as before and it seemed to help a bit. I couldn’t attend Sarina’s engagement party on July 17 due to my limping because of pain. Lata also attended the party. Next day on July 18, Lata left for Toronto. Next day Supriya’s daughter’s wedding lunch party also I couldn't attend as I was having pain still and limping. I have the  pain still but much better now. After spending sometime together, her going away to Toronto, I miss Lata a lot.

She reached Toronto safe and now continued her job next day. Her daughter Bianca and Pocca (Bianca's boyfriend) kept the online business of Louie going on while Lata with them and Laika their puppy continued their routine work as usual.