Dad at home with the ladies

The Malibu

Dad loved his Malibu. He always talked about it. It was his first car and as far as influences go, this is where his love affair with cars started. Can you imagine dad rolling around in one of these bad boys. I can.

The Pantry at Chrisholm

I remember the first time we got home from Costco and filled our pantry up with boxes and boxes of food. Our pantry was full! I don't think it had ever been that full before, or possibly after. It was very satisfying for us to stack up all the cereal boxes and cookies in neat rows. More food than we would ever need. When we were finished putting away all the groceries I remember Dad came by and took a look at the pantry. He said, "It should always be this full."

I've always thought about that moment: the look on Dad's face has never left me. He was so proud of this achievement. As a kid I couldn't understand what there was to be proud of, as an adult I get it I just know I'll never understand it. I'll never understand the worth of a pantry full of food, because I've never had a hungry day in my life. Can you imagine how it must have felt for Dad to have accomplished: "All the food you can ever eat and then some", after years of struggling on the streets of Calcutta.

I always remember those years in Chrisholm as some of the best years of my life. I think they were some of Dad's too. His mind was still there, he could really begin to see the fruits of his labor, seven kids running around, a successful life in America. That moment at the pantry was culmination of years of hard work. I think Dad really felt like he'd made it that evening.

I wonder how he'd feel today? Seven grown successful kids. His real estate business steady and growing. Little grand daughters running around. Such a full life. Imagine if he'd never left Kamalpur?