Category Archives: Life

Gene’s Lifeline (One day at a time)

Life, Uncategorized,

This true story is all about grace. It starts with early days of experiencing rejection, then gradually reformation and finally reaching out to others!

Gene was the  youngest of 4 siblings ..who were much older ;  the brother 13yrs older, and  two sisters 8 and 9 years older.

Due to financial constraints, first his father went to the Middle East ( where earnings were good)  and then his mother. All his older siblings  moved out into jobs of their own. As a result Gene was left alone.

He came home from high school and college to an empty home.

Many years later his father finally returned to be with Gene and hoped to make up for the lost years. But within 15 days his father passed away.

Lonliness ate into Gene … though he pretended to be okay during the day, when his neighbours met him. To escape this lonliness he watched movies every night ….sometimes the same movie 10 times

Gradually he  got the taste of alcohol , charas and ganja…

He  stopped going to church for 5 years.

When addiction set in he tried to kick the habit but failed repeatedly ; until he came across  the 12step method followed by  the participants of the Alcoholic Anonymous  programme.

The motto “ One day at a time” had a great impact on his life.

His mother also returned after some years. She encouraged Gene with the simple motto; when there are many closed doors, you will find one which will open. She prayed for Gene fervently.

He started going to church again, and  realised that he gained strength from the Eucharist  to overcome his weaknesses. His prayer to the Lord was “ help me just today to be free of addiction”. This was his prayer daily.

He did this for 6 months and realised that he was getting renewed. Thereafter he spent two to three hours daily, before the Lord and received immense grace.

He did not know how to begin life anew. So he visited Asha Dhaan every day from 6.30am morning to 6.30 pm. He began the day with the nuns at the Eucharist and did odd jobs at the centre. Sweeping, cleaning, helping the destitute by shaving, cutting nails and many other simple jobs.

After 6 months of volunteering at Asha Dhaan with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, he discovered his vocation, to reach out to destitutes specially those addicted to drugs and alcohol

He was greatly encouraged by the Sister in charge. He also remembered Mother Theresa’s words “ to help others, one should help oneself…fill one’s belly first and then one learns to help others.”.

He then started being a Sales man for Encyclopedias.  He also trained to be an athlete inspite of having a handicap of the right hand. Later he started sales of building materials. He volunteered to request Pharmaceutical companies to donate drugs which the destitutes needed in the various homes.

He led a life of “ do not worry about tomorrow” and went on the streets to help many addicts and street urchins. He even shared his meals with them on the pavement.

Soon he volunteered his services to Don Bosco’s Shelter , and met his mate in Shobha. She influenced him to get more organized and start a Trust . This was the beginning of Jeevan Dhara, which means Lifeline.

He continued to visit the chapel and faithfully till this day spends at least 2 to 3 hours before the Lord. This is where he gets all his wisdom, grace and perseverance to continue .

Life is not a bed of roses even now. Gene continues to carry his cross  bravely.

Of course the nature of his trials comes in many other forms. Now there are people who question his integrity. As a result of envy, there are times, when he faces opposition, even while  compassionately serving the poor and destitute. He has already been recognised in the church for yeoman service, with the “Fr. Salvadore Rodrigues Award” by the Catholic Sabha, in 2015 and 6 months later was given an award by the Siddhvinayak Temple Trust during the Diwali Festival.

His main refuge and fortress is the chapel , in the presence of the Lord, who gives him strength for each day.

He encourages people with his  motto “ One day at at time” . I have been greatly influenced by his faith, and perseverance; to give prime time to the Lord, in silent prayer. He is an outstanding example of what the Lord can do to strengthen the weak.

He has started centres in Cheeta Camp ( one of the big slums of Mumbai), Mankhurd, and Lonavala . He extends help to the families of drug addicts, alcoholics and aids affected.  He had also started centres in Colaba, and Dahanu, but had to give it up, after opposition from unexpected quarters. His main focus is to help those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, to go through a program of deaddiction. He also has included an outreach to help the aids affected persons. Most of these afflicted are people with limited finances. In addition , Gene has Study centres( Baalwadis) for children and youth of  the affected families. In keeping with the interest of Football, he has started a coaching programme for the youth in the slums and has a talented Nigerian who serves as coach.

Gene has such a kind nature, that he can walk into any area, even the most dangerous slums or bastis, without being harmed. He has been accepted as one , who has no hidden agenda, but only the good of those he helps.

Funds keep coming in to help him in this work. However , it is never enough. He remembers a quote of his Mentor Fr, Richard Lane Smith, which helps  him  keep his feet on the ground

“ When Funds come in, do not get carried away by them. Be strong in faith”

Thus Gene soldiers on, one day at a time , to serve those in need , with his eyes fixed on Jesus.

No wonder, he was at one time known as the Street Messiah.

As he continues his work with ‘ Jeevan Dhara’ , he is ably assisted by his wife Shobha. He is also blest with a beautiful and talented daughter, Sasha. She is still in primary school, but shines in sports and studies.

In conclusion, I am reminded of the words from Sirach 35:16,17

‘The one who serves God wholeheartedly will be heard;

his petition will reach out to the clouds.

The prayer of the humble person

pierces the clouds,

and he is not consoled until he has been heard.’

Indeed Gene’s lifeline is the Lord Himself!  

Gene D’Silva can be contacted on

Email: write2jeevandhara@yahoo.com

Postal Address:
7,Rear Helal bldg ; Dr. Mascarenhas road,
Mazagon, Mumbai, 4000010
India

Dande’s care for Mother Earth

Life, Stewardship

This man is multitalented. He is an expert photographer, interior designer, landscapist, which includes rock garden and finally a horticulturist.

He promotes natural products like coconut oil, which is helpful for many ailments.

One of his prize creations is “liquid gold” which promotes growth and keeps plants absolutely heathy.

I was very impressed to see his garden. Even though Goa experienced heavy rains, and many flower bearing plants got affected, we still saw his garden looking good.

His Benauli Coconut tree is only 3 years old with a height of about 5 feet, and has already produced coconuts in plenty; he says this is the first  case, to see such fast growth.

His little pond has  an abundance of fish, but he does not feed them. They live just like fish in rivers , from natural sources in the pond itself. They  breed in large numbers, but he did not tell me the name of this species. At times harmless snakes also came there to feed on the fish. ( I have an aquarium of tropical fish, which require feeding  from dry shrimp food or red worms)

His “  liquid gold” is a real wonder.  My wife is an avid lover of plants and I have seen the change that has come in our garden after using this liquid. Plants are absolutely healthy and soon some start bearing flowers in abundance.

What struck me is that Mr. Dande,  loves his work and is a  firm believer in looking after the environment. According to him, all the natural disasters have in many ways occurred because, man has not cared enough for his surroundings.

We procured beautiful begonias in pots. He also had brilliant red anthuriums  which we rarely see.

The waterfall in his garden, flows rapidly into the pond. Lotus leaves float on the pond’s surface. A rock creation seems to climb upwards, and nearby is a natural rock bench. The overall ambience was so peaceful. Just talking to Mr. Dande, gave me hope that if every one makes an effort to care for our environment, we can look forward to more beauty around us……To  make it a better world!!!

A visit to his garden is most welcome : address – Ashok Dande,  Nagali, Taligao, Goa India 403002 .

This day -To-day -Matters

Life, Poem, , ,

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Amazed am I

To see the rapid change

All around me

Things that looked forever

Now suddenly disappearing

Into the global phenomenon

With so many names

One of them ‘Diaspora’

 

Pray do we know anything

Of the future

Oh yes the past

And the present ,

Who does not !

Children grow up

And move on….

Can you ever ever go

Into their future lives?

 

Save the present and

Live it to the full!

Life in abundance

Every moment to cherish.

After all life is a gift

No matter what age

And what circumstance.

 

You and I have 24 hours

Live as if this day

Is all one has

You will then know

Important from the unimportant

Learn to forgive, love, care, and also

Rejoice,

For this is the Day the Lord has made!!!!

 

 

Fleeting thoughts —-  Quo Vadis ?

Life, , , ,

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What is in a birthday?  Comes a time when one suddenly appreciates this special day and needs   time to reflect.

I have fond memories of my childhood. A twin brother was a bonus. In addition I had three more elder brothers. School days came back to me in a flash. On my birthday , I had a good laugh recollecting those days.

College was even more interesting. Newfound freedom in everything….sports, relationships and studies. But there lies the turning point. With all the fun and popularity there was a downside to this as I never organized my studies and often times exams brought on stress which left me unprepared.

Thereafter involved a change of streams in discipline several times until I finished with Hotel Management and went on to make a career in it.

The best part of this entire youth stage of my life , helped me in two ways.

  1. I suffered a lot with failed relationships, a very average performance in college after the frequent changes and poor self image
  2. Those very setbacks, helped me to understand youth much later

The most Important aspect of all the setbacks was my search for the Lord and then encountering Him not just once but on numerous occasions. He is today my ALL.

I am blessed with a loving wife who is my best friend, and 4 lovely children. They have now grown up and finding their way in life. All have grown in their faith walk.

After a  diversified career : I say diverse as I first spent 28 years in the hotel division of Air India. It seemed interminable and boring until I discovered in the latter 6 years of this tenure, who is the real ‘Boss’. Obviously it is the Lord Almighty. Thereafter I saw fruitfulness in my work and later was bold enough to quit the organization and move as a lecturer with the Naval Institute of Technology. My  career then just went into high drive when I was appointed Principal of the Naval Institute. This was a revelation as to how the Lord empowers a person with wisdom when He appoints, and when He is given first place in one’s life.

After 4years of service at the Institute I was offered the Senior Manager’s position at the YMCA International House at Mumbai Central. These were opportunities to give back what I received when I struggled. I look back with joy , for the opportunity to serve so many, and specially the youth.

My Youth Work at the Church Community was also blessed , and it gave me great joy to be an instrument to serve the Lord and help so many youth in their faith walk.

Today I now  lead the adult community , with its outreaches to young couples , young professionals and youth. The work is challenging, more than the secular career, but a joy to know that I serve in the Lord’s vineyard.

I look ahead and wonder, …. and am fascinated to see such developments. I have also become a grandfather. I can talk a lot of my children, but then it requires another blog.

Where to from here? At 65 is it time to slow down? Do I need to spend  more time in contemplation. I read and reread many a time the gospel passage which relates to  Mary and Martha. Mary took the best part. Did that mean that she neglected her responsibilities. I wonder.

But I know that the more time I give of myself , to the Lord, the more and better can I receive grace to serve Him in  the ways He calls me.

I also wonder from the human angle , how does one adjust to the empty nest.

I often think of the future. I think that presently I am ready for His call. But then do I have a choice.

What if He requires me to stay on till the age when one cannot go where one wishes to go….as Peter was told. How does one deal with failing memory and other faculties.

I know that I will always take one day at a time. Do the best I can. And leave the rest to our Father in Heaven. May His Name be glorified forever!!! Till that Day , when I see Him face to face!

Rise above Crisis

Life

 

Todays biggest crisis is that of  violence. In  the past wars were fought between countries. To a large extent, certain rules were followed. Civilians were not usually targets of the enemy. So what has changed ? Who is the enemy? Where are the boundaries or rules of warfare.

Violence has become a very common affair. Its so easy to become a victim or nowadays even a perpetrator.

What are the reasons for one to lose all sensibilities in relating to another human being ?

There are many,  but it is a grey area which needs a lot of exploration.

Without naming or branding any person or group, one of the features which have led a person into this mode most likely seems to me a lack of acceptance on the individual’s life. He or she has experienced frustration on various accounts. It can be lack of love, rejection, failure, social inadequacy, and a sense of deprivation.

Such persons become easy targets for indoctrination. No human being will normally think that to kill another is a pathway to heaven. It is an abominable lie to convince anyone that another human being is not of the same mind or faith, and deserves to be eradicated.  But why is this suddenly developing into a Crisis ,when even educated people from developed countries and from stable families have suddenly disappeared to appear in a different mode..of a radical, ready to kill?

What is our response?

The only response is to have a mind which is “ of power, of love and a sound mind”

Have you heard of the saying “ Love your enemy”?

Many enemies will change their approach when they experience love. This love is not the one depicted in Movies. It is to rise above judging another. To be inclusive. To pray for another. To be compassionate.

To consider the needs of another. Not to be boastful or rude. .Not to be envious. Not to be provoked to anger. Not to keep a record of wrongdoing.

To bear with patience, to hope, to endure, and to believe  ….in the love of our Heavenly Father!!!!

John 3:16 “ Yes God so loved the world that he gave his only Son , that whosoever  believes in Him may not perish , but have eternal life.”

Re Fresh

Life, Short Story,

Dan rushed off to work. He always led a fast paced life . He spent a lot of time at the office. Hugh on the contrary led a sedate life. He was tall and had a casual appearance. They worked in the same department and reported to the same boss. Jim  the boss was an observant man, who knew his men very well.

Now it was the runup to the budget week. There was a lot of research to be made on the past performance and the changes to be initiated to improve. So one can understand the need to meet deadlines.

Dan worked with such speed without recourse to any time off. He invariably reached home late. There was no time for anything. His usual question was more of a formality “Darling how are you today? Anything interesting for dinner?” His wife quite concerned at his stressful condition replied” I can prepare the best for you; how will it help when you cannot enjoy the meal with me , in quietness….choosing to forget office and converse with me.”

Hugh reached home in normal time. He stepped into his home and hugged his wife Katy. “ How glad to be home; got some delicious fruits on the way. Waiting to enjoy quality time with you over dinner.” What warmth and love showed between Hugh and his wife.

Dan  did not speak much at dinner. He gobbled his meal and retired to scan his mobile for latest messages on the email or whatsapp or his facebook page to check whats going on. Not a word from him even as his wife waited.

Hugh enjoyed his meal sharing an interesting conversation with his wife with such gusto. It appears he savored every moment , even time spent at home.

At bed time, Dan collapsed , without a thought of reviewing his day or even turning to the Lord.

Hugh had some more conversation with his wife and then retired for the night  . He first proceeded to empty himself of all that had not gone well during the day. He just discarded it, or what in modern terms means ‘deleted’ stuff that was not worth keeping in mind. But he then prayed to be filled with a newness that only the Spirit of God can can give. He then moved into stillness,  to have quiet communion with the Almighty.

This emptying and filling , helped Hugh tremendously and gave him so much more for the next morning. He again turned to the Lord at the start of the new day thus always keeping the Lord first in everything.

His best quote is” Lord empty me of all that is not of you, and fill be with your Holy Spirit Amen”

Who was more fruitful? Jim will tell you. Naturally the one who slowed down and got renewed daily. Budget or any other important matter, cannot weigh down Hugh. He meets all deadlines. But Dan struggles most of the time. When appraisals are made , who do you think got a promotion?

That’s the time to see …. Why empty me …. why fill me Oh Lord!

Renew……Refresh……

The Journey

Life, Poem,

DSCN6894Where goest Thou?

Today, tomorrow and

After;

 

It’s a journey within.

I see the beauty

Of God’s creation,

When He opens my eyes.

 

The peace within

Breathes  without;

To my neighbour

My brother and sister.

 

I discover

The cool breeze,

The sound of the trees,

Birds in the air

Fish in the sea,

All hailing their Master.

 

Who am I  to possess,

But share in this beauty.

With those around me.

No boundaries or

Narrow walls to divide

One from another

 

My life but a short span

And then ?

Does it really matter,

What I have and Possess?

All given by the Giver,

With such love

Immeasurable.

 

So let us live

To see with our eyes

Hear with our ears,

And enjoy every moment

From the Master’s

Loving Hands,

A love beyond compare.

BURDENS n BLESSINGS

Life, Poem,

wp-1466576546490.jpgI drift along with numerous others,
In various shapes and shades,
A thrill of flying over peaks
A beauty to behold

Hills await, a thirst to quench,
I carry a burden,
It opens up, streams of rain,
And blessings flow.

Pray do you carry a burden
Does it weigh you down?
Know this, when you are relieved
Of this be sure ,
Burdens become blessings.

Simple Beauty

Life, Poem, Uncategorized

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I walked down the woods

And passed the geraniums,

Violet in colour, and

Delicately poised

Noticeable and yet

Not so ……

And then the old oak tree

Tall and mighty !

 

 

How do  you explain

The simple petal

So gentle and mild

Can it compete

With the solid oak

In all its grandeur;

Yet they stand

To complement each other.

 

If the petal and the oak

Are here today ,

We too stand together,

Strong and weak,

With strength and beauty

Needing each other

From the rising to the setting

Life in perfect harmony

Courageous Mum

Life

 

Mother’s day has come and gone….but its not for nothing that one hears this quote “ the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world”…..its the influence of a mother on her child, that you see in men and women today.

She was one who greatly impacted my life. She raised 5 boys with a firm and loving hand. She loved my Dad. Dad was the Provider, but Mum was the Home Minister. She looked after all aspects of our life at home.

Her favourite pastimes were gardening, and baking. She even iced cakes for our birthdays, and this encouraged me later in life to  learn sugar craft . Her sweet making at Christmas was real fun. We made traditional sweets like Kulkuls, rolled on combs (clean ones!!) and marzipans . But the highlight was helping her to stir the batter for the cake. We fought to get our turn to stir. There was the time  when she broke eggs skillfully, over the bowl of batter. So I offered to do it and guess what….my strike on the egg was so hard that the egg and its contents went all over the place.

She also encouraged us with music. One of her favourite songs was “Thinking of things” and “I have often walked down this street before”. Thereon we took to musical instruments like the violin, piano, accordion, and guitar. Even the drums came in, but was too noisy to continue at home.

She even taught our househelp ( a young  man}, to learn English. This man later learnt to read the newspaper , drive the car, and even help in compounding medicines at my Dad’s dispensary.

Mum was always busy, and did outdoor as well as indoor work. She knew aspects of house finances and banking, and in her marketing , be sure she got the best bargains. She knew all the nooks and corners of south Mumbai .  So when it came to Christmas , Santa never failed to get us a variety of toys and of course a whole lot of story books .

Mum took keen interest in our studies. Her visits to our school were quite frequent , and there was no need for ‘Open Day’, as she knew  her children’s  progress in an ongoing way. Time for homework was an essential part of the day.

Any fights between us boys at home , would end with a firm hand and specially when it came to the twins. I remember one Christmas , we got so caught up with the preparations and excitement that we  got into our own squabbles. On one such occasion, we got so boisterous that we were separated and had to kneel down in two different rooms until sobriety returned.

We were blest to always have enough food on the table. One of her favorite methods of helping us to adapt to every type of food, especially vegetables, was to get the very one we did not like. Be sure that if one disliked spinach or turnip, it would feature again the next day.

A few interesting incidents I recollect. Mum took me for an icecream to a quiet restaurant. I treasure that moment, as I felt so special. On another occasion we were taken for a movie “Pepe”. However since Mum was not aware of the movie time, we landed up at the interval. Mum had quite a task consoling us.

During school days, we took keen interest in games apart from studies. Evenings were for outdoor games. If it was the kite flying season (Sep-Oct) we would be on the terrace enjoying ourselves. But then the call would come for study time, at around 6.30pm. And with great reluctance we returned to our books. I remember playing cricket in the compound. While batting, I struck the ball in such  way that it broke the window pane. With great dread I went home to confess,…..but amazingly Mum forgave me and even affirmed me for being honest.

She abhorred any dishonesty. Quite a few government clerks faced her ire, when they avoided giving receipts for payment made. Even the taxi driver would be given a firm reprimand if he tried cheating her. But she was very generous, and Dad would not even know , the times she helped others and even the church, in keeping with the “ left hand should not know what the right hand does”

The day I successfully finished my Studies, I was astonished when she welcomed me home with a beautifully decorated cake and a graduation booklet. I was the last and the least , but she never ever treated me with any indifference. She patiently waited for this young man to make his way to be “ someone” and was very concerned about this.

The best gift she gave me is my  “Faith” . I always saw her pray fervently every evening. She did not have to tell me ….but at such times she taught without preaching.

Mum was a pillar of strength when my Dad suffered hypertensive strokes , and was invalid for about 6 years. She kept the morale of our home , and herself strong in faith. Her courage knew no bounds. Nothing deterred her, as long as she knew she was doing the right thing.

But her life changed when Dad passed away. She missed him, and mourned for him even some years later. Lonliness set in. No matter how we tried , but she never regained her bold and confident self. The final blow came when cancer set in. She was told the truth, only 6 months later at the end,  to soften the reality. She was really distraught.

Her final moments were exceptional. She prayed the rosary with me and my family and then gave each of us her final blessing. That evening  we were surprised when a priest brought her ,Holy Communion without making any request. Next morning she slowly sank and breathed her last.

As I prayed her favorite prayer “ Eyes of Jesus , look upon me” , she turned to look knowingly…….and that was the last. But heaven always awaits such a Mother, strong and courageous ….. in faith.