Father's Day

For the past seven years or so, it has been a family tradition to spend Father's Day at my parents' cottage on Nevins Lake near Stanton, MI. We made it up there a little later in the day because our morning was spent in Ada at the final day of opening ceremonies of the West Michigan Hindu Temple. The opening ceremonies at the temple were a three-day event, but we were only able to attend the final day. We sponsored one of the poojas and took part in the procession around the outside of the temple. It was quite an event, and now I wish I had brought my camera along for photos and video. I left it in the car out of respect for the deities, but everyone else was clicking away with cameras and cell phones, etc. The procession was beautiful, peaceful, and a once in a lifetime event. There was even a cow outside which Samedh loved. The best way I can describe the experience is that it was like a little bit of India had come home to us. The sights and sounds from Sunday are a regular occurence in India, and it was just nice having the experience closer to home.

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After we arrived up north, my sister Dena took a few photos of our family before we changed into our "cottage wear". After all, it's not everyday we dress in Indian formal attire while at the lake. The rest of the day was spent with family, including my brother Joe, cousin Steven, and Uncle Bernie. Samedh's favorite past time at the cottage is swinging on the swing. That's all he remembers doing last summer, and all he cared to do this time. As he gets older, we will be able to take him out in a row boat or paddle boat, just like the big kids do.