Tap, tap, tap. . .oh no, someone is at the door soooo early. Loren goes to the door thinking there must be an emergency. One of the staff stood at the door with a small gift for Valentine’s Day. That was just the start of a day fill with tap, tap, taps, as roses, cards, chocolates, etc. arrived.
Loren started a tradition when RGI was established of buying a rose, 
secretly laying it on the pillow, of each girl. 
Not one girl has ever received a rose for ANY occasion. In fact, Nupi got a call from an alumnus, and she said, “I am missing RGI and Papi, because today he will be giving roses to all the girls. I so loved mine that I still have it for these last four years.”
The weather has turned very warm, so while we were resting in our room after lunch we had the door open. Loren was at his desk, and the next thing I hear is, “Sylvia, we are being invaded!”
All 33 girls came storming into our tiny room saying, “Thank you Papi, We love you Nani.” Hugs abound while I try to catch it all on camera. I took advantage of the opportunity to get some darling group pictures. I had to stand on my tippy-toes to even be seen. 
What better day to celebrate my parent’s memorial than Valentine’s Day—Love for the Harts. I was asked to bring the DVD of the Memorial Celebration we had in June. So we arranged to show it and let all those who were interested attend. Around 50 or so came, even though many do not speak English. (True to Indian fashion, some were not on time.)
They all loved seeing our family and the old pictures of Mama and Papa—such wonderful memories. There were but a few dry eyes as we ended the program with the song, “Thank You for giving to the Lord. I was a life that was changed. Thank You for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.” Those words definitely defined my parents’ lives. What a legacy they left here in India.
Of course, no gathering is deemed worthy without food, so I served chuta, (I call it IJ “Indian Junk”) cookies and my special spiced tea.
I would have to say, it was a near perfect Valentine’s Day.
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Thank you again for your prayers and support
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| * Some names have been changed to protected the privacy and safety of the characters in my stories. |
