Does time move fast or slow? Looking back over the past 75 years, it feels like time ebbs and flows—sometimes rushing by alarmingly fast, other times crawling painfully. It all depends on the state of mind and the circumstances around us.

My elder son turned 50 in June, though he couldn’t visit India due to school and work obligations. Instead, we planned his visit with his family for July. Since many relatives were also celebrating milestones, we decided to organize a family get-together at a resort. Initially, we considered Mahabalipuram, but it was too close by. With a plan to visit temples, we shifted our focus to Swamimalai, as my son also had work in Kumbakonam.

Coordinating the event was a challenge. My elder brother was surprised at how easy it seemed to arrange food, transport, and lodging in India—he hadn’t organized anything like this either in India or abroad. But was it really that easy?

I created a WhatsApp group for coordination, essential for aligning everyone’s preferences. We only had three days, so every temple and activity needed to fit into a tightly packed schedule. Family gatherings like these are delicate pleasing everyone is part of the joy and challenge.

With two distinct subgroups—one focusing on our family deity’s temple and another with their preferred village temple—we carefully listed all must-visit places. Optional activities were added after consulting others. We originally expected 25 attendees, but health issues and other obligations reduced the group to 18 members.

This posed a transport issue. A 20-seater Tempo Traveller could fit us, but it would be cramped. Most of our group were aged 50 and above, with the eldest at 88. Comfort was essential, so we began the search for a suitable, spacious vehicle.

Contd. 326. Energy, Synergy, and Company - Part 2