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Where she was born:
Minita was born in Gujarat, India which borders Pakistan, and the Arabian Sea. -
How she grew up:
Minita and her family lived a more lavish lifestyle in India. They were the only apartment that had a phone, and neighbors would visit regularly to use it. -
Her religion:
Minita's father, who I call Dada, raised his family believing in Hinduism. Although, the finest education in India is taught in Catholic schools. Minita and her 2 siblings attended one of those schools and grew up with a Catholic education. After settling down in America my grandfather co-founded a temple in Lowell, MA called: Laxmi Swaminarayan temple. -
The first send off:
Nana, my grandmother, and Dada, my grandfather, moved to the United States a year before Minita and her siblings did. Minita and many other family members stand saying goodbye to her parents at the train station. -
The beginning of life in America:
Minita, her sister, Mona, and older brother, Akish, with their father sitting in the one-bedroom apartment they rented when they first arrived in America. This home was far different than the one she was used to in India. -
Making friends:
Minita was immediately enrolled in an all-white Catholic school, where she was forced to learn English within a couple of months. Minita was heavily bullied by the girls for her nose ring and lunches. On her 10th birthday, she invited many of those girls to her party, and most did come. -
The end of high school:
Minita graduated from Our Lady Of Nazareth high school. She went on to pursue a degree in accounting at Bentley University. -
Young love:
Minita and my father, Joe, met when she was 19, while both were attending Bentley University. Only a few years later, they eloped when she was 21. Minita's parents had an arranged marriage, and she was the first in her family to marry outside their race; Joe and Minita's relationship caused great turmoil between, her and her family. -
Building a family:
Minita struggled to get pregnant for over a year. She got shots every day and other medicines for months. On March 28, 2001, my brother, Nathan, was born. -
Round 2:
4 years after Nathan's arrival a better child came along: me. Minita desperately wanted a girl, and she got one. Minita always told me no one, not even her, could believe I was her child, due to our slight difference in race. -
Parent day in the 1st grade:
Minita spent my childhood working. Changing jobs every couple of years, or having multiple. She thought it was a small price to pay for giving her children a better education. -
Starting new:
In the middle of the 8th grade, Minita and I moved to Sudbury. She did not know anyone or like the town at all, but she stayed. I now know she wanted a fresh start just as much as I did. -
Final destination:
Our fresh start did not end as well as expected. Wellesley was attempt number two, and it stuck; for both of us. Minita's work ethic has not slowed down as I have gotten older. However, Wellesley gave her confidence and security. Throughout her life she never experienced stability. Im grateful she finally feels at home. -
The maple tree:
In 1994, Minita, and Joe moved into my childhood home. They originally rented a room on the top floor, but then bought it intending to remodel the rooms. The first thing they did was plant a maple tree in front of the house. Our neighbors did not enjoy the fall season, but it was gorgeous. When the house was sold, Minita and I would still visit the tree. Suddenly, the buyers cut it down. That maple tree grew alongside the family she built. Cutting it down closed that chapter of her life.