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| Dwayne on his 15th birthday. |
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| Dinner at his fav place. |
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| Quiet time with family. |
It was nice when Dwayne said he wanted to go for Mass first thing in the morning on his birthday. Though we were up past midnight on the 13th to wish him, Birthday wishes are solemnized, we felt, after holy Mass. He took the trouble to step out at 6.40 a.m. to reach for the 7.15 a m. Mass offered for him at the shrine at Don Bosco, Panjim.
We took a couple of photos before he rushed out. That was the last I saw of him until late evening when he returned home, tired but happy.
The Mass reading recounted how the Lord calls the boy Samuel while he is sleeping. 1 Sam 3: 1-10. Perhaps someday Dwayne may discern the Lord's call too.
Dwayne was born in 4 degrees in Delhi on Makar Sankranti. The day signifies new beginnings, the receding of Winter, and the onset of Summer. Back in 2010 it was a new beginning for us. I did not have a job and the tide was turning for us. Queenie and myself called it a day and flew back to Goa with our bundle of joy - much to the consternation of some well-meaning relatives - but he slept through it all.
All those memories come back when I see him grown up. His quiet confidence reassures me that he can take care of himself - and us. He is always on the alert when we travel - to Mysore, Sikkim, and Mumbai - and handles the luggage by himself.
The house is filled with the sound of his guitar when he practises. He is drawn to classical guitar and has made good progress with the Spanish classic 'Malaguena.'
After school in Don Bosco, Panjim he took his friends out for lunch. While they were celebrating at KFC, in Caculo Mall, Panjim, Queenie and me had a quiet thali close by.
Then was the moment he was waiting for. We presented him something he always wanted - a smart phone. I headed back home, tired, as I had curated an event titled 'Kite Stories' to mark the day. Years ago in Vasco, dad had helped us festoon the living room with kites. I was thrilled when Dwayne called me from his phone. 'Thank you dada,' he said.
My brother Kevin and his wife Miriam joined us for dinner at Prime Rose, Sangolda. He ordered his favourite beef steak. As we stepped out at 12 we sang 'Happy Birthday' for him at the porch.
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Pix taken on 14 January 2026. Updated 17/1/26.
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