This week was a short one with only three days’ work. We have two consecutive public holidays: tomorrow is All Saints’ Day and on Friday we celebrate the arrival of indentured labourers in the early colonization period. And of course Saturday and Sunday we are off.
But I am squeezed in between today and tomorrow, between sadness and joy. Usually 31st October is somewhat sad for our family. It’s the death anniversary of one of my sons (he passed away 24 hours after his birth – 23 years ago). 1st November on the other hand is merrier. It’s my wedding anniversary. So we are not sure whether to mourn or to make merry. We got to organise ourselves for both, anyway.
It also happens that my youngest brother, who was on holiday for some three weeks after nearly seven years, is going back to his new homeland in Montreal on 1st November.
Alfa King Memories
Mauritian residing in Rodrigues, Amanoola Khayrattee (pen name Alfa King) is contributing writer and journalist to La Gazette Mag de l’océan indien and This Week News Mauritius.
Retired, former meteorological cadre, trade unionist and OSH consultant, Amanoola has written for in-house union and other journals, publications and magazines. He runs two blogs since 2007: “Alfa King Memories”, and “Le Journal d’Alfa King”. When he is not reading or writing, he is on a 10+ km daily hike in anticipation of his monthly trails.
Amanoola may be reached at [email protected].
How sad to read of the death of your son, it must be difficult to celebrate your wedding anniversary the next daay.
How nice that you had three weeks with your brother, hopefully it won’t be another seven years before he returns.