Goings

I have been preparing my posts describing some observations of family traditions in India, and also my descriptions of my travels to visit Navjot's relatives. Efficient people just write them up right here, and voila!! I type them in a notepad file, check for errors, clarity, etc, then post. It takes longer, which is feeling like a drag now.
I have heard today that our close, dear friend, and unofficial life coach, Steve Elliston, passed away on Monday. We are very upset over here. I had known him for 8 years, Navjot 10. I really want to come home....I want to be in Angie's house (Steve's wife) right now! If I could do what Dorothy(Oz) did, and it actually could work, I would do it. It is frustrating to be so far away at this time.
I want to write exactly how important Steve is to Navjot and I. My thoughts come in jumbles on the subject; I could write quite a bit on it, and I want to say it nicely. Steve's unconditional acceptance and positive regard for Navjot and I, his enthusiasm for rational thinking, music, sports, art, and rich, meaningful 'couples' relationships, served as a pair of strong, steadying hands that we held onto as we took our wobbly steps 'up the escalator' (as he liked to call it) into our identity as adults, and as a couple. Without Steve (and Angie) there to support us, the journey would have been much more doubt-filled and difficult. We will miss him so much.
I feel, now, that Nav and I are riding on a train with no stops. All of our travel arrangements for Delhi/Calcutta/Varanasi/Delhi/Jalandhar City are already paid for, confirmed, even printed out. We are scheduled to leave Sunday, and return on the 9th. Now we don't want to go, but what else can we do? If I come home, then I can't come back. Nav would only mope here. We have discussed this; and I 'think' we will continue with our original plan; but we 'feel' like coming home. :(