January 1959

Rise and shine to Wednesday morning and half-way there!  I went to work.  I had a few words with one of the front-line girls, Jules.  We got on real good, always a smile for one another, great for a successful working environment.  Okay, I would’ve dated her if it were possible.

Actually every last one of us at this jeweler shop got on perfectly, including the boss man.  I thought to myself that I would be blessed indeed to have such a wonderful working environment again, wherever I ended up.

I lowered my voice as I spoke to her, ‘Please don’t speak of this to anyone, not yet.’  She promised she wouldn’t.  I asked her what she thought.  Did she have any ideas as to what I could do to get the final document; promise of accommodation?  

Honestly I hadn’t a clue (and believe it or not, neither a connection) what I should do with this one.  After only a few brief moments of thought she smiled at me and said, “Don’t worry Nand,” that’s what she called me, “I’ve got a brilliant idea!”  

Bless her angel heart, Jules went on her lunch break that very afternoon to the church of the Bahá’í Faith and returned with an official (yes, on their letterhead) letter stating my name as a member who was migrating to the United States.  What an unexpected surprise!

“To Whom it May Concern …. Mr. Masala is a member in good standing … please accommodate him with a place to stay and help him all you can until he can get on his feet …”

I hugged her so tightly, I just couldn’t help myself!  ☺️ I’m suspecting she’s not minding.

Was all of this supposed to happen or what?!  Else all of these elements couldn’t have fallen so easily into place, right?  It was like magic, I just couldn’t believe every piece was coming so freely into my hand.

I went straight home again, no Guinness stop after work.  It was a wonderful evening as was most always the scene.  A perfect dinner, everyone talking along with the laughter and fun with the children.  

Then at one point my brother mentioned casually, “For a week I’ve been noticing that you’ve been slipping in and out of work, taking some extra time away.  Curious, what are you up to?”  

I responded, ‘Nothing in particular, just some personal stuff I had to take care of and some people to see.’  He acknowledged the answer with a slight smile, the kind that comes from a twinkle in the eye.  My brother was smarter than I knew at that time.  

This reply was good enough because everyone knew I had legal matters to tend to every now and again so what I was doing really didn’t raise any flags.

Later that night after everyone had gone off to their rooms, I made certain all of the paperwork was complete.  No blanks on any of the official documents and triple-checking to be sure I had all the items called for.  

I then placed all of that into a nice bag which I had previously purchased for such safe keeping purpose.

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With such great conviction, I just knew it was my destiny to live in these beautiful United States of America.