Self Discipline (The Beatitudes)

The Bliss of the Disciplined Selt

-W. Barday-

Rocky withstood the test of time as far as I can remember trusting God

1. When he was overseas during World War II, he was away from loved ones for almost 6 years- enough to make many go beserk. But he used his aloneness to embibe an intellectual and spiritual education and store an inner strength which helped him to take the vessititudes of life and yet remain sweet, gentle to the end.
2. To Rocky, there was a time for prayer, time for work, time for play. For 38 years I observed that he followed a regimentation in his daily living- early morning rising, toilet ablutions, setting out to work- everything clock precision. So much so, the neighbouring onlookers felt his absence on days when he was taken ill.
3. At one of Mummy May's birthdays, someone mixed his drinks, which made him stone drunk. At thee end of the party he insisted that he reach everyone home in the Morris Minor. Lastly he took Coryl & fly home and Mervyn followed him in his car taking us all with him. On reaching home, Rocky was sleeping properly undressed, his clothes, slippers, car keys in the proper place. Next morning he asked us who put him to bed!? A habit of self discipline helped him to stand the test well!
4. There was much objection to our marrying each other and so to avoid emotional upsets, we met each other only on Thursdays to walk miles and miles of the lonely streets of Poona. Yet there was not a waking moment of our lives that we were not conscious of each other. 

1952- Rocky's mother asked him to leave 442 Centre Street. He did so, quietly, leaving all behind- just taking the bare necessities and his wife who was with child.

When Reggie was born we left 508 Centre Street for 1980 Convent Street. What a come down! That was in complete contrast to his life style. Yet he took this living with grace and made the most of his talents renovating 1980 and putting in bits of pieces to improve  the house- A love birds cage- A beautiful aquarium.

1953- Rocky took his mother to Dr. Borges for her final check up for cancer. The doctor gave her such assurance that she would be quite  well again that she asked him to put the deed of 508 in her name. Knowing her end was just a month away he took her to the collectors office and signed off his deed. - Not a twinge of regret- happy that he made his mother feel more secure in her final days.

1959- We got the boot from 1980. Rocky's job prospects were bleak! The two of us left home early in the morning for Sambhaji Park and sat on a bench there the whole day long, holding hands and comforting each other- Yet were so aware of each other. Sensitive spots- we laughed and cried- nothing mattered but that we were together and we had our 4 daughters. But first round the corner- a new job at St. Josephs- and a year later our cottage-