annual letter – SHANT ATMAN

And then there were three! For many years, family for us meant Bambi, Yash, Chitra and me. We planned everything around the four of us, food, vacations, time away from home, birthdays, gifts, well you get the point…everything! So, on July 11th, when we said goodbye to Bambi, it altered all our lives. This letter is going to focus on Bambi and other moments from 2025.

Bambi

Before my family begins to share their year, I want to start with my last annual note. I was fortunate to live life like a king, say goodbye like a king and I continue to live like a king. Socks, Snickers, and MJ are here with me and there is freedom like you cannot imagine. We have squirrels, birds, lush meadows and no cars! I continue to chase squirrels but it is all fun and games. No one discriminates, no politics to divide us, no social media to distract and fewer humans who only share love.

Dad, mom and Yash…I would like you to only remember me at my best. Ok now, I need to rush, my friends are calling me for a game of tag. See ya later, earthling suckers!

Yash

Still remember the first day Bambi came home as a “guest”, I got to sit next to him and pet him. When he had to go back home, my mom asked me if I wanted to walk him around our cul-de-sac. That moment stays with me, because it sparked the feeling of being a big brother. I lived 12 years of my life with him and I miss my little brother.

This year has been dotted with many firsts…got my car driving license, successfully completed my motorcycle safety training, witnessed bureaucracy in the DMV for getting my motorcycle riding license, earned my first paycheck, bought my first car, bought my first motorcycle, had my first motorcycle accident, took my first ride in an ambulance, and recently got my first black eye!! Now, that seems like an exciting year. My parents insist I mention, that academically I am doing well and was the JV2 divisional wrestling champ for 165 pounds. Alright, now to more exciting stuff!

Chitra

When both the trouble makers were away from the house, it was just Bambi and me. I used to sit in the sunroom or in the patio planning my yoga class. Bambi, next to my feet, used to rest his body by my feet or on my lap. He would be at peace and would take a deep sigh with his entire body just easing into the moment. I miss his deep sighs, but feel his presence all around.

It has been my turn to watch my mom’s health deteriorate and all I can offer is comfort, visits to India and a patient ear. I have been determined to complete my 500 hour teacher training and made good progress. My yoga community has grown and I thrive in that energy. Hosting an annual yoga gathering is getting to be a tradition that I stress about but also love. We celebrated Suresh’s 50th birthday and I was happy to host some of his dearest people. I think the best gift I gave him, was nudging him into a Vipassana course. Many may think and few say, it was a gift for me…nooooo, never!!?? 😉

Suresh

Rain, snow, polar vortex, or late night out, there was always discipline in my morning routine to walk Bambi. His collar tags would jingle and he would shake his entire body. “Come on dad, let’s go!” That discipline is gone and I miss my boy!

Sitting in the same motorcycle training class with Yash and beating him in both the road and written test is a flex I will never let go. When both Chitra and I had cold feet about our decision to say good bye to Bambi, watching Yash lead us to the right decision was an eye opener. It was an equally revealing moment when Yash treated us to the movies with his own money…only to realize he was buying the tickets and I still had to shell out for the popcorn, which just happened to be double what he spent. Lastly from not being able to meditate or sit quiet for 10 minutes, to then successfully completing the 10-day Vipassana course is something I am proud of.

Sharing the Menon family love

2025 was bitter sweet and a reflection of life. Wishing you and your loved ones a 2026 filled with many memorable firsts, determination for your goals, and people who bring out the best in you!

Swipe left to view all the pictures

Jul 11, 2025: Always held my boy like a baby
Mar 25, 2025: Mycroft getting accustomed to meeting guests
Mar 31, 2025: ‎⁨Driftwood Beach⁩, ⁨Jekyll Island⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩, ⁨United States⁩
Jun 15, 2025: Attending the motorcycle training class
Mar 31, 2025: Sun, sand, breeze and my boy
‎⁨Apr 5, 2025: From Mommy with love…for Yash’s first day as an employee
Apr 5, 2025: Yash’s first employer – Dog Dayze, ‎⁨Bolingbrook⁩, Illinois⁩, ⁨United States⁩
Apr 1, 2025: ‎⁨Forsyth Park⁩, ⁨Savannah⁩, ⁨Central Savannah River Area⁩, ⁨United States⁩
Apr 16, 2025: Anniversary dinner date
Apr 26, 2025: B’day card from Yash to mom 01 of 04
Apr 26, 2025: B’day card from Yash to mom 02 of 04 – Mumma & baby whale
Apr 26, 2025: B’day card from Yash to mom 03 of 04 – Mumma & baby Orangutan
Apr 26, 2025: B’day card from Yash to mom 04 of 04 – Mumma & baby bear
Jul 17, 2025: Boys trip to MN
Apr 1, 2025: ‎⁨Riding through spots where Forest Gump was shot
Jun 8, 2025: An interest in mycology resulted in Yash cleaning his workspace without any threat(s)!
‎⁨Apr 1, 2025: Savannah⁩, ⁨Central Savannah River Area⁩, ⁨United States⁩
‎⁨Apr 1, 2025: Savannah⁩, ⁨Central Savannah River Area⁩, ⁨United States⁩
Jun 16, 2025: Tracking Yash, the first time he drove alone to Petsmart!
Jun 1, 2025: Patio study time
Jun 19, 2025: First movie ‘Sinners’ paid by Yash, with his own money!
Jul 11, 2025: Dad gave me a nice relaxing bath before my visit to the vet…I am tired
Jul 24, 2025: Naperville storms, downed front yard tree missed our home by a foot!
Aug 19, 2025: School picture
Aug 24, 2025: Chicago Botanical Garden
Sep 8, 2025: Junior year requires focus and long study hours
Aug 31, 2025: Lunch in Chicago downtown
Aug 31, 2025: Zakir Khan was unique and masterful
Sep 27, 2025: Morton Arboretum is great all year long
Oct 3, 2025: After Yash’s first road accident…all the safety gear, training and riding reflexes worked
Sep 9, 2025: Yash’s first car…a Subaru Forrester
Oct 19, 2025: My traditional Naperville half…it poured all through…don’t ask where I got chafed the most!
Oct 21, 2025: Happy Diwali from the Menons
Nov 5, 2025: Papa’s b’day gift purchased with Yash’s own money!
Nov 18, 2025: National honor society
Nov 30, 2025: Dhamma Pakasa, Pecatonica, Illinois, United States
Dec 19, 2025: Chitra’s super salad
Dec 20, 2025: Yash’s first black eye…a freak wrestling accident
Dec 19, 2025: Yash wins with one eye!
Dec 25, 2025: Merry Christmas from the Menons
Dec 27, 2025: Libertyville High School JV1 Wrestling Meet
Aug 14, 2025: First day as a Junior in High School
Mar 15, 2025: Yash’s b’day celebration at the Insect Asylum, Chicago
Mar 15, 2025: Yash’s b’day celebration at the Insect Asylum, Chicago
Feb 22, 2025: Bambi’s new ride, in preparation for our Savannah trip
Jan 25, 2025: JV2 Divisional champ for 165 pounds
Jan 10, 2025: Not as excited about the snow
Jul 23, 2025: Mom made a collage, please focus on the Honda picture
Jan 1, 2025: From Mommy with love for Yash 01 of 02
Jan 1, 2025: From Mommy with love for Yash 02 of 02
Dec 25, 2025: From Yash with love – Homer is back after a brief sabbatical

PAST ANNUAL LETTERS

Oct 1, 2023: Lake Michigan & Chicago Skyline

We will not be talking about ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 final. We will not be talking about how easily one can throw their back. We will not be talking about teenagers enjoying a mosh pit. We will not be talking about our recent experience with Covid. And we will certainly not be talking about low metabolism rates!

Hope you find the rest of this note a glimpse into the Menons’ lives in 2023.

Bambi

After 11 dog years on this planet, I have come to love home even more. Not sure if it is my age, but I always want to be around my family. It is a pain when they are all working from different rooms. I keep visiting each one every 5 to 10 minutes. If you know my family, you would agree they all need constant supervision! And if you ask them, they blame me for being super anxious as I age. 🐶

This year was the first time I vacationed with a buddy. His name is Pompeii and he was very gracious in welcoming me to his lake house – Malabar Cove. I also got to welcome a new youngling to our court, Penny. She is smaller than me in size, but is a huge bundle of energy. Always happy, jumping and bouncing around.

I shall end with a joke that you humans could use…Q: Why do dogs like conjunctions? A: They just love buts!

Yash

If I was forced to write a few paragraphs reflecting on the year (multiple eye rolls), it would center around queen hunting and magic. Don’t let the word ‘queen’ get your imagination to run wild, I have promised my parents “no grand kids, just grand puppies”. So my queen hunting was focused on the ‘formicidae’ types. And for common folk like you, I am referring to ‘ants’. I convinced my parents to start an ant farm in our house…yes!.. I see a bright future in sales for me!! Over this spring and summer, I spent time training my eyes to focus on tree stumps, sidewalk corners and lawn edges. Objective was to sight a queen ant and take it home. This was a different kind of learning and I have to give credit to my dad for joining me on these excursions. We did finally manage to get home two queen ants and today they are both growing separate colonies in test tubes. I would sure have more to write about this topic next year, when they transition into their larger ant farm apparatus.

Unlike David Blaine, I can’t spit out a dozen frogs, but I can enthrall you with my card tricks. I have performed on the streets of Naperville, in Costco, in restaurants, parties, airports and at homes. Some of my “best” uncles and aunts invited me for short gigs at their events, where I earned some crisp dollars. Here’s a BIG thank you to those “best” uncles and aunts. To others who are vying to get into this “best” circle, it is super simple…just text me your event details!

Chitra

Oct 20, 2023: Enjoying a beautiful day out on the patio

I will remember this year for making it back on my yoga mat, watching Yash start High School (HS) and Suresh start a new job.

My community played a key role, in supporting and nudging me back on the mat. First as a student and then as the one conducting the practice . It is hard for me to put into words my gratitude for each of these beautiful souls – You know who you are! My resolution in life is to keep paying it forward. ❤️ I also want to thank every student of mine who joins me on the mat. With every class, I learn, I grow and I also see my true self more clearly. You inspire me!

Watching Yash start and be himself in HS has been fun. He has a good circle of friends and made it through his first semester finals. Like every child, he has unique gifts to offer to the world and I love witnessing his journey as he finds himself . I am proud to be a “shrimp” (his nickname for me) as he towers over me.

Suresh got offered a new opportunity some months back which he decided to accept. I think he has made the right call. He’s someone who performs under fire and right now, is getting just that. I will neither confirm nor deny that the fact that he is no longer going to be working from home has anything to do with my excitement!!😍

New additions to the family – an ant farm in the making and an axolotl on the way!

Suresh

Pride. That’s what comes to mind, when I reflect on the year.

Witnessing Chitra getting back on the mat and watching her teach again, has been one of my proudest moments. Many of you know, she is my Editor in Chief and I did notice how trimmed this section has become.

Yash started his wrestling season with a bang, 2 – 1, in his first HS meet, and was later moved up with the JV team. In his first JV match, he was the underdog, but battled through all the 3 periods, trailing heavily on points. Only hope was for him to pull off a ‘fall’, which did not happen, instead he ‘fell’ just before the bell of the 3rd period. I observed him wince, shake hands with his opponent, slowly walk over to the opposing coach, shake his hand and then to his coach. I saw them talk, he was gesturing to his left hand and then I saw him walk over to the medic. He came back to meet me, with an ice pack on his hand. He had jammed his finger to his opponents knee and was in pain. After 20 minutes, the medic walked over and suggested pulling Yash off the meet, and take him over for an X-ray. After our visit to the clinic, it was determined that Yash had a two point displacement fracture on his 4th meta carpal. The nurse and the doctor remarked “your son is a trooper, I would have been screaming all this while”. Reflecting back to that day, and having seen his match video multiple times, I could see when the jamming of the finger took place, when his hand again comes under his opponent’s knee and he continued to fight. Yes, that is my boy! He will work on improving his skills, but he has a tough mind and I am super proud of him.

This year also gave me the opportunity to spend good time with my professor from college, catch up with my first US customer and host my mentor from my first job. All these people are special to me and spending time with them was a blessing. I sincerely hope to have made them proud with my conduct and actions. Having lost my mom and dad, there is a void in my life and these folks have stepped into it. Too bad they are stuck with a 48 year old, adopted son!

Sharing the Menon family love

We experienced and explored in 2023. We took knocks to our chins and got back up to fight another day. We laughed and rejoiced. We treasure those who have been around for us and those who share their positive energies with us. Life is short and we are going to focus on what brings us joy.

Wishing each of you, a big dose of “ease”. Ease to be making healthy choices, ease to be positive and ease to focus on what brings you abundant joy. Happy holidays and have a memorable year ahead.