Reclaiming a latent talent

I’ve always been known for being an expert sleeper. When I was a child I could literally sleep in any position, sitting up, on my head, scrunched up in a doll’s crib, and even upside down. I could fall asleep in the car, amongst a loud group of people and while listening to heavy metal music. Nothing-- I repeat nothing-- would get between me and a good night’s sleep. (or a good nap)

It hasn’t been until recently, that I’ve become aware of how my talent for sleeping has been compromised. Since about 2006, when I became aware of Khalid’s immigration situation, my penchant and talent for sleep has gone awry. It’s not that I have shunned practicing. On the contrary, I was horribly distraught and tired most of the time. As a result I coveted the peace that sleep time brings.

But apparently, when the chores of the day were completed, and my head hit the pillow, I was unable to quiet my mind. I incessantly obsessed over the dark tidings the future had in store for us. It seemed it was fated that my husband and I would be separated and every night was spent wondering whether this would be the last night we would spend together.

I have spent four years worth of unrelenting and merciless nights-- tossing and turning, pondering, anticipating and surmising the worst. I have caught only the briefest glimpses of the ever-flickering fragments of my nightmares because I would awake intermittingly throughout the night.

I was exhausted, annoyed, anxious and angry most of the time. The worst part of all is—I didn’t know it. I thought--despite the circumstances—that I was doing fine.

I didn’t know any different until the last visit we made to Homeland Security and the Deportation Officer admitted they could not obtain the travel documents to India. That night I slept like the dead. There was no tossing, no turning and no waking up during the night.

In fact, every night since that day I have known nothing but peace during the night. Besides having my husband by my side, peace is the most valuable element in my life.

Oh--and also the satisfaction of reclaiming a latent talent...

Another trip to Albany

This past Monday we travelled once again to Albany New York and paid a visit to the office of Homeland Security. After being kept waiting for hours during some of our previous visits we decided that we weren't ever going to give them the opportunity to detain us for an entire day--so we now arrive around 2:00-3:00 PM. That gives Homeland Security only 1-2 hours of our time to waste before the office closes at 4 in the afternoon.

We were not left waiting very long on this particular visit. After only about 10 minutes Khalid's deportation officer came out. Curiously, she came right out and sat opposite us in the waiting room. She usually meets us in the waiting room, however, it was curious that she sat down. Normally she stands up when she speaks to us.

She seemed very relaxed and spoke in a casual manner. She told us that there were no new developments. They haven't procured the travel documents and it was unlikely that they would. She even added that the Indian consulate won't even return her phone calls. I thought it very curious that she divulged that bit of information.

She asked about Khalid's work permit and he mentioned that he had received it. Then she turned to me and started asking me about my work. I wasn't inclined to maintain a long conversation--why? Well..because conversing with a deportation officer is akin to speaking to a police officer while you are under arrest: "anything you say can and will be held against you..." It's best to keep answers short and sweet.

Another curious thing occurred at the end of the meeting. She told us that if it was necessary, to come back in six months. Then she warmly shook my husband's hand and then my hand and said take care.

We were both shocked because she had never shook our hands before but had always maintained a professional, assertive and detached demeanor. My husband and i spent a substantial portion of the drive back to Utica contemplating these strange happenings. We both agreed it felt as if she was saying goodbye--but why?

Was she planning on leaving Homeland Security? It is no secret that employees who work for Homeland Security have low job satisfaction.

Are they going to be transferring Khalid to a Syracuse office? She has mentioned that its a possibility that a DHS/ICE office may be opening up in Syracuse.

Or does she have an inclination that the waiver may be approved? She did mention that the excludability waiver has the best chance of being approved.

We will just have to wait to find out. In the meantime Khalid and I will look forward to the upcoming Summer season without having to fear separation. That is a blessing beyond measure!