Originally named "Meher Center on the Lakes," the forested property had two freshwater lakes. The place was ideal from natural and spiritual standpoints as a retreat. After making all the required arrangements, Elizabeth and Norina invited Baba; after several postponements, it was fixed that he would leave India in April 1952. At one point, Baba had instructed Don to cable whether April 10 suited them for his departure, as opposed to March 31. They cabled back: "Baba asks whether the 10th of April suits us — Anything! Everything suits us as long as he comes."
After another postponement, Don cabled: "Baba tells me to repeat and repeat that his coming is DEFINITE, not only because of the desire of the people in the West that he should come, but also because of what is destined by God." For years Baba had hinted that his "blood would be shed in America," and this was perhaps what he was referring to, although at that time no one could comprehend his meaning.
Baba had sent Don to England at the end of March as his mother was critically ill. When she passed away, Baba cabled Don that his love was with her.1 Don was then instructed to go to America on 1 April to help in preparing for Baba's arrival, with special instructions for Norina and Elizabeth.
At 11:00 P.M. on Friday, 18 April 1952, Baba, accompanied by Mehera, Mani, Meheru, Goher, Rano and Kitty, flew from Bombay's Santa Cruz airport via Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 905. He had not journeyed to the West since going to Cannes in 1937, fifteen long years ago. Dr. Deshmukh and his family, the Gadekars and other close lovers saw Baba and the women off at the airport. Nearly 100 persons came and Baba was profusely garlanded. Two days later, Adi Sr., Sarosh, Meherjee, Gustadji and Nilu flew to New York, also via TWA.
On the plane, Goher and Rano took seats facing Baba and Mehera. Baba stretched out his legs on Rano's seat, causing her to sit in a cramped position.
The stewardess appeared with a form to be completed, and as Rano wrote, Baba complained, "Why did you move?"
Rano was embarrassed, especially in front of the stewardess — but this is probably what Baba intended.
There were two children on the flight who would look at Baba and keep coming near him. They were irresistibly drawn to his caresses, much to the consternation of their mother, who apologized to Baba.
Footnotes
- 1.Donkin's mother Phoebe was the grand-niece of Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author and political reformer.