Lantern Lodge
Kirit (Kenny) and Sheela Patel in front of their motel, Lantern Lodge
Unlike the typical struggles faced by many Indian immigrants in the motel industry, Kirit and Sheela Patel's story unfolds differently. While hardships are common threads in immigration narratives, theirs is a unique example. Kirit, the youngest of his siblings grew up in rural Gujarat on a tobacco farm. His life, though simple, wasn't one of luxury. He had three brothers and a sister, and tragically lost three siblings in their early childhood. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in a third world country.
Sheela, on the other hand, had a contrasting upbringing. As a "city girl" in Mumbai, she received a good education and became fluent in English, a skill that would prove invaluable later on. Despite their vastly different backgrounds in India, a shared desire for a brighter future brought them together in marriage and motivated their immigration to America. Kirit immigrated to America in 1981, and Sheela followed in 1985 after he established a foothold. Family played a vital role in their journey, as Kirit's older brothers welcomed them with open arms and helped them enter the motel industry. They began at the bottom, taking on housekeeping and night desk jobs. Through hard work and diligent saving, they aimed to buy a motel, not necessarily to chase the American dream, but to accumulate enough wealth to return to India and live comfortably. Their initial goal wasn't about achieving the American ideal, but simply about building a happy life, be it in the United States or back in their homeland.
In 1986, a pivotal moment arrived. Taking a bold leap of faith, Kirit and Sheela purchased their own motel, the Lantern Lodge. This decision marked a turning point in their journey, showcasing not only their ambition but also their willingness to take control of their destiny. They poured their hearts and souls into the business, working tirelessly to build a successful enterprise. Over the years, they faced the inevitable struggles that come with any business venture. There were long days filled with unexpected challenges, moments of doubt, and the ever-present pressure of keeping their venture afloat. Yet, they persevered, their determination fueled by their shared dream and the desire to create a secure future for themselves.
However, their journey wasn't solely focused on building their business. Family remained their top priority. When Kirit's siblings, Kokila and Dinesh, faced setbacks in Houston, the Patels stepped in without hesitation. Demonstrating the deep-rooted values that guided their lives, they sold their ownership of the motel to help their struggling family get back on their feet. This selfless act solidified their belief that family bonds transcended material possessions. Soon after, with a growing family to consider, Kirit and Sheela welcomed their children, Kunal and Shekha Patel, into the world. With the arrival of their children, a new chapter in their remarkable story was about to unfold.
A new twist emerged in the Patels' story. Driven by a yearning for their children, Kunal and Shekha, to connect with their heritage, they made the unexpected decision to relocate to India for a year. It was a chance for the family to embrace their roots and immerse themselves in Indian culture. However, this chapter wasn't without its challenges. Despite preconceived notions of a less rigorous education system, Indian schools proved surprisingly demanding. Kunal, in particular, struggled to keep pace with the curriculum. This experience prompted deeper reflection for Kirit and Sheela. They had envisioned a carefree year in India, but the reality was more complex. Their core value of wanting their children to be grounded in their heritage clashed with the unexpected academic pressures.
Furthermore, the move back to India wasn't met with universal acceptance. Some people even criticized it as a step backward, questioning their decision to seemingly abandon the opportunities they'd built in America. This criticism likely added another layer of complexity to their experience. Yet, amidst the challenges, there was an undercurrent of growth. The year in India served as a powerful reminder of their journey and the sacrifices they'd made. It allowed them to re-evaluate their priorities and appreciate the educational opportunities America offered their children. Ultimately, the decision to return to the United States wasn't an easy one. It was a testament to their unwavering commitment to both their family's cultural connection and their children's well-being.
Back in the United States, the Patels weren't immune to the harsh realities of economic downturns. Having tasted success early on, the late 90s and the 2008 recession felt like a gut punch. The once-reliable flow of customers slowed to a trickle, and the weight of financial uncertainty settled heavily on their shoulders. The dream they'd meticulously built seemed to teeter on the brink. Familiar anxieties resurfaced, whispering doubts about whether they'd made the right choices. Was returning to America the right move? Should they have stayed in India? These internal battles were a stark contrast to the early years, when optimism had propelled them forward. Yet, the Patels were a family forged in resilience. They'd weathered storms before, and they wouldn't let these economic headwinds break them. They tightened their belts, implemented cost-cutting measures, and dug deep into their reserves of determination. It was a period of immense pressure, but they persevered, their bond as a family serving as their anchor.
While they downplayed their own hardships, Kirit and Sheela readily acknowledged the struggles faced by their older siblings. As the youngest, they'd benefited from the groundwork laid by their brothers and sister. Kirit spoke with immense respect for the sacrifices they'd made, paving the way for a smoother transition for him and Sheela. Their success, he insisted, wasn't solely their own, but a testament to the collective spirit within the Indian immigrant community. This sense of community, they explained, was one of the key ingredients in their recipe for success. Having a strong support network, a group of people who understood their cultural background and shared experiences, proved invaluable. It fostered a sense of belonging and provided a safety net during challenging times.
However, the Patels' journey wasn't defined solely by struggles. Their triumphs, both big and small, were woven into the fabric of their story. From the initial leap of faith in buying their own motel to the quiet satisfaction of watching their children thrive, each milestone marked a victory. Theirs was a testament to the power of hard work, ambition, and a willingness to adapt. They navigated cultural differences, embraced new opportunities, and built a life that allowed them not only to achieve financial security but also to give back to their community. The COVID-19 pandemic, though a global crisis, brought a new perspective. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of family, health, and appreciating the simple things in life. Through their story, the Patels hoped to inspire future generations of immigrants, demonstrating that success is attainable through hard work, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to giving back. They concluded the interview with a lesson that they deemed valuable to share: legacy is noy just about material achievements, but about the enduring values of resilience, ambition, and the understanding that true wealth lies not just in financial gain, but in the act of helping others.
