1 year on…

 

It is now a year since May 18^th 2019, when my dad, almost 2 months past his 80^th Birthday,  passed away to the ages due to a sudden cardiac arrest. Over the last 1 year, needless to say, our lives have changed quite dramatically – for my mom, to get used to someone who was around her for the past 46 years of her life to not be there; for my wife, who looked up at him as her father figure in everything and a person who took so much of pride in every small achievement of hers; for my kids who were so much pampered with every small wish of theirs taken care of ; and lastly for me because I now don’t have that cushion or luxury of asking him on his opinion on any decision I take.

Over the past year, we have tried to remain strong, together and cherish some of the memories that we have shared with him. Quite frankly, there is hardly any day that goes by without one of us in the house mentioning about him or any memory associated with him. If it is taking a picture, then my wife will remember the great times she had with Appa when they took so many pictures together. Any game of cricket brings back fleeting memories of the times I grew up listening to the cricket commentary on his transistor radio. When I see a new piece of technology or have to learn something new, i remember the zeal that he had to learn anything new even till the last few days of his life – that gives us inspiration. No work is big or small – it needs to be done with diligence, dedication and discipline – we remember this simple philosophy of his every day – whether it is during cleaning the house as a result of the recent COVID-19 days, or cleaning the backyard or cooking a dish or creating a presentation – be in, be present and enjoy what you are doing. In day to day dealings and decision making especially with our kids, a thought always flashes my mind every time – “what would Appa do?”

Today, we can only remember the indomitable spirit that epitomized the man – simple yet confident of his abilities, always willing to learn and making an impact. He is no longer amongst us but his memories will always be fresh. I know, he is looking at us right now from heaven right now, with a newspaper in front, sipping filter coffee, with a pen in his hand thinking about his daily word jumble and sudoku and humming his favorite Rafi song…

We love you and miss you very much Appa.