21st may 2014...
Since I started the blog, I knew I wanted to post something special today. However, with my crazy work schedule, I feared I wouldn't have time to write something deserving. I was having a cup of coffee where I saw this person I admire so much again, Gnanendra!
Since I started the blog, I knew I wanted to post something special today. However, with my crazy work schedule, I feared I wouldn't have time to write something deserving. I was having a cup of coffee where I saw this person I admire so much again, Gnanendra!
To give you a little background, I met Gnanendra a few months ago, when Mom and I decided to have a little tete-a-tete with some of the ladies in the family. As we entered Costa Cafe in GK 2, I called the waiter, he was busy and probably didn't hear me, and since we needed a few more chairs at the table, I started pulling some. He was immediately by my side, smiling and getting the chairs. I looked at his name tag, it said 'Gnanendra'. I then proceeded to tell him my order, he pointed to the cash counter, and then to another one of his colleagues. He was still smiling when he put a notebook and pen in my hand, pointed to his ears and mouth and shook his head sideways. A mute, and deaf waiter serving us with a smile... and we complain!
I sit here on the 8th anniversary of the greatest tragedy my family has known, reflecting on the last 8 years. Hindsight is indeed 100 percent. Some of the things I once knew, I have moved away from. I have made it my personal journey of making everyday count. Sometimes I wonder: Would he be proud of me? Would he see how far I have come? Am I proud of myself? Do I even realise how much I have accomplished in the last 8 years?
Yes, I have had to deal with tragedy. But through that tragedy I have BLOOMED. I have learned to appreciate each day as a special gift. I try to look at people with just a little more tenderness in my heart. I try just a little harder each day to smile and to make others smile. Even though I cried throughout the day today, as I'm sure I will every year on this day, I know in my heart of hearts that I will see him, who I miss so much, someday. I have no doubt that as he look down upon me, he is telling his co-bridge players: "She has made such wonderful choices".
I know there are so many more stories that have happened in the last 8 years, as I moved halfway across the country. From making pepper rasam and jalebis, to giving a helping hand to those in need, to running towards danger rather than away from it, he is remembered now, and always will be. As I get ready to start another new year, I hope that this next one will be smoother, and I will have a strong support system on earth as I have in heaven.
