306/365 – people to thank who have had an impact on me. Today is anniversary of my dad’s passing. It has been 3 years. I am not ready to write about him (that will be done next Tuesday on his birthday giving me time to think about the gratitude post). Tonight I want to honour all the people who came out to give their heartfelt condolences during that time. We knew it was going to happen as he was hospitalized and immobile for over a year and it was no way to live out your final days but that is neither here nor there. All the friends and relatives who came and helped us with the arrangements and the Punjabi traditions around someone’s passing were greatly appreciated. All the people who helped my mom get through it by literally supporting her during her time of need. All the cousins who had already gone through a similar experience and figuratively and literally held our hands through the process. My school board for allowing me two weeks of paid leave for funeral and grieving alleviating that aspect of stress. Friends’ kind words and encouragement through that time. I had never experienced a death of a family member until I was well into my 40s and regardless of age, one is never prepared especially losing an immediate family member. I am very glad that I had people to fall back on who gave support in more ways than one. I had done my best to support my extended family when they had lost an immediate family member but now I have more compassion and understanding from going through it myself. The shock and subsequent grieving around losing someone is hard but the people in your life can make the process a little more bearable and to each and every person who was there for me, my sisters and my mom, I thank you.
randysangha 