My dad would have been 84 today. It's been nearly 6 months since his passing, and his presence is as big as if he were sitting right next to me. And that's a good thing.
Dad had a mind like a steel trap and seemed to know and remember everyone. He would recognize former students that he hadn’t seen in 20 or 30 years, remembered their seat in the classroom, and would always ask about their siblings or friends by name.
He had a big heart. Every week he bought lottery tickets and promised to send the cashier back to India when he won.
He was a natural born leader, superb organizer, darn good cook, great dancer and loved entertaining or taking others out to dinner.
He delighted in being around his grandchildren, bragged to anyone who would listen, and was always certain that they would make good decisions and go far in life.
In his waning days he told my husband that he wouldn’t change one thing about his life; that the lumps were part of the living and learning, that his life was full of meaning and joy.
Dad was a true teacher, and I'll always be grateful for the BIG lesson he taught me: how to live full out with integrity and meaning and how to die with dignity and grace.
Thanks, Dad. You were right; it's a wonderful world.
With love and gratitude,
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