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Chris Anselmo's avatar

This is so beautiful, Ruhie. Thank you for sharing these snapshots of your life with your dad. The format is so compelling. I’m so glad you’re able to keep his memory alive in this way. ❤️

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Chris! The format came from @Tiffany Chu - I loved her drabble piece so much it inspired my own 💛

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Chris Anselmo's avatar

Ah ok! Well you adapted it well :)

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks so much! That’s lovely to hear :)

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Hema Vaidya's avatar

Beautifully written. These are such precious memories.

There’s one more I’d add of the day Az was born.

He said ‘ this is the best day of my life’.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Mum! I love that moment too, so much 🥹❤️

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Sneha's avatar

Beautifully written and such lovely memories. I was really moved by it and by the end with the song I can hear myself sing it and feel teary.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Sneha! This means so much to me 💛

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Breeann Adam's avatar

That moment when you’re 18 🥹 I love that so much.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Breeann! I still think about that moment and smile ❤️

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Malavika Mallya's avatar

This piece was so moving, Ruhie! Thank you for sharing. 🥹

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Malavika! I really appreciate the support ❤️

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Shell Norman's avatar

I love your photos and so glad you have them.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Shell! Photos are all I have now, so I am grateful for them too 🫶

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Wendy Kennar's avatar

Ruhie, this is a beautiful, heartfelt post. I feel honored that you gave us this intimate glimpse into your life and your memories of your dad. The last one about the "Dada song," really moved me.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Wendy! It was a vulnerable piece to share but I’m glad I did. I really appreciate the support 💛

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Tiffany Chu's avatar

You wrote this so beautifully, Ruhie. I’m all emotional now. Thank you for sharing your story. What a precious bond you had and still have with your father. I’m honoured to have inspired such a beautiful piece. 🩵

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you so much Tiffany! Your piece really spoke to my heart ❤️ I’m so grateful to you for the inspiration and to the Substack universe for connecting us!

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Linda Thompson's avatar

This is a beautiful tribute to your father. The walk to school resonated most with me. The first time I was allowed to walk to school alone, I was so excited! Halfway there, I turned around to see my father following me because he wanted to make sure I got there safely. I was angry at first. But when he caught up with me, I was happy to see him and slip my hand in his.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Linda! Oh that’s so sweet! Maybe not in the moment haha, but in retrospect. Thanks for sharing this beautiful memory 🫶

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Mesa Fama's avatar

Oh Ruhie.. this is so beautiful and I now have tears leaking from my face. My mom used to sing You are My Sunshine all the time, I can’t listen to it anymore without sobbing for missing her.

Thank you for the shoutout, my micro pieces are actually memoir snapshots :) I love that you took inspiration from Tiffany and I! I’m so glad we’ve connected here ♥️♥️♥️

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Mesa! Oh wow what a beautiful connection. Music is so powerful that way - even a simple melody like this one can evoke a profound emotional response or transport you back in time ❤️ I’ve loved reading your ultra-short stories and had no idea they’re from your memoir! I’m so excited to connect with you and thank you for sharing 😊

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Brooke Warner's avatar

Beautiful and touching, Ruhie. ❤️

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Brooke! 🫶

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Sonal's avatar

I love this so so sooo much ❤️ You’ve articulated his essence and impact on us throughout our lives so well in this piece. And I love more than anything that you continue to honour his memory through the dada song.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Sonal! That song is sacred now 🥹

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Heidi Tai's avatar

Virtual hugs for you Ruhie. Such precious photos and memories of a lifetime of love.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Heidi! 💛

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Claire Tak's avatar

So touching Ruhie. Thank you for sharing. 🥲

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Claire! ❤️

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