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Komal Pandya's avatar

This was so beautifully written Ruhie, and deeply moving. You’ve articulated such raw and profound emotions, and the way you’ve expressed it shows such courage and vulnerability.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you so much Komal 🫶🫶

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Christine Vaughan Davies's avatar

This is such a beautiful letter to your father - and all of us. Thank you for sharing this on his birthday. I am touched by the way you continue to keep his memory alive. I also love your opening line "grief just plain sucks" so true. Hallmark needs to put that on the front of a card!

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you so much Christine 🫶🫶 Haha I’m glad that line resonated with you 🤣

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Hema Vaidya's avatar

Another beautiful letter Ruhie.

The way you try to keep your Dad’s memory alive is amazing. I know you sing the special song every night to your kids ‘ I love my dada, my special dada, you make me happy when clouds are grey, I love you dada, I miss you dada, you are my hero and my guide’. The birthday celebrations, memories of Father’s day etc are all that you do so the kids know him.

But you are right. I feel so sad to think that not only did Sanjay miss out on a very special connection with his grandkids but the kids will always miss the enormous love he would have shown them. I remember Az asking me last year on his birthday if dada can come down from heaven just that day and take him to the park. Sanjay would have adored them and joined them in any mischief they could get up to.

Kids who grow up with all four grandparents are so lucky.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks Mum ❤️❤️

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Subu's avatar

Very well expressed Ruhie.. emotional and brings tears to people close to your dad.

Its true Az resembles so much of Sanjay, most prominet beng his eyes and his extraordinary intelligence apart from his smile, and dimples as you have mentioned. Everyone in our community say he was such a handsome person. What remains for us are his golden deeds, his affection and his Love for us to carrie forward. Being so close , strong memories of him to recollect and relish are part of our daily lives moving forward.

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Mavayya for this lovely message! The kids are very lucky to have you that’s for sure

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Hema Vaidya's avatar

The kids are lucky to have you.

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Rafia Khader's avatar

What a touching and beautiful post, Ruhie! I'm coming to see that death is actually hardest for those still living. But what a treasure to have such beautiful memories to continue to celebrate your dad. Love the 7/11 reference, ahhhh!

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you Rafia 🫶🫶

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Amruta Trivedi Pandya's avatar

Loved this one Ruhie, especially the reality of life after loss where every milestone is tinged with the pang that he’s not there to share it. Also loved the reality of difficult questions from the boys and the Harry Potter quotes. 💛

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thanks so much Amz 💛

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Jean Dcunha's avatar

Ruhie your reflections on dad were beautiful. I have seen death at close quarters very young - at not yet 12 when my dad passed, and then my mum later. I keep their memories alive in the anecdotes I recall and share about them, looking at their photos, giving masses for them on their special days, living some of the wonderful things they taught me, praying to them - prayers of thanks, praise and for intentions

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Ruhie Vaidya's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story Jean and these beautiful ways you remember your parents 🫶

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