He taught me the importance of eating our food together. He made me realize the significance of family and his commitment to keeping his family together really amazed me. He used to insist on frequent family holidays, doing fun activities together, cooking on a coal stove ,helping each other at all times and much much more. It is because of him that I relish our forests, our mountains and, of course, our food.
He was a very intelligent man, no doubt about that. And I attribute what ever intelligence I have to him. Perhaps the one thing that I would most love to inherit from him is his jovial attitude, willingness to help and kindness. He always had a smile on his, no matter what the obstacle in front of him. We had our rough moments in life, but he smiled through out. Perhaps that is the reason none of those moments really mattered to me then and now. I knew, and he knew too, that we would get out of that phase. But keeping the smiles going has paid rich dividends in terms of memories.
The best decision I took in life has to be when I invited them to spend 3 months during summer of 06 with me in the US. It cost me a lot, but I was determined to give my parents a trip of their life time. And what a trip it was. We literally drove around the US allowing us to bask in and absorb this country's pristine beauty. I am glad I got to enjoy those sounds and sights with him. He enjoyed the most and in the end, that’s what really mattered.
My father passed away in December of 07, just a month and a half short of my admission into the B-School of my choice. He was so involved in the process and I am sure this would have made him happy. I dedicate my success in school and life to him, for I have nothing else to offer him as a final tribute.
Checha, I love you.......................As I cry while writing this, I truly wish you would have been with us for a long long long time, but I will try hard to rest with the knowledge that you are still with us listening, looking, talking, playing, smiling and being a part of our lives.
