If You’ve Lost Someone You Love
A photo of a photo in my baby album of me and my Dad
This past week was my Dad's birthday.
He has been gone from this earthly plane for more than 28 years (he died of cancer when I was 20 years old).
Sometimes I think about how things might have been different if he had been around through all the challenges and the triumphs, the big moments and the little ones.
I wonder what he would have said, what he would have done, and how my life's path might have taken different turns if he had still been here.
But I know now that he was there, he has been with me all along.
I think about him when I'm being challenged in some way, asking, what would he have me do? How would he want me to handle this?
My dad had a huge easy smile, a deep comforting voice, and a bright laugh.
He had a firm but gentle way. He was affectionate and warm but also didn't let you get away with any BS. 😅
He wouldn't let me sell myself short. He always wanted me to reach higher for myself.
His belief in me allows me (though he has been gone for well over half my life) to tap into a deeper strength every time I think I couldn't possibly go deeper.
What a gift. ✨
And while my daughter Nova often cries that she wants to ”see" her Ajoba (grandfather in Marathi), I know they are deeply connected too.
The photo on the left below was taken when she was a baby and I showed her the photo of me and her grandfather. The photo on the right is what she did next. ❤️🥹
If you have lost someone you loved, remember that they are never far. It is up to us to tune into their presence and guidance in even the smallest ways.
✨ could be a song that plays on the radio that reminds you of them
✨ could be a memory that always makes you smile
✨ could be remembering their love for you that is eternal whether they are here or not
✨ could be asking them, what should I do? And waiting for their answer
They are close, waiting for us to see. We just have to get quiet enough to listen.
Happy Birthday Dad. Thanks for always being near. ❤️
With love,
Kena ❤️
Kena Paranjape, Founder, All You Are