I don't have to state the obvious.
The world seems to be ending.
Every app and group I'm on is inundated with cries for help, news, and much more. I've lost count of the number of messages.
And I know I'm not the only one.
We're all dealing with this crisis.
We're all trying our best to hang on to our sanity and move forward.
We're all trying to help friends, strangers in any way we can, with money or time.
We're also learning how to be grateful.
To acknowledge the good that comes our way.
To celebrate the wins even if we don't feel like celebrating.
This week has been a cocktail of memories, big wins, and loss.
It was a proud moment for me at work. To have been part of a big team win. If we were living in normal times, I would have celebrated the award with my team at an office party.
Nonetheless, I’m thankful.
The week wasn’t over yet though.
Last Sunday was my dad’s 15th death anniversary, and May 7 was his birthday. He would have turned 70 if he was alive.
So, yes, it was an interesting week. Filled with highs, lows, and moments of blah.
Here’s something I’ve realized.
Even in the dark times, there will be positive moments to keep you company. Therefore, don't ignore your wins. Don’t ignore the good things that come your way. Don’t feel guilty you’re laughing as the world sinks deeper into the crisis pit. You need your moments of laughter and joy. Don’t reject them; accept them as a blessing.
Be proud of everything you're doing — for yourself and for others around you. It's not easy.
On the bright side — if you’re keen to see the five-year-old me being a diva and building messy sand castles on the beach with my dad, then have a look at the pictures below.
The quality isn’t great. We didn’t have smartphones back in the 90s. In fact, I didn’t even know we had these pictures.
Building sand castles, staring up at the sky on mountaintops, eating sheera (Indian dessert) at Charni Road (part of the Queen’s Necklace in Mumbai), wearing smelly life jackets on boats, trips to Essel World (an amusement park in Mumbai) — my dad and I loved adventure. We loved going to the beach. We loved visiting the park on weekends. We loved taking pictures. Even if we didn’t strike the right pose or had a bad hair day. I definitely get my travel genes from my parents. Dad, I miss you. Every single day. Cheers to dreams, travel, hope, and life!
Spending a few minutes with these pictures reminded me of who I was and who I am.
Cheers to happier moments (they will return).
Until next Sunday,
K
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Priceless! Moments that will stay with us forever. I remember my dad telling me something similar (albeit in a more crude manner). He would always say "Keep your head down and continue doing what you're doing. One day you will see the difference you've made, even if others don't."
I miss my dad too. And on a personal note, thank you for helping me cope with the loss. <3