This is not only the most difficult post for me to pen down but this also is an incredibly difficult time for my family. Still I feel it is important for me to share my feelings by my writing which otherwise however hard I try I will not be able to give words.
Through the post I also want to highlight the fact that blessed are the families who have elders with them. Our elders are the blessings that Almighty showers on us. We have more to gain then we have to lose. With them beside us:
- We enjoy our lives like free birds,
- Coming home from work, we do not feel lonely,
- We can share our joys and sorrows with them,
- We can discuss our problems with them and benefit because of their rich experience,
- Working couples do not have to worry about their children, as grandparents are there to take care,
- Kids learn so much about their culture, values and history in the form of stories from their grandparents.
I am dedicating this post to my 75-year old father-in-law, Retd. Major Dharam Pal Yadav, who just passed away on 12 Oct 2015. Not only was he a man of principles, a disciplinarian to the core, a loving father, a caring, playful, cheerful grandfather, a devoted husband, and was married to my mother-in-law for 57 years, but one of the extremely intelligent man and most respected person I have ever known.
In all the 15 years I have known him, I cannot recall a single moment where he raised his voice or complained about anything. From the beginning when I met him, he took me in as his own daughter and made me feel part of his family from that very moment.
I can say without any second thought that time spent with him have been a treasured time in my life, my husband’s life, and my daughters’ lives. We were so fortunate to have him with us for all these years.
My father-in-law has touched each of our lives in ways that cannot be expressed with words. For my daughters, he was their best friend. They are fortunate and blessed to have grown up with a super star model grandfather. Through his living example, he has taught them what it means to be a man of humility, honor and grace. We have so many wonderful memories with him that we will treasure for the years to come, all of them happy and joyful. Not only has he been an amazing father to my husband, sister-in-laws but also an incredible role model to all his grand children.
I have also witnessed my husband in another light, as an obedient, faithful and loving son to whom his father was his biggest hero. We will miss my father-in-law dearly, but I am confident that his legacy will live on in my husband, my daughters, and future generations.
And what about me? Although in some ways, I felt that my life has come to a standstill after he left for his heavenly abode, as he was my biggest support system. However, with his blessings I still have the support, love and understanding of my family. I have learned to be more patient, to take one day at a time, and to be more compassionate and grateful. I know his blessings are always with my family and me.
I still remember so clearly the pride on his face when Raj and I won the Best Supporting Parents Award from my daughter’s school, when I won the Gold Medal in Yoga Competition, when I started my entrepreneurial journey as a Trainer and a Parenting Coach and when he became grandfather of two princesses.
As now, he is gone, yet he is not. He lives eternally within all of us. We will always remember him for his loving nature, strong personality and the values he passed on to us. Praying to Almighty for his soul to Rest in Peace. Amen.
It is great