Another loss

I knew it was going to be bad news when I saw I had a message from my mother, and it was. Another of my grandpas passed away. Sanjeevi Savarirayan was 94. He was the 16th of 17 children and most of them lived long, prosperous lives. He wasn't actually my grandpa, he was my Mum's uncle, but I was very close to him and since I lost my grandfather on my mother's side at an early age, Sanjeevi thatha (grandpa) filled that role and that void. He and his wife, my grandma Esther, had a huge impact on my life during my teen years. I knew that he had been suffering for the last few months and he was hoping to go to Jesus soon. Being a little selfish, I was hoping to see him once more; we are leaving for India in a few weeks.

Sanjeevi thatha was a really amazing man. He was so loving, funny, fun and cool! As a teenager, I loved hanging out with him and Esther achi. We would actually hang out - go to malls, sit around and have long chats about everything over tea. I remember one time we were at a gift shop. And all of a sudden we heard this rumbling laughter from the other side of the store. We walked over to him and he showed us this card he wanted to buy - it had some sort of animal making fun of human farts! And achi said something like, Oh, Sanjeevi, you are such a kussu (fart in Tamil!) That was one of the many nicknames she used for him. They always shared an irreverent humor that I loved. He was a sucker for desserts, even after a huge, filling meal. He used to say, "When the king comes, the people make way!" One of my most cherished memories is thinking back to the few weeks I got to spend with them when I was about 17. At that time they were living in a gorgeous town in the hills in southern India. We look long walks, had great talks, wonderful meals and lots of time just to be. I probably ate a 100 mangoes and read a ton of books. It was a blast.

Thatha was one of the first MBAs from India. He traveled by sea and landed in the US at the end of WW II. I am pretty sure he went to the University of Chicago. After his studies, he went back home and held several prominent business positions. I believe that over his lifetime his influence lead to more than 70 churches being built in India. One of his last official positions was as the president of the Anurag Board (the non-profit started by my mother - see links). He was a huge supporter of the organization and in many ways filled the role my mother's father would have, had he been alive. He loved people and people were attracted to that love. He showed it in many practical ways.

I was so happy that I could see him and achi when we were in India 3 years ago and that Jonas got to meet them. We had such a special relationship and it is hard to describe my feelings. I know he is in a better place and while Jesus might be wiping thatha's tears, there a countless tears of farewell yet to be shed here on earth in memory of this amazing man. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to know him, love him and call him thatha.

Thatha, thank you for your love and I hope you know how much you meant to me. Until we meet again on that heavenly shore...