I always remember how much Bapa loved his family and all of his grandchildren and how he took a special interest in all of our lives, relating to each one of us in his own way. With me he would always ask about my art or sports or talk about a particular painter or an artist he once knew. I was always pleased and surprised with how well he would remember the things I told him and with his genuine interest in my life. I hope that I will be able to learn from him and maintain the same sense of curiosity in the world and the people around me throughout my life as he did in his.
When I was younger we exchanged letters several times and he would share with me an anecdote from his youth, usually about some sort of trouble he had gotten in to and how he learned a life lesson from it, which was inevitably passed on to me through his story telling. I wish I had those letters on hand; they are all at home in RI, so that I could share some of his pearls of wisdom, although chances are he already passed them on to each of you in other ways.
I admire him for so many reasons and it really saddens me that I am not going to be there for his service. I really wish I could be with everyone in the same space to share memories and remember his life and reflect on the impact that he had on his friends and family. Through my travels though I enjoy very much turning to this blog and reading what everyone has to share and look through the pictures of Bapa. I can't help but think how different all family gatherings will be from now on without his presence. But I know we will all keep him with us and remember him fondly always.
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