Daddu’s 85th birthday:
Dear Daddu,
Happy Birthday.
85 years.
85 years around the sun.
It’s incredible you’re sitting here in front of us with your friends, some of whom you’ve known for generations.
People you saw grow from young adults all the way up to grandparents.
You’ve been there to watch their grandkids grow up.
It’s such a special milestone and I feel so grateful to be able to celebrate with you today.
You’ve changed my life in more ways than you can imagine.
How I dry myself when I get out of the shower is still the same way you taught me as a young child.
How I brush my teeth and crunch up the toothpaste is as you taught me.
But you taught me more than just that.
Your ability and willingness to work hard and show up not only for your family but also for your friends and the temple is so inspiring.
I remember seeing you do 24-hour chonkies when we were kids thinking how could this guy not sleep.
I saw you for years go to the mandir multiple times a week, always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever asked.
You were always there for people.
One story that stands out is when you were a kid.
You were but a child when the partition hit India and Pakistan and you were a Hindu on the Pakistan side.
Hearing your story about you when you were on a train while religious terrorists were walking over your body is terrifying to think about.
Pretending to be dead while those around you were slaughtered for being at the wrong place at the wrong time is unimaginable.
Yet you somehow made it and because of that, all of our family is here today.
I’m sure there are many moments like those where everything could’ve been different and yet, here we are.
With your friends and family all around to celebrate your incredible milestone.
So thank you.
Thank you for inspiring me to work hard and always help when someone needs it.
You showed up for everyone.
Now it’s time we show up for you.
Cheers Daddu, we love you.
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