I never imagined having to experience the loss of a loved one. I've been privileged in that sense, I guess. Or, I was.

On January 16, 2018, my grandfather passed away of old age in his home in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was unexpected news for us to hear. When we came to know of the details, it twisted the knife of the news further into the hearts of my mother and I. The day of his passing, he had called all five of his children to converse, as any parent does. When it's evening time in India though, it's mid-day here in the United States. That day, my mother had called him in the morning (US time 7 a.m., India time 5 p.m.) and talked to him, like she did daily.