An alternative title to this article could have been “Of beginnings and endings” but perhaps that would have been too vague and general. “Of birthdays and byebyes” was the second option that almost made it, but then at the last minute, I found it to be too literal. So here we are. Of firsts and farewells is perhaps the best way to describe this upcoming weekend. While the birthday celebrations were expected, the farewell was rather abrupt. But I guess that is life, and life’s reminder in and of itself to cherish and enjoy every moment with your loved ones. In life we have been shaped to know that with every beginning comes an ending, and that is life itself. But the irony truly is that life does not choose the timing, and both can happen within the same period of time. That is this weekend for me, and my family. A weekend of ironies. And truly, a weekend celebrating life – from beginnings, to endings.

Every birthday is like new year’s. It may just be an ordinary day for everyone else, but it is another day for the celebrant to refresh, and start anew. It is the first of another 365 days that God has given us to live life the way we want. This weekend, we celebrate the eight-first birthday of my dad, but in the same light, we got a call we did not expect to come when it did just last night that informed us that heaven has gained another angel – one of my mom’s best friends passed away. It was at that moment that it hit me – life can truly change just like that. With a snap of a finger, so abruptly. It was a reminder to me that a birthday should not be an ordinary day for everyone else because having a loved one around, and being able to celebrate them for, and on another birthday is truly a gift we should never take for granted. It was a reminder that life is indeed fleeting, and nothing lasts forever. That farewells happen everyday – both permanent, and temporary. That they can be far down the road, or just right around the corner. Whatever the case may be, farewells carry a weight, and are never easy.

When someone passes away, we tend to notice the small things more. The miniscule becomes magnified, and things somehow piece themselves together and start making sense. As I reflect about this recent death of one of the loveliest ladies my life will ever know, I realize that even at death she went in the same thoughtful manner she always chose to live life – quick, in her own terms, as not to worry anyone. But in her own way, she also made sure to check in, and leave a word with her friends, and those who mattered. She reminds me everyday that people will always remember you for how you make them feel, and this is why everyone is saddened with grief, with only memories of her goodness that overflows. Deaths will never be easy, but when we have a treasure trove of memories to hold in our hearts, we are able to transform that sorrow into gratitude. What a blessing it was to have been held dear, and loved by such a kind and special woman. Truly, friends are the family we choose.

And to my dad – although it drives me absolutely insane and bananas, thank you for showing me everyday that age is but a number. In moments like this, I realize the importance of living life to the its fullest; to seize the day, and to remember that life does not end when we take our last breath, but rather, when we cease to live life as we want to. Keep living life in your own terms, but please, be good.

That, is life. We celebrate beginnings, as we do endings. After all, in the end, “We don't remember the days. We remember the moments” (Cesar Pavese). Let is make it a point to make a lot of warm, meaningful and memorable ones.