With gratitude for the life we shared, With sorrow for the future we shan't, We come together to celebrate thee Mary Alice, my love, my life, my person. We invite you to think about what you would say to Mary Alice if she were here and leave it as a comment below (or email it to thoughts@madmemories.com if you would prefer). These messages will be used as part of her celebration of life.
Dear Mary Alice,
I am fortunate that you are in my life. When I think of you, I first think of your warm smile and hug. You cared and looked for ways to make a situation better. You had a mixture of calm, good sense and practicality in perfect proportion that most of us lack. I first met you during a very difficult phase in my life. Alone in Seattle, coming to grips with a new situation, you and Kishore used to take me out on what I later suspected were your dates. When I asked you about it you said that you have seven days of a week to go out with Kishore and that you could share a few with me…You made me first smile and then laugh and then slowly build the courage that I needed. You taught me many life skills in Seattle including driving and believing my myself. You saw the sunshine and made me see it too.
I was privileged to be with you and Kishore as you met and fell in love. And what a beautiful love story it was … from Day One. You understood each other like no one else. You had many differences being born and raised in different cultures, and yet the kind of partnership and harmony that you both had was one of a kind … the kind that brought infinite smiles not just to both of you but to all others around you. I remember arguing with Kishore at UW, telling him that he should propose to you soon. One day I got a wedding invitation from the dogs in my email. I called Kishore and asked him if this was his latest idea of a practical joke. He told me that he was serious, but I had more faith in you than him and so I believed him.
You and Kishore are one of a kind. We are incredibly grateful for both of you in our lives. You have been such a loving Aunt and Uncle to both our kids. Spending time with both of you and your dogs was always something they looked forward to whenever we brought them to San Francisco. The conversations were always private because they wanted their own special relationship with you……Thank you for not letting Kishore undo our parenting! We adopted our dog Arjun based on your advice and what a blessing it has been. From being a complete novice to being good dog parents we are grateful for your support and advice throughout the years.
The last year was brutal, but your love and courage at every stage were so touching. As we looked for every possible cure, perhaps Mary Alice, we put you through a lot. The truth was that you were too precious, and we had to try. My profound apologies for all the pain, discomfort and inconvenience you had to physically bear. Yet, every day that you were here, it gave Kishore so much strength. I remember my last visit with you, thank you for letting me come and stay with you. You held my hand tight, and we said so many things to each other that we were not able to verbalize.
I am glad that I got to know Brenda and Marguerite and Wil and could interact with them closely. You formed many new friendships for me.
Mary Alice, while we miss your physical presence, I feel your warm hug. I feel safe in your faith that goodness will prevail. I hope that you continue as part of my conscience, that way you will always be near. And as we spoke…Kishore & the dogs will always be part of our family.
With much love, hugs, and kisses,
Anu (with Aravind, Arushi, Adi, and Arjun (woof))
I am fortunate that you are in my life. When I think of you, I first think of your warm smile and hug. You cared and looked for ways to make a situation better. You had a mixture of calm, good sense and practicality in perfect proportion that most of us lack. I first met you during a very difficult phase in my life. Alone in Seattle, coming to grips with a new situation, you and Kishore used to take me out on what I later suspected were your dates. When I asked you about it you said that you have seven days of a week to go out with Kishore and that you could share a few with me…You made me first smile and then laugh and then slowly build the courage that I needed. You taught me many life skills in Seattle including driving and believing my myself. You saw the sunshine and made me see it too.
I was privileged to be with you and Kishore as you met and fell in love. And what a beautiful love story it was … from Day One. You understood each other like no one else. You had many differences being born and raised in different cultures, and yet the kind of partnership and harmony that you both had was one of a kind … the kind that brought infinite smiles not just to both of you but to all others around you. I remember arguing with Kishore at UW, telling him that he should propose to you soon. One day I got a wedding invitation from the dogs in my email. I called Kishore and asked him if this was his latest idea of a practical joke. He told me that he was serious, but I had more faith in you than him and so I believed him.
You and Kishore are one of a kind. We are incredibly grateful for both of you in our lives. You have been such a loving Aunt and Uncle to both our kids. Spending time with both of you and your dogs was always something they looked forward to whenever we brought them to San Francisco. The conversations were always private because they wanted their own special relationship with you……Thank you for not letting Kishore undo our parenting! We adopted our dog Arjun based on your advice and what a blessing it has been. From being a complete novice to being good dog parents we are grateful for your support and advice throughout the years.
The last year was brutal, but your love and courage at every stage were so touching. As we looked for every possible cure, perhaps Mary Alice, we put you through a lot. The truth was that you were too precious, and we had to try. My profound apologies for all the pain, discomfort and inconvenience you had to physically bear. Yet, every day that you were here, it gave Kishore so much strength. I remember my last visit with you, thank you for letting me come and stay with you. You held my hand tight, and we said so many things to each other that we were not able to verbalize.
I am glad that I got to know Brenda and Marguerite and Wil and could interact with them closely. You formed many new friendships for me.
Mary Alice, while we miss your physical presence, I feel your warm hug. I feel safe in your faith that goodness will prevail. I hope that you continue as part of my conscience, that way you will always be near. And as we spoke…Kishore & the dogs will always be part of our family.
With much love, hugs, and kisses,
Anu (with Aravind, Arushi, Adi, and Arjun (woof))