Humility and Joy

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My dearest Binu achen,

I'm sitting here at church. It's the 8th of June. In a week from now, it will be seventeen years since you left for your heavenly abode. The educational scholarship offering we collect in honour of your memory... it's helped so many kids study in the past two decades.

Is it a coincidence that your death anniversary coincides with my ammachi's? I think not. You were one of the few people who smiled with their eyes - true Joy's fruit of the Spirit. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news - in my room at home in Kerala, far away from reality. I never got to see you then. I was too young to understand the depth of the loss when you passed away. A part of me is glad that the only image in my head of you is the smiling, cheerful one. 

Every time I pick a badminton racket, I remember you. The centre youths host a badminton tournament in your name every year. In all of Lord's glory, atleast we know that you left this world doing what you loved to do best.  

I still have the bookmark you gave me on my 8th birthday - thank God it still has your handwriting on it. It's the only physical representation I have of your life on Earth. The rest of your manifestation is in our hearts. 

I remember the notebook you kept at church for us to write our prayers and petitions to the Lord. I know you would pray for us every step of the way.

They released a book in your memory. It had all the letters from your personal diary. I remember gaining a glimpse of your humility reading your thoughts once you were no longer here to share it with us. 

Took me ten years before I started journaling the way you did. Even now, so much of my approach to life is inspired by what eight year old Shar experienced wide-eyed, eternally in awe of you.

Why am I writing this now? I realised that I am finally the age that you came to our church - your first posting. I can feel the thrill, the excitement that you must have had when you finally made it - the dreams, wishes, and the fire in your heart to make a change. I finally understand the depth of your loss. Your life taught me the meaning of joy and humility. Through your death I know that life may end when we least expect it - but the mark we leave stays in the hearts of people long beyond our lives.

Eternally grateful to God - he brought you to us. We miss you dearly. 

Question - Do they play badminton in heaven?

Always in awe,

Twenty-six year-old Shar

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 9, 2025 at 12:02 PM

    It is truly heart- touching, I'm so glad that someone else misses him the way I do - apart from his family . It was my first encounter with loosing someone and the fact that he met me just the day before his passing made me harder to accept . It also made me realize that everything can change in a day. If he were alive today, he would definitely be my go to person or best buddy .
    He had such a remarkable presence, his memories continues to live in our heart. I feel blessed to have witnessed a part of his journey..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Angel ThomasJune 9, 2025 at 12:14 PM

    Chechiiyee
    Thiss is soo beautifully written ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 9, 2025 at 3:48 PM

    Thanks for writing this, Sharlin. I remember him too! Praise God for His life. - st

    ReplyDelete

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