Jasdeep. “Arya is missing you” was the last text I sent you. It is still marked unread.
You made me who I am. When my grades were failing, I looked at how successful you were. All the professors loved you. The only reason I got accepted at University of Calgary was because I mentioned that you were my brother.
I followed everything you did: University of Calgary, Psychology degree, Grad school, Europe. You broke the rules; I broke the same ones.
As we got older we became best friends. You would always pick up when I called. Even now, with every challenge, I ask myself, “What would Jas tell me to do”?
Mini is here, acting as an older sibling when I’ve needed you. Pravir is filling in as my best friend. He is exactly the man you had dreamt of him becoming. We are all still working to make sure you are proud of us.
I will always be your Tinku and you will always be my Guddu. I hope I get to see you again. Life seems too cruel to never be able to see you or Mom again.
***
Mom. You gave everything you had for me and Jasdeep. You didn’t deserve the pain that was given to you, but you never let it stop you from doing your duty.
You worked three jobs to pay off the house that raised us and still made sure we were succeeding in life.
I’ll never forget how upset you were when I quit my job to start volunteering full-time. I could see how worried you were for my future. I can never fathom how much you loved me. I always teased that Jasdeep was your favorite son, but it broke my heart when I went through your purse the day you died and only found a picture of me in there.
I think about all the amazing moments you are missing with Arya, but I see so much of you in her. She looks and acts like you. I hug her extra tight because I see you in her. I hope to be as good a parent to Arya as you were to us.
Not a day goes by where I don’t negotiate with God to be able to see you one more time. Just one more hug — that’s all I ask for.
***
It’s fitting that you both went together within a span of six weeks. It gives me comfort knowing that you are together, holding hands somewhere. Hopefully, you are waiting for me to join you as soon as God wills it. I’m always yours.
Sukh Chugh
Brother / Son
I will never forget my father’s smile. And I will never forget my grandmother’s smile. Just seeing them could turn any rough day around. Their smiles were so infectious. Even looking at their pictures today, I find myself smiling back.
There are so many wonderful moments I shared with the two of them that I will carry with me forever. I remember the three of us going to the soccer field, playing together, laughing, just having a blast. And afterward, grabbing food and talking for hours. Those are memories I cherish deeply. Moments I wish we could have had more of.
I will never forget my father’s strength and his motivation whenever I was going through a tough day. He was always there. He was my number one supporter. My number one fan.
And I will never forget my grandmother’s teachings. When I was younger, she taught me so much. Not just concepts, but how to be a good person.
I would not be here without them.
Without their guidance.
Their support.
Their direction.
I hope to join them again someday.
I love them both very much.
Pravir Chugh
Son / Grandson