ANJALI DOOKERAN

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• Borrowed from elsewhere but fitting for Anji, too: (Eulogy from long ago or yesterday maybe.) Once upon a time, not so long ago, there existed a sweet fairy-girl. She lived a lovely life in that fantasy land where fairies dwell and she was free and happy. But, she would often fly low and look down upon the earth and its children, wondering about life there. Many of her days were spent in a state of pure awe and amazement at the beauty she saw. And then one day, after much careful thought, the sweet fairy decided to shed her wings and join the souls who walked instead of flying. She was reborn. She became part of a family that loved her immediately and entirely. She was a beautiful child and though she breathed no word of her secret past, it was clear she was very special. Her shimmering spirit could not be dimmed inside her new human form; her brilliance would shine through and was evident in the halo-glow surrounding her and by the magic that flickered in her ethereal and honest auburn eyes. Time passed and the girl enjoyed her new life. She realized though that she saw the world differently than most people did… always as if it was the first time she’d cast her eyes upon it. For this she felt blessed, and as she loved her people deeply wanted for her gift to be everyone’s gift. She wanted to show them how to see the beauty. She knew what she had to do….The girl opened her eyes and her heart as wide as she could, she let her guard tumble gracefully down, and answered a calling to make art of her life. It wasn’t hard; she found inspiration everywhere. The creativity flooded out of her in big, sweeping waves which she offered freely to all those who wanted or needed. Her life became an easel, the earth her muse, and she; the paint, the brush, the light. The gifted girl probably didn’t know how majestic was the impact of her work, but there was no life left unchanged by her existence. And so she went on for many years. Until one day… She began to feel very tired and weighed down. You see, because she was so open and trusting, the child truly experienced the world. While most of the things she saw amazed her, some were oh-so-heavy and hurtful for her to bear. Her passion had somehow exhausted her and she didn’t know how to change that. Her wings began to reappear. And so, after much careful thought, the girl sat down one last time, gathered all of her inspiration, courage, and strength, and let every ounce of energy that remained flow out of her left hand and into one final masterpiece. And then she gracefully set down her pencil, ceremoniously removed her shoes, reclaimed her wings, closed her eyes, smiled peacefully, and flew home. - Posted by: Paul McLennan (Friend) on: Dec 06, 2014

• On and off, I've been tracking down some old friends. I was looking forward to finding Anji again, then found this. She was a beautiful person who was always happy to see me, and I her. I wish that we could have shared more time in life. Shocked and saddened. - Posted by: Doug Ingram (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2012

• I have known Anjali for many years as a neighbour and a friend. She was a highly intelligent, spritual individual. I have always been impressed by the depth and profoundness of her reasoning. Her creativity, intelligence, and kindness were her most appreciated traits. Anjali's volunteer work at the Indo Tropical Paradise Pavilion was very much appreciated by her many friends at the pavilion. We will miss her but will always keep her in our hearts. Take care, Anj. - Posted by: Gerry Sankar (Friend) on: Sep 05, 2007

• I was once married to Anji. She was spirited, celebratory, loving, curious, adventurous, stunningly creative, idealistic, playful, joyful and, for much of her life, deeply troubled in trying to make sense of her world and her place in it. The heights of her creativity were matched by a self-destruction resulting from an illness that claimed her beautiful life. She had the capacity to love deeply, but sadly, was unable to accept that she was worthy of the same love in return. She will be deeply missed and will be remembered by me with both a smile and profound sadness. - Posted by: Paul McLennan (Friend) on: Sep 05, 2007