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SH. MADAN GOPAL SHARMA
2018 was certainly an unforgiving year for the Sharma family, as we bid farewell to one very memorable era of our family. After losing our Grandma on April 2, 2018, our Grandpa, Sh. Madan Gopal Sharma, followed a mere four months later on August 11, 2018. It would be no exaggeration to make a blanket statement that our Grandpa was the strongest man that all of us crossed paths with, whether it be physically or emotionally. As children, we all recall always feeling terrified by his strict nature, the sheer size of his hands and his deep, rumbling voice. Just hearing him from a distance was enough to cause us to either run in the opposite direction or to bolt past his room so we wouldn't be tested with another complicated math question! Among our Grandpa's many accomplishments, he proudly shared his experiences as member of the Indian Air Forces; needless to say, India's Independence Day will also never be the same for us in the family owing to his close connection with the country's fight towards independence. Our Grandpa was the most focused and tenacious person we ever knew; even after the accident he suffered along with our Grandma while on their way to Haridwar, he was determined to recover as soon as possible and to continue to live an independent life and did he ever! He epitomized devotion in every dimension of his life - as a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.
One year ago, not only did we lose the patriarch and matriarch of the family, but our biggest support system, our cheerleading squad. Our lives will never be celebrated as our grandparents celebrated them. They truly made a point of making each of us feel special and valued. Our grandparents provided for us only the best and we can only hope and pray that we delivered the same in return. There is absolutely nothing and no one in this universe who can ever take their place.
Through the memories we made together, and the values they instilled within each of us, our grandparents will forever remain the guiding light shining on our paths for they were voices of the past, role models of the present and opened the doors to our futures.
Remembering you is easy; we do it anyway,
But missing you is heartache
that never goes away.
We cherish your love and guidance deep in our hearts each and every day.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2019
