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About this time, two years ago, our world turned upside down.
Two police officers knocked on our at door about 5:30 AM. After confirming Ian Nanak's identity and that he lived with us, they delivered devastating news. He was at Good Samaritan Hospital. Within two minutes, they said he'd passed away. He was just two months shy of his 30th birthday.
My Too Soon Departed Son
by Mani Suri
You've left me to sift through,
gaze at memories of you
as a child - before the storms
The tornadoes that snatched you away
Landed you so far
Ever so far away
from my protective,
possessive embrace
Aching to hold you again
To clink glasses
Share that drink
We might have had
when you turned 21
I'm turning maudlin
Your youthful, rebellious path,
My paternal self-righteousness
Wrestled,
Tore you from me.
My ego succumbed, says, "I'm sorry. I apologize."
I can scream, "All is forgiven. Come home" until the cows return–of their own accord.
But our cord's
been hacked,
Frayed strands of nerves, sinews, bestirred by wind, torrents,
The ends unable to find each other.
Come home. Forgive me!
You're gone.
The finality is unavoidably irreparable
Another tree's been axed, hacked at the base, felled.
Words, sentiments collide.
They make no sense.
I'm but a senseless old fool.
Your wisdom rushed you headlong to our Maker's embrace.
I'm left on land wondering when I'll get to dive into that ocean without shores.
My font of tears keeps running dry, replenishing–of its own design.
If not for me, remind your mother you're fine.
Give her a sign.
Just give HER a sign.
Too late, I fear, if you try now.
She's gone seeking you …
What else can I say?
I love you, my son. My first born.
You can't hear me.
Now.
Now that it's too late.
Am I just feeling sorry for myself?
You've paid the price.
Too high a price
for my pride.
I miss you and mom.
Look after her and your grandparents
Until I can join you all.
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