Candy, Crayons, and Giggles

Dear Tagan,

I still remember the day I heard of your name. It is coincidentally how Tanya and I bonded and how our friendship grew. Tanya and I both just started our postdoc position at Stanford. We met during a required orientation seminar, and instantly became friends after chatting on the bus back to our office. The first time Tanya and I hung out, Tanya confided in me about being nervous and anxious about her fellowship . Not because she was intimidated by the workload or even for being so far from home, but rather, her "pookie," her rock, was not there with her.

As time went on and we finally did meet, I would learn about your infectious and welcoming personality, your quiet and yet subtle sense of humor, incredible intellect that was balanced with humbleness, and most importantly, your inspirational sense of resiliency. Now as I come to grips with understanding why such a beloved person had to leave this world so soon, I am eternally grateful for even the few memories we shared.

I am grateful to have watched you light up Tanya's face. I am grateful to have witnessed all the "pookies" Tanya called you over the phone (while I sat giggling in the background, and you laughed, assured that Tanya met her giggling match).

I am grateful to have witnessed you polish off a huge bag of candy (mind you-almost unnoticed) while watching a Stanford basketball game, which followed a night full of laughter and jokes.

I am grateful to have watched you be the gentle, caring father that you are to your beautiful children--remembering fondly when you leapt out in the street to stop a mischievous, very fast Bodhi run into the parking lot. However, I am most grateful that my little Kiran got to meet you and share memories with you and Bodhi at the zoo, eating french fries, and swapping crayons.Though my heart is shattered over the news of your passing, I am comforted by the certainty that you are watching over Tanya, Bodhi and Sophia.

So, please enjoy that bag full of candy, keep that curious smile, and continue to bring light to your beautiful family-even if from afar.

—Deepika

To contribute a page to the memory book, email your words and/or photos to taganmemorybook@gmail.com