BUILDING A LEGACY: AN ODE TO PARENTS
This story sets both the standard and the tone of all of the work I will try to do on this platform and in my future endeavors.
On March 25, 2021, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumor. The following week, my wife traveled from New York to India to support her mother through the surgery.
On April 4, my wife told me that her dad, who was in the village, would be traveling to the city to join them both. A couple of hours later, on the same fateful day, he succumbed to a heart attack.
Frozen in pain, fear, and a multitude of emotions that gripped me, I hopped on a flight to India.
After his last rites, my wife, who was only grappling with the untimely demise of her father, spent the next three weeks desperately running around the hospital, only to watch her mother slip out of her hands. On April 27, my mother-in-law left for the heavenly abode.
Losing both my in-laws in a matter of twenty-three days and watching my wife crumble in grief not only shattered me — it drained me: Physically and mentally.
My wife and I have practically grown up together since high school. This loss has been earth-shattering for me, but I know it’s not even close to what she’s going through currently. It is indescribable.
Why am I telling everyone about this?
Last year in March 2020, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. My goal was to launch my website on my birthday — May 11, 2021.
I decided the day I embark on this new venture, I would take my in-law’s blessings, thank them for trusting me and assure them that they will never regret their decision of choosing me as their son-in-law.
Alas! I didn’t get the chance to do that. Until last week, I felt dejected. I was questioning the website launch. I was pondering upon the meaning of life. What is it for, after all? Why did the worst possible thing happen at this time? Couldn’t Life spare us, one parent?
People have searched for these answers from the beginning of time. All we know is that ‘everything happens for a reason and that we have to trust in ‘God’s plan’ for us. That is some bull-shit that I do not believe in.
Life is like Poker. You get dealt a bad hand sometimes. You can either fold or claw your way to the top. The choice is always yours!
I remember my last conversation with my mother-in-law. She told me she was proud of me. Somehow, she had faith in me and the fact that I’ll do great in life.
The last time I spoke to my father-in-law, he told me that I have his support in anything that I wish to do in life and that I was his son.
The morning of the 8th of May, after sulking and finishing another bucket of ice cream — I faced myself again. I had a choice. I could either fold or begin to claw my way to the top. 72 hours later…
Here I am.
To Mamma, Papa: this is an ode to you and your love. Thanks for blessing my life with your most prized possession.
To Mahima: I won’t let you down.
To My Family: Thank you for molding me into the man I am today.
To all the readers who have stayed thus far, I am elated to announce the launch of my website: rochankakar.com
This website will serve a twin objective — One; to launch a series of businesses over the next year.
Second, to showcase my entrepreneurial & personal journey, my obstacles, learnings, and takeaways. The aim is to inspire people to stop procrastinating and take the first step towards building their legacy with me.
I promise this will be a joyride. Stay tuned for more!
Footnotes
Image Source: Shadow Man — WallpaperCave.com
