I moved to Canada in 2018. Every morning at 730 AM EST, I'd make myself a cup of coffee and call my dad in India. He'd be waiting for it with his evening cup of tea. We'd talk about anything and everything. My journey adapting to a new country, the stuff he was doing at work, the dogs we met etc.

I didn't know it then but it was the best part of my day. Sometimes the call would last 5 minutes. Sometimes a full hour. His positivity and energy was infectious. I soaked it all in, it was an eventful time in life adjusting to a new country, starting from scratch. The struggle of landing the first job, the competitiveness of B school. I had days where I felt this is pointless but listening to his excitement at the opportunity made me smile. Things got calmer but the phone call became non-negotiable.

He was the first person I messaged ‘Good morning’. Him first, my (then) partner second. November 4th 2020 was the last time we spoke. He matter of factly told me he had tested positive for covid and was going to go to the hospital to get it checked. I agreed and told him that was a good decision.

24 hours later he passed away. Life hasn't been the same since. That morning coffee is different.

Hug your people. Call them. Life is uncertain but it is beautiful :) I think of you every day Baba. Thank you for everything.