Diwali is celebrated by many people of South Asian decent. It's a celebration of light and of family. So I decided to make a few Indian appetizers for our portion of the dinner.
As I was rolling samosas last night, I was thinking of my late dear friend and colleague, Jatinder. She died of colon and liver cancer in January 2004 at the age of 37. She left behind an 8 year old and a 15 month old.
Jatinder was a vibrant, smart, funny, perceptive, witty, wise woman. We shared many conversations about life, politics, family, culture, food and travel. When we met for monthly case reviews, we'd end up spending more time yacking about stuff than we did about clients. And we'd always be laughing.
And now that I have a child, I can only imagine the angst and the pain she went through when she knew that she would die and have to leave her children.
Diwali reminds me of Jatinder. She had a sparky, bright energy about her that embodied the joy and hope of Diwali. Tonight my thoughts will be filled with her as we celebrate and feast. Wherever she is, I hope she knows I'm thinking of her.