Dada

It has been one year since you passed, and we all still miss you more than ever. I wish you were here to watch Amelia and Lily grow into the mischievous little ones they are. I am so glad that Amelia got to spend time with her Seeya. She adored you and loved every moment she spent with you.  

I still remember the day I found out about your diagnosis. It was the worst day of my life. I had been so excited, waiting for you to come to the U.S., thinking we would finally have time together after eight long years apart. When I learned that our time would be so limited, it felt like my whole world collapsed.  

You were always my hero. As a child, whenever I got hurt, you were the only one I trusted to take care of me and dress my wounds. I remember having to get sutures and not letting anyone else touch me but you. As I grew older, I carried that same feeling with me. You were my protector, always there, always putting us first.  

You were full of life in a way that made everything brighter. I still smile thinking about the time we went to that Shaggy concert and how you kept doing the “Shaggy dance” long after. It’s those moments that stay with me. I miss your humor, your witty comments, and the way you could make everything feel lighter. You were loved by everyone, including your patients. Even in the one and a half years you were in the U.S., you were loved by everyone who met you. During your darkest time, when you got sick, your doctors, nurses, and even the hospital staff were all touched by your kindness and patience. You were so brave and fought so hard to beat the cancer.  

I always admired how deeply respected you were by your patients. You are the reason I wanted to become a doctor. Your strength, your compassion, and your unwavering loyalty shaped who I am. I have never known anyone as devoted to their family and loved ones as you were. To your friends and family, you were always just a phone call away whenever we needed you.  

I only wish Amelia and Liliana had the chance to know you, to experience the kind of grandfather you would have been. But I will make sure they grow up hearing your stories, knowing your love, and understanding how special you were.  

I hope that in another life, you will always be my father. We were truly blessed to have you in our lives.  

I love you always.  

- Dr. Thushari Tanya & Dr. Isuru Wijesinghe