Heartfelt Vigil for Sana

I always understood the meaning of a vigil through movies and books. It always saddened me to see it depicted. But the reality of attending a vigil for my daughter, Sana, was a profoundly different experience. Her friends organized it in San Diego, and it was attended by people from all over—friends and family who had been touched by her life. The vigil was held in a beautiful park overlooking the ocean, under a sky that seemed endless. It was the kind of place Sana loved, where she would often spend hours sitting on a blanket, enjoying the tranquility and the vastness of nature. Her friends brought blankets and set them up in a circle, creating a space that felt both intimate and expansive. Everyone had a beautiful memory to share about Sana. Her laughter, her warmth, her endless kindness. One of her friends sang a Taylor Swift song, a favorite of Sana's, which brought a bittersweet smile to our faces. Others shared stories of kindness, quiet moments of support, and the little things that made Sana so special.One of the stories shared was about how Sana burst a friend's bubble by telling him that Santa and the Tooth Fairy weren't real. It was a moment that captured her honesty and her sometimes mischievous charm. Sana always made time for everyone. She had a bubbly, childlike spirit that could light up any room. Another friend talked about how Sana would always remember to check in on them during tough times, offering words of comfort and encouragement. As we sat there reminiscing, I realized just how blessed Sana was. She was deeply loved by so many. In an odd sort of way, this vigil felt like a soothing balm applied to our deep scar. Listening to stories about her kindness, generosity, and genuine spirit gave us hope and a tool to go on living our lives. Seeing the outpouring of love and respect for her was a comfort, a small measure of peace amidst our grief. We felt connected to her through the shared memories, and it reinforced the impact she had on so many lives. The vigil wasn't just a time to mourn her loss; it was a celebration of her life and the joy she brought to others. We are so grateful to have had this opportunity to honor Sana’s memory. The vigil allowed us to celebrate her life, to feel her presence in the stories and songs shared by those who knew her best. It was a reminder that while she may be gone, her spirit and the love she gave so freely continue to live on in all of us. It gave us strength and a sense of solace, knowing that her legacy of kindness and love will never fade.