Keeping Sana's memory alive

Today marks exactly three years since Sana moved to New York. A Facebook memory reminded me of the day we wished her luck in her new endeavor, filled with dreams and aspirations for the future. Little did we know how unpredictable life would be. To honor Sana’s spirit, today we went uon a long hike, an hour and a half away from Chicago. Sana often dreamed of taking Mia, our Beagle, on day-long outings, exploring nature and creating new memories. So, we did exactly that. The hike was both a tribute and a way to feel closer to her. Yesterday, I spoke to a friend’s friend who had lost her only son, Nate, in a car accident two years ago. Her loss was immense, but through her grief, she found a way to keep Nate’s legacy alive. She started Nate’s Place, a recovery center to help underprivileged students struggling with addiction and mental health issues http://natesplacewellnesscenter.org . Talking to her validated my own grief. She understood the depth of my pain and offered hope that I too could do something meaningful to honor Sana. This blog is my way of keeping Sana's memory alive. I hope it also offers support to others navigating similar grief. Seeing the Facebook memory today was a stark reminder that the future is beyond our control. I remember dreaming about what Sana’s life would be like once she moved to New York. Those dreams are now bittersweet memories. Talking to Nate’s mom made me realize the importance of seizing the moment. If there is something we feel passionate about, we should pursue it, as there is no certainty of tomorrow. These anniversaries and dates, once filled with significance, have taken on a different meaning now. They remind us of the unpredictability of life and the importance of living fully in the present. Through this blog, I aim to keep Sana’s memory alive and perhaps offer a glimmer of hope to others dealing with loss. It’s a small way to honor her life and ensure that her spirit continues to touch the lives of others, just as she did in her lifetime.