Keeping Sana’s Spirit Alive: A Year of Love and Remembrance

Keeping Sana’s Spirit Alive: A Year of Love and Remembrance Yesterday marked a bittersweet milestone—a year since Sana arrived in Italy. Ritika reminded me of how excited she had been about that trip. Sana had always dreamt of celebrating Christmas in the most traditional way possible, and last year, her wish came true. Despite being jet-lagged from her journey, she was brimming with enthusiasm for the festive dinner. Ritika’s family, in an incredibly thoughtful gesture, decided to open gifts earlier than midnight so Sana could partake without fighting exhaustion. It was a simple, yet deeply meaningful act of love. To honor that memory, I decided to replicate what Sana had done last year. It was an emotional experience for me, filled with moments of joy and pain. As I prepared and celebrated, it felt like Sana was right there with us. The entire family misses her every single day. Sana’s friends in Singapore are also keeping her memory alive in the most beautiful way. They’ve planned a vigil in her honor, gathering all those who loved her to celebrate her life. Idris will be in Singapore at the time, and he’s thrilled to be part of this heartfelt tribute. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes about the love Sana inspired in those around her. She was truly fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing friends. At school, Maya recently wrote an essay about a sad moment in her life, choosing Sana’s passing as her subject. Reading her words was a poignant reminder of the many lives Sana touched, often without even realizing it. Sana had a quiet humility about her, often underestimating the impact she had on others. She was the kind of person who left an indelible mark, not through grand gestures, but through her kindness, empathy, and authenticity. My hope is that, as she looks down on all of us now, she finally sees herself through the eyes of those who loved her and feels a sense of peace and happiness. This past year has been a journey of loss, reflection, and connection. Through these shared memories and gestures of love, Sana’s spirit remains very much alive. She may not be here physically, but her presence continues to be felt in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the legacy of kindness she left behind.