Almost a Year Without Sana: A Presence That Still Fills the Room

Almost a Year Without Sana: A Presence That Still Fills the Room It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since Sana left us. As Mother’s Day came and passed, I couldn’t help but feel the quiet weight of her absence. And yet, in the midst of that grief, I also felt her presence—woven into the details of the day, held in the warmth of the people around me, and echoed in the memories that continue to surface with such tenderness. This past week, her friends gathered in Singapore for their reunion. They held a Holi celebration—one of Sana’s favorite traditions—this time in her honor. She loved being part of moments like these, surrounded by people she cared for, laughing freely, immersed in joy. Knowing her friends took time to remember her in that space, during a celebration she cherished, brought comfort to my aching heart. Another one of Sana’s high school friends reached out recently. She’s been in conversation with the school about dedicating a section of the library in Sana’s name. The library—a place of stories, silence, and thoughtfulness—feels like the most fitting tribute. Sana loved books and quiet corners where she could just be. This gesture moves me deeply. It’s yet another way in which her light continues to shine through those who knew and loved her. I think about how often I used to plan surprises for Sana. Whether it was a birthday brunch or a graduation dinner, the sparkle in her eyes when she was caught off guard was something I lived for. She truly loved being celebrated—not because she craved attention, but because she appreciated the intention behind it. Now, the roles have reversed. I find myself organizing a Zoom memorial in her honor—something I never imagined doing. Life has a strange way of turning things around, in ways that feel almost too cruel to name. And yet, amidst the sorrow, there is love. A love that stretches across continents, across friendships, across time. A love that continues to honor Sana in the most beautiful, unexpected ways. Even though she's no longer physically here, she continues to fill the spaces we gather in. With memory. With meaning. With love.