A Tribute to a Friendship Forged in Love and Barney

A Tribute to a Friendship Forged in Love and Barney Today, as Romu, Sana’s childhood friend, celebrates his 30th birthday, my heart is a mix of bittersweet emotions. Romu, from Fremont, shared a bond with Sana that was truly special, a connection that deepened and matured over the years. Now a doctor, Romu was a pillar of strength for us, and for Sana, throughout her illness. He understood her completely, and their shared laughter often included a running joke: if they weren't married by 40, they'd marry each other. Sana also held a special place in her heart for Romu’s mom, a dear school friend of mine, and many of Sana's cherished childhood memories were made at their home. Romu, though an active child, and Sana, shared an unexpected, yet profound, love for Barney. They could spend hours together, lost in the world of the purple dinosaur. It was a beautiful friendship, one Sana always declared made Romu her "best friend." Before Sana passed, Romu confided in me how difficult it was for him. He, a doctor who faced death daily, found Sana’s illness and passing profoundly challenging. Their friendship was everything to Sana, a unique and irreplaceable bond. I remember Sana, with her kindest heart, finding a strange pleasure in teasing Romu. She burst his bubble once by revealing Santa Claus wasn't real, leaving him devastated! They also had a playful competition about who had read more books, both being avid readers. As Romu celebrates this milestone birthday, I know Sana is looking down at him, a cheesy smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, just as she always did when she thought of her dear friend. Their bond, a testament to pure friendship, continues to inspire.