Hi, everyone. Welcome to Thanks for being here. A short, weekly pod to remind us of the many

essential and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday, I'll read a submission from a

listener of Kelly Corrigan Wonders. Could be wedding vows or about mitzvah toast, a eulogy,

or retirement speech. We believe this is the loveliest way to tap into our better selves,

and remember our highest values. We encourage you to share this podcast each week with one person

you love. Maybe someone you miss or need to bring closer. Someone you want to feel your appreciation

or admiration or both. This is Thanks for being here.

Hi everybody. For today's Thanks for being here. We have a really beautiful eulogy. It was sent to me

by a woman named MJ Marie Vashon. Dear Kelly, for 50 years, I have read obituaries every day,

so your Sunday podcast touches my heart. My daughter-in-law's Dada grandfather recently died.

Hindus do not have eulogies, but his daughter, as a way to pay tribute to this incredible man,

asked his loved ones to write their memories of him so she could compile them into a book.

In one month's time, many of his loved ones have submitted their memories.

Here is mine for you to consider reading on your Sunday podcast.

Thank you for your incredible contribution to our hearts, minds, and society at the

most challenging time. MJ Marie Vashon from South Bend, Indiana. This is a remembrance of

Rajagopala Sarma, who was born on August 3rd, 1931 in Trivandrum, India and died on February 8th,

2022 in Granger, Indiana. The row had Walden pond, but I have Walden park. Walden park is a sub-division

in Granger, Indiana where my beloved daughter-in-law, Madura's family lives less than a mile from my

childhood home. Her parents and grandparents immigrated to the United States from India 29 years ago.

When I first entered their home eight years ago, everything about Walden park was new to me.

Integrating into this family where generations live together has been the most

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