Tragedy struck our neighborhood in an unimaginable way a few weeks ago, when a family from our school was killed while they were on a Spring Break road trip. In heavy rain, their car slipped into a rain-swollen river, and their bodies were found days later.
Violet and Saachi were in the same grade and knew each other, and had just done the Wizard of Oz together. Sid was two years older than Cora, but they had been in GATE Musical together last year. I didn't know the father, but chatted to the mother regularly at the school gate. 
While we didn't know the Thottapilly family well enough to have family dinners together, they were definitely part of our lives at school, and their loss and the tragic nature of it all has cut deeply. Our school held a beautiful memorial Celebration of Life for the family on Friday, and several teachers, including Mrs. Shafarman, spoke about the children. The artwork was Saachi's PTA Reflections entry this year, which won several awards.
Cora sang two songs - one with other GATE Musical kids who knew and loved Sid, and again with the school chorus. My sister arranged the cheerful flowers on the tables, which we later gave to the family, who are in town from India and attended the service. 
I spoke as well, as a member of the school Foundation board. The foundation has purchased this lovely bench, which will be installed in front of the school in honor of the family. Standing to my side is Ms. Sorenson, our principal, who did an amazing job on the service. 
After the service, a tree was planted in Sid's honor, and his family helped out. It was certainly symbolic. The Celebration of Life was beautiful and sad and inspiring all at the same time. I pray I never again have to attend another service for two beautiful children. 
1 comment:
So So sad, but it was lovely for they're family to know they were liked and highly regarded by so many people, It must have been a very moving and beautiful service.
Love you all Lots Mum and Dad xxxxxxxxx
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