A Eulogy

Sunil and I started our relationship like any doctor and patient. But his last words to me began with the words, "I love you". Sunil preached the greatest sermon a man could possibly deliver - over the last six months, day-in, day-out, through the thorny trail of life.

My favorite hymn came alive in him.

Be still, my soul, The Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God, to order and provide
In every change, He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end

Let me leave you with a couple of indelible impressions he left behind in me.

Once when I said I’ve given up on my youngsters in church and that God may feel the same about us, Sunil responded immediately.

“Never. While we were still sinners, He loved us.”

On Christmas Eve, after seeing Sunil in the ICU, I bid goodbye to him. He wished me Merry Christmas. I said I don’t want to wish you because it isn’t merry at all being in the ICU.

Sunil replied, "Joy is an innermost feeling of the heart. It doesn’t depend on the circumstances one faces."

Hallelujah!
There'll be joy forever more
When we reach that other shore...

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