By: Sneha

So, as our blog (and we as writers) grow, we have shared a lot of ups and downs; some good, some bad, some funny, some serious.  Each one of us have been raw and truthful in our journeys.  But this past year a lot, I mean A LOT has happened.  From heartbreak, losing loved ones, feeling lost and defeated, to just simply being tired and hopeless.  Looking back, I was so lucky; actually, have been so lucky this whole time.  I’ve had so much encouragement, support and love that I failed to see what I do have vs. what I don’t.

Perspective.

My motto was always: the glass is half full instead of half empty, so why or how did I lose perspective?  Well, long story short, I got it back FULL SPEED this week.

Meet Sahil.  A gift from God who lost his twin brother unexpectedly before birth, born way too early, he spent his first few months in NICU.  Sahil has been blessed with two amazing parents that I am proud to call family.  Even after birth he suffered from a rare complication leading to surgery causing more complications.  Regardless of his luck, he fought and began to gain weight and improve.  He came home and has been winning over everyone he meets.  I fell in love with him the moment I saw him.  And for those of you who know me, that’s hard to do.

He is resilient.  Happy.  Strong.  Fearless.  Insanely adorable.  Infectiously lovable.  So pure.  As I held him, I said: now this is what it’s all about.  The carefree, deep true love that one person can have for another human being.  No strings attached.  No expectations.  Did it matter what job I held, how much I earned, what car I drove, what talents I had, how pretty I was, whether I was dressed cute or even had on makeup?
Absolutely not.

When it comes down to it, none of the crap we spend time and money on matters.  It doesn’t matter how much money you have, what name brands you wear and use — it only matters how many lives you’ve touched.  How many loyal friends you have.  The precious moments you share with those you love and adore.  The memories you create at no expense, like spending time in the master bedroom with family as the painters re-do the kitchen and living room.  I realized that I had been placing so much importance on the shit society and family dictates and expects.  I enjoyed every minute of holding Sahil, interacting with him and spending time with my family.  Something that I can never find online, on Rodeo Drive or at work.  I thank Sahil for bringing me back to why I’m here.  I’m so stupid to have wasted so much time on worrying what “should be done” versus what needs to be done to keep me (and those I love) happy.  So here’s to more blogs of happy adventures and less cranky Sneha stories!

Editor’s Note

Sahil (Hindi: साहिल, Urdu: ساحل‎ pronounced sā’ · hĭl) has its origins in Arabic and means sea shore / banks of the ocean.