LOVING: Bimal and Tina

There are people who come into your life and touch you in a way that no one else could. The sun seems to shine a little brighter when they are around, and you know the world is a better place because they are in it.

Bimal R. Patel, 1982-2012

The world lost one of these people today.  Bimal Patel was an incredible man, who brought love and joy to all of those who knew him.  He suffered a terrible tragedy and, after a long painful struggle, finally passed from this world.  I try to focus on his life, rather than the circumstances surrounding his death. But doing so makes the ending seem that much more unbearable.

Growing up, Bimal was one of my best friends.  He was funny and loyal, kind and endearing, steadfast and unfailing.   And though we haven't been close for years, my heart aches all the same.  I had the privilege of knowing him not only in adolescence but also in adulthood.  I'm proud to say that as a man he was the same wonderful person that I knew growing up.

 

 Our Wedding, 2009:  Paul, Travis, and Bimal

 Our Wedding, the "Claude" table:  Andrea, Bimal, JT, Sharon

 Prom, 2000?:  Bimal, Seth, Dustin, and Michael

 Band Trip, 2000: Bimal, Sharon, Me, and Michael

Tina M. Voyles, 1983-2004

Bimal is not the only person I have lost.  Another dear friend was taken from us in 2004, Tina Marie Voyles.  She was also of those special people that we were all honored to call a friend.  She was a miracle in my life, and I have never stopped missing her.  Though she's been gone for over 8 years, I still find myself awakening after bittersweet dreams of our time together.  I never dream of her the way she was, but always of who she would have become.  We share our lives, and families, and careers. We talk about what we've done, and what we plan to do. And then I awake, and remember, and am alone.  I will never forget Tina.  

8th grade graduation, LONG time ago, Me and Tina

 Tina, before Prom, 2001

Almost every memory I have of my youth involves one, or both, of these terrific people. We lived, learned, loved, and grew together. I feel like a part of me is missing, and can never be restored.  My experiences with Bimal and Tina shaped a large part of who I am today. 

Of course, there are many who loved Bimal and Tina. As a community, we greive. We are never whole again.  I think we lose a part of ourselves when we lose those special people in our lives. Life is unfair, and unjust, and short.  It makes those precious memories that much dearer, and allows us to embrace life with a whole new understanding.  We hold our loved ones a little closer, and try to never take a single moment for granted.  I thank God for taking these two from the suffering they endured, and ask that He hold them in His hands.  Though we mourn today, someday we will see them again.

Bimal and Tina, I love and miss you.  Thank you for allowing me to call you my friends.