Eternal Kiran: A Tribute to Raina by Mr.Satya Prakash Nigam

Aug 20, 2024

We are honoured to reshare a heartfelt blog post by Mr. Satya Prakash Nigam, titled “Eternal Kiran: A Tribute to Raina.” As he observes the 11th anniversary of his wife Raina’s passing, Mr. Nigam reflects on their life together, her battle with stage 4 gallbladder cancer, and the profound impact she had as a loving wife and mother. In this deeply moving tribute, he also expresses his sincere gratitude to the individuals, organizations, and communities that provided unwavering support during his family’s most challenging times. His journey led him to discover Connect to Heal, and his story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and compassion. We invite you to read his full blog, dedicated to Raina’s memory and the enduring love that continues to guide him.👇👇👇

Today (August 17, 2024) marks the 11th anniversary of Raina’s departure to the heavenly abode. As I reflect on her life, I am overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude for the love, joy, and companionship she brought into our lives. This blog is a humble attempt to immortalize her memory, to celebrate her extraordinary spirit, and to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who stood by us during our darkest hours.

🌹 Raina Kiran was more than just a wife to me; she was my confidante, very committed and caring mother, responsible home maker, and the unwavering pillar of our family. Her spirit, as radiant as the morning sun, illuminated every corner of our lives. Her love was a constant source of warmth, comfort, and inspiration. Today, I want to celebrate the extraordinary woman she was, particularly her unwavering dedication to our children.

🌱 A Devoted Mother
🌹 Raina was the epitome of motherhood. Her love for our children was boundless. From the moment they entered this world, she dedicated herself to their nurturing, growth, and happiness. She was their teacher, their playmate, and their confidante. Raina instilled in them the values of kindness, empathy, and resilience, shaping them into the remarkable individuals they are today. Her patience, understanding, and unconditional love created a safe and nurturing environment for our children to flourish.

🌱 A Loving Wife and Partner
🌹 Our love story was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of trust, respect, and unwavering companionship. Raina was my partner in every sense of the word. We shared dreams, aspirations, and a deep connection that transcended the ordinary. Her intelligence, wit, and infectious laughter filled our lives with joy. Together, we created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was my rock, my support system, and the love of my life.

🌹 Raina’s absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives. Our world is a dimmer place without her radiant light. Yet, her memory lives on, a beacon guiding us through the darkness. She will forever be the eternal Kiran, illuminating our hearts and souls. Her love continues to inspire us, and her legacy will be cherished for her children and the next generations to come.

🌷 Eleven years have passed since Raina’s untimely departure, a span marked by profound grief and gradual healing. As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon us. In the tapestry of our lives, interwoven with threads of sorrow and loss, there emerged a stunning pattern of human kindness and divine grace.

🌷 Today, I recall the individuals who stood as pillars of strength during our darkest hours. Their presence was akin to angels sent from above, offering solace, support, and unwavering belief.

🙏 A Pillar of Strength: Chandra Shekhar Sharma & Family
The journey through grief is often arduous, but it is made bearable by the unwavering support of those who stand by you. Among the countless individuals who offered solace and assistance during my darkest hours, Chandra Shekhar Sharma emerged as a beacon of strength and compassion.

Our paths crossed professionally in the late 1990s, but our bond transcended the confines of the corporate world. Over the years, our friendship deepened, weathering the storms of life together. When fate dealt me a cruel blow with Raina’s illness, Chandra was the first to extend a helping hand.

His support was multifaceted. He was a constant presence, offering emotional solace during the most challenging times. His strength and resilience were a source of inspiration as I navigated the complexities of grief. Beyond emotional support, Chandra provided invaluable practical assistance, from coordinating logistics to offering financial aid. His unwavering belief in my ability to cope helped me find the courage to face each day.

One particular incident stands out as a testament to our enduring friendship. As Raina’s condition deteriorated, Chandra became an integral part of our family. When the inevitable happened, he was by my side, offering comfort and strength. His presence during those harrowing hours was a lifeline, a reminder that I was not alone.

The days following Raina’s passing were a blur of grief and ritual. Chandra was there through it all, his support unwavering. His companionship during the post-death ceremonies provided a sense of solace and purpose.

Even as time passed, Chandra’s support continued. His friendship has been a cornerstone of my healing journey. I am eternally grateful for his selfless dedication and the profound impact he has had on my life.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to Chandra and his wife for their unwavering support. May the Divine Mother shower them with blessings and grace.

🙏 A Beacon of Hope : Piyush Sharma and Family
I have been fortunate to consider Mr. Piyush Sharma a dear family friend since 2001. Our paths initially converged through the kind introduction of our mutual friend, Chandra Shekhar Sharma.

During the challenging period of my wife, Raina’s illness, Piyush and his family were an unwavering source of support. Their compassion extended beyond moral encouragement to encompass invaluable financial assistance. As an entrepreneur without health insurance at the time of diagnosis, the exorbitant costs of chemotherapy were a daunting obstacle. Piyush’s generosity was a lifeline, illuminating a path through the darkness.

Beyond financial support, Piyush diligently explored treatment options, connecting us with renowned oncologists across the country. His efforts to secure second and third opinions, while ultimately futile in our battle, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to our well-being. Even after Raina’s passing, Piyush and his wife continued to offer solace and support as we navigated the complexities of grief.

I extend my deepest gratitude to both Piyush and his family. May the Divine Mother bless them with unending joy, prosperity, health, and wealth.

🙏 A Guardian Angel in White
Dr. S.C. Sharma, a distinguished cardio-thoracic surgeon and a cousin of my dear friend Piyush Sharma, played an invaluable role in Raina’s final hours. Throughout her illness, he generously shared his medical expertise, providing invaluable advice and prescriptions.

When faced with the heart-wrenching decision of where to seek care for Raina in her final stages, Dr. Sharma emerged as a beacon of hope. Her primary oncologist inexplicably refused to admit her to his hospital, despite the availability of a private ward. Undeterred by this setback, Dr. Sharma tirelessly advocated for Raina, initially attempting to persuade the oncologist to reconsider. When these efforts proved futile, he extended a lifeline by offering to admit Raina to the hospital where he was a consultant.

With remarkable compassion and professionalism, Dr. Sharma and his team provided exceptional care during Raina’s final hours in the ICU. Their expertise, coupled with their unwavering dedication, offered us solace during an unimaginably difficult time. Upon settling the hospital bill, I was deeply moved to discover that Dr. Sharma had waived his fees entirely.

I am eternally grateful to Dr. S.C. Sharma for his extraordinary kindness, medical expertise, and unwavering support. His selfless actions will forever be etched in my heart.

🙏 The Iron Fist, the Golden Heart
In our Hindu traditions and ancient scriptures, the role of a teacher, or guru, is said to be equal to or even greater than that of our parents.

Professor Somani, my beloved teacher from engineering school, embodied this ideal perfectly. Though initially perceived as a strict and merciless teacher – his image instilled fear in many of us students – he ultimately revealed a profound depth of humanity. Passing his electrical engineering courses often required multiple attempts, and this stern demeanor became his defining characteristic for many of my batchmates.

However, time brought a new perspective. In 2008, our batch celebrated our 25th year of graduation. Out of 240 students, an impressive 180 gathered from across the world to reunite at our alma mater for a three-day celebration. This event also provided an opportunity to honor and express gratitude to our past teachers.

It was during this reunion that I witnessed a different side of Professor Somani. Like a coconut, he possessed a tough outer shell as a teacher, yet within resided a truly great human being. Our reunions continued annually for the rest of his life.

In his retirement, Professor Somani embraced new hobbies, with a particular passion for learning homeopathy. He actively connected with homeopaths in his town, a testament to his unwavering hope and pursuit of potential miracles. Even at over 70 years old, he tirelessly explored the streets, seeking out alternative paths for healing.

Though Professor Somani is no longer with us, his humane spirit and unwavering support for his students remain etched in my memory. I express my deepest gratitude to him and cherish the memory of this departed pious soul.

🙏 Shri Shankara Cancer Hospital :: A Haven of Hope
The Shri Shankara Cancer Hospital stands as a beacon of hope in our community. It was within its compassionate walls that my wife, Raina, received invaluable palliative care during her arduous 4.5-month battle with cancer. Her journey was undeniably challenging, marked by multiple hospitalizations for infections, chemotherapy side effects, and disease progression.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire hospital staff – doctors, paramedics, and nurses – for their unwavering dedication and care. Their expertise, coupled with their genuine empathy, provided immense comfort and support to Raina and our family during our darkest hours.

Owned by a Hindu Ashrama, the hospital embodies a unique blend of professional excellence and humanitarian values. The high-quality care offered at affordable rates is a testament to their commitment to serving the community.

I am eternally grateful for the compassionate care provided by Shri Shankara Cancer Hospital. May they continue to be a source of solace and healing for countless others.

🙏 A Lifeline of Support: Connect to Heal
The journey through cancer is undeniably arduous, both for the patient and their family. During Raina’s battle with the disease, we found an invaluable source of strength and solace in a local support group called Connect to Heal.

Upon learning about the group, I reached out, and their support became an integral part of our lives. Members – survivors and caregivers themselves – extended their hands with unwavering empathy and understanding. They visited us both at home and during Raina’s hospitalizations, offering emotional support and encouragement that lifted our spirits.

Even after Raina’s passing, the group’s support continued. Professional counselors provided invaluable guidance as we navigated the complexities of grief. Their expertise helped us to heal and rebuild our lives.

Connect to Heal is more than just a support group; it is a lifeline for those facing cancer. Their compassionate care and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each and every member of the Connect to Heal support group for their selfless dedication and compassion. Your kindness and support have made a profound difference in our lives.

🙏 Angels in Disguise: The Kindness of Neighbors
In moments of profound crisis, the true character of individuals and communities is revealed. When my wife, Raina, was diagnosed with a terminal illness, our world was turned upside down. Amidst the overwhelming challenges of her care, the well-being of our children became a paramount concern. It was then that the extraordinary kindness of our neighbors emerged as a beacon of hope.

A group of five or six families residing in our apartment complex shared a special bond with Raina. When the severity of her illness became apparent, these remarkable women, pillars of our community, stepped forward to shoulder a significant burden. Understanding the demands of caring for a terminally ill patient, they took on the responsibility of nurturing our children. With selfless dedication, they divided the task of preparing meals, ensuring our kids were well-fed and cared for, even as their mother battled for her life.

Their actions were a testament to the power of human compassion. While I was by Raina’s side in the hospital, these angels provided a stable and loving environment for our children. Their unwavering support allowed us to focus on Raina’s care without the added worry of our children’s well-being.

I will forever be indebted to these extraordinary women for their selfless acts of kindness. Their support during our darkest hours has left an enduring impact on our lives. May the universe bless them with abundant joy, health, and prosperity for their invaluable contributions to our family.

🙏 A Tapestry of Support
Words cannot fully express the gratitude I feel for the countless individuals who stood by us during our darkest hours. A tapestry of support was woven around us, offering comfort, strength, and hope.

There are friends and family who visited, called, and prayed for Raina’s recovery. Others provided practical help with household chores, errands, and childcare. Some offered a listening ear, a comforting hug, or simply their presence. These acts of kindness, no matter how small, were immensely significant.

I am particularly indebted to those who went above and beyond, offering financial assistance, medical advice, or emotional support. Your generosity has touched our lives in profound ways.

To each and every one of you, I extend my heartfelt thanks, love, and respect. Your compassion has been a source of immense strength, and I am eternally grateful for your unwavering support. May the universe bless you with happiness, health, and prosperity.

Link to the Original Blog Post