I haven’t done a “Thankful Thursday” post in a while, but today is probably pretty appropriate for one. This morning, I woke up feeling all sorts of thankful for a special person in my life.

 

Today is my Aurpapa’s Birthday.

No, that’s not his name. But, ever since I could speak and call out for him, he has been my Aurpapa. “Aur” in Hindi can mean multiple things – the word, “other,” being one of them.

Growing up, when I would refer to him as my “Aurpapa,” it was because I had my Papa and another Papa.

Now, reflecting on the name, Aurpapa, I think about how there are so many more meanings to it.

“Aur” also means MORE. “Aur” also means MUCH.

And my Aurpapa embodies all of those words.

He has been more to me than just my Papa. He has been my support system when people around me tore me apart. He has been the optimistic one who is always able to find a silver lining in every situation. He has been the hand-holder, the thought-provoker, and the one who’s pushed us to pursue more, BE more.

He has added so much value to this huge family of ours. When he walks into a room, it becomes that much brighter. When he hugs you, he makes you feel SO very loved. And when he talks to you, he looks at you and listens with both his eyes and his ears.

I couldn’t be more thankful for this Papa of mine.

I love you, Aurpapa. Happy, happy, happiest of birthdays!