Dear Sushil Periappa (uncle),
I did not realize that two months ago was my final chance to hug you, had I known I would have never let go. I did not get a proper goodbye so I guess this is my way of getting my final goodbye.
I may have not said it enough but you meant the world to me. You were one of my biggest supporters and for that I will be forever grateful. No matter what it was, my three hour dance recitals, a softball game, or my high school graduation, I could count on seeing your bright smile. It breaks my heart that your smile was taken away from me but I have hundreds of memories that I will always hold on to.
I was asked to say a few words at the Shraddha (hindu celebration of life 13 days after passing) that was held over zoom. There is so much I wanted to share but the part of you I adored most was your unconditional love for family. People always ask me why I call you my uncle even though technically we are much more distantly related. Whenever someone brings it up, I scoff them off because you are my uncle and I am your niece.
The love you showed me made me feel like I was one of your daughters and the love you showed every person in your life is evident. Over two hundred and fifty people from five different countries came to share stories and celebrate your life today. If that does not epitomize the man you were I am not sure what does. Someone said “we can not let Sushil become another statistic within this horrid virus,” and I can say you are so much more than a statistic. You were a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend. The countless lives you touched will never be forgotten.
I like many others will miss you dearly and your absence will be felt at the next family gathering. I will miss everything from our endless games of 56 (even though you think you always “let me win”) to your amazing hugs. I love you so much and I hope more than anything you have found peace.
Love, Riya
p.s. I hope you are sipping the finest whiskey, looking down and smiling with Krishnan Chitthappa by your side.
English 110 Spring 2020 10:10-11:00 
Riya, once again I am so sorry for your loss. I appreciate, more than anything, that you shared such a personal, emotional, close to heart experience with regard to your Uncle through writing. Your presentation of love and culture through your letter is amazing, and your Uncle sounds like he was an amazing man. It is unreal to think that something you never thought would happen does, and I am so sorry.
I relate to this as well. As you know, just a couple days after this assignment I received news that my Uncle Phil had passed away due to coronavirus. I did not know that a few months ago would be when I last saw him, and to his wife (my Aunt Donna) his step children, biological children, grandkids, nieces and nephews, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him, this seems far too unreal.
It is a crazy thought, and something so large to wrap your head around. You have to know that your Uncle is no longer suffering, that he is in peace, and that he is watching over you and everyone he loves. This world doesn’t always make sense, and as hard as it will be and as long as it may take, we have to try out best to find peace.
Maybe our Uncle’s are up there sharing some whiskey together, I know my Uncle Phil always enjoyed the finest as well. I love you Riya, and I miss you! I am always here for you.
Thank you for sharing this. You wrote beautifully and captured everything from your Uncle’s character to culture and more. Rest peacefully, Sushil Periappa.
-Toni Abdy
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I loved this letter, it really shows the amazing relationship that you had with your Uncle, and I am so sorry for your loss. I think it’s really brave of you to express such deep feelings like this with us as a class, and I really appreciate it. Your letter was beautifully put together and I appreciate how real it is. It really emphasizes how everything going on right now isn’t just news stories we watch on TV but is impacting thousands of families on a different level. May Sushil Periappa rest easily, drink the purest whiskey made from gold, and look down on you and your family.
– Colleen
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Hi Riya, I am so sorry for yours and your families loss. This piece was very strong and almost made me cry if I’m being honest. I too have a man in my life who I consider my uncle even though there is no blood there at all and if I lost him I would be devastated. I cannot begin to understand your pain but what I can do is hope that you’re heart heals soon. Im sorry you were not able to say your proper goodbyes I know things like that can be tough to get closure from, but I bet he was looking down on you writing this and knows exactly how you feel. Thank you for sharing and may your uncle rest in peace. (Eleni LeClair)
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