Three Spoons of Sugar

There is only one one thing that feels right in this moment - writing.

He would take a sip of his tea, look up at me and say "are you sure this has three spoons of sugar?" I tried to trick him so many times. But, Nana Ji knew his sugar better than anyone else. He knew when is tea was "just right." I would ask him if he wanted anything with his tea and he would ask, "are there any sweets in the house." That's my Nana Ji :)

This is one of many memories of him I hold near and dear to my heart. He was sweet just like his tea. One dessert per meal and that too with a big smile.

Every blood test Nana Ji ever had revealed normal sugar level :)

Dr. Harnam Singh Shan, my Nana Ji, just passed away today. I can't even comprehend the fact that this has happened because he is so far away. Many of you knew him and many of you are familiar with literary his work.

He was truly an amazing man who has contributed a great deal to each one of our lives and especially the Sikh community.

I used to call Nana Ji "custom made." When I was studying for my Step 1, he was always awake with me - he was my 87-year-old study buddy who always seemed to have a more productive day!

He would wake up, recite his prayers and just get to work. He would work until 1 a.m. and stop only for the news and his daily walks.

He always had two thermoses on his dresser. One with cold water, one with warm water. Then, he would call one of us to mix the water for him...just right. He was definitely custom made.

Everything he did started and ended with an Ardaas. Everything includes eating, drinking, walking, talking, driving, opening my board scores...I mean EVERYTHING. I'm so happy he did this before driving. Those of you who have been in the car with him know why I am saying this.

"Nana Ji! Red LIGHT!," I said. "Where? What is this?" he said as we ran the red light in a busy intersection of Chandigarh.

Nana Ji never retired. He kept working and before he left America this last spring, he told me he has one publication per year of life. I have never met anyone with his self-discipline and focus.

He diligently worked through the time he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As his cancer spread, he wrote longer hours and worked harder to complete his work. His devotion to his profession and faith is inspiring.

First spoon of sugar for nana ji - Nani Ji, his wife, who was his partner in everything he did. When he was hear he recited a romantic poem he had written for her. "Leave your dishes and work. I will leave my books and writing. Just come, sit with me," he recited while smiling and remembering her.

Second spoon of sugar - His writings and contribution to the Sikh Panth. I was informed that he was still writing letters from the hospital. Yesterday, someone received a letter from him about his work.

Third spoon of sugar - His humor. Even at 25, Nana Ji would always ask me if I still had my nose. This never got old.

"God bless you, more, much more, still more, and all the more," Dr. Harnam Singh Shan (Sept. 15, 1923 - June 10, 2011).

Steps

First, I molded myself academically, socially, physically and emotionally --> This gave me a sense of who I actually was --> Now, I feel like I am at a point where I can actually place myself in the community and represent what I stand for --> My contribution to society will we optimized with contentment of who I can become spiritually

I think that was what I said

Pregnancy test: Why go to CVS if you can just go to the ED?

It has the be said, an analysis of spending in America would prove that the average American is rather stupid and significantly selfish.

The AVERAGE - now, that may not include you so please don't get offended immediately.

"Hyperemesis" AKA vomiting too much was the chief complaint for two patients I spoke to the emergency department yesterday.

"Are you pregnant?" I asked. "that's what I'm worried about," a seemingly angry 21-year-old said.

Even with my limited knowledge as a third year student and limited clinical experience. I can assure you that this is called "morning sickness." You know that thing that your mom, grandma, sister, friend, auntie all went through during pregnancy.

Yes - you will fine. No - you should not receive a work absence excuse form filled out for you, but yes, you will get one. Oh and thank you - your total for a pregnancy test, anti-nausea meds and an ultrasound on the side is $1265. Would you like some fries with that?

See you in seven months in the ED, when you start having severe abdominal cramping. This is called contractions. At that point we will admit you and you will have a baby. This is known as going into "labor."

Pregnancy test at CVS: $8.95. Google search on pregnancy in the library: $0.

A funny...

So for our last micro exam, a bunch of students in our class got t-shirts made that said "jackson is my homeboy" and had a picture of him on it. Hilarious. Dr. Jackson just sent out an email saying thanks, he was flattered :) I love when people add humor to stressful situations!

Check this out!

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Really enjoyed your post! More from me soon - but, miss you like crazy lady :)

catching up (briefly)

I miss you too! So much.

The diagnosis has been made. I have an adjustment disorder. August was rough for me. I felt the stress of medical school and life crashed on me and it was difficult to get through. Summer was great and the start of the school year was a rude awakening. Honestly, as much as it is important to retain information from medical school, I think the process is equally about learning to adjust, persevere and make decisions. I felt this change begin to occur this month. I know more months like "august" will occur without a doubt, most definitely when another change occurs but my hope is that my adjusting time decreases each time such that by the time real decisions have to be made, I can do it on the spot. Not sure if this makes sense.

I think the move was important and the new place will help us as we proceed. Starting Fresh! Unfortunately, it is a little too comfortable and it is much more enticing to fall asleep than Willis... :) Highlighter on the bed, sleeping with the lights on are proof of this!

I know I need to write more. I definitely will! You write too! Did I mention I miss you??

WRite something sam! I miss you and need updates :-)