Post by Kailash Ranganathan

Before I could even understand what developmental disabilities were, Sitara (Akka) has been just like any other older sister. In my earliest memories, she kept me safe when I was afraid of the dark, offered me company as I would practice music, and scolded me if I didn't brush my teeth in the morning. Akka's personality is one-of-a-kind, full of sarcastic humor and clever comebacks that stay in our minds even decades later. Her routines have become our family's routines, whether it was Jeopardy every day at 7 PM, water at 10:30, 2:30, and 5:30, or her post-lunch walk which she would do daily, without fail. Akka taught me so much: compassion, discipline, and above all, resilience, how someone could overcome so many medical challenges with the utmost patience and calm, and bounce back each time with renewed vigor and energy. She has seen me grow throughout all stages of my life -- when I was born, when I graduated high school, and now when I graduated college, and she will continue to watch over our family for our lives to come. Akka's presence has touched our family and so many others throughout her 38 beautiful years, and through her strength she has inspired us consistently to become the best version of ourselves. I can't imagine what it will be like to go on without you, Akka, but wherever you are, I hope you have all your favorite snacks, foods, and books beside you, and may you find liberation in the Lotus Feet of the Lord.