RIP Sidd !

      Nov 30, 2014 - We had our graduation picture taken today. Can't believe our program is nearing an end. Every team had an assigned time slot for the picture session. All the guys were mandated to wear white shirt. Since the pictures were taken from waist level up, so no bottoms were required; I mean specified :-)
We (Team MacDonald) had our working+admin session after the picture session; where we ironed out some crinkles about the just-delivered team assignment (course:Decision Analytics). We had our Lead, Second Lead selected for the next module (which is also our last). Also, Chair and Scribe roles were filled for the future months as well.
It was around 3:30ish in the afternoon when our meeting ended. I looked outside the window - it was still not raining. I cherished the thought of getting home quickly to spend few hours of daylight with family before dusk breaks marking the end of another blink-and-miss weekend. I packed my stuff and was passing by our facility hallway where few solemn looking classmates broke the news - a fatal car accident that took the life of our class mate Siddarth Bains!
To say we were in a shock is an understatement. It felt hell broke loose. People who were coming in to have their picture taken, the news made the smile on their faces disappear quickly and throw them in emotional turmoil of shock, disbelief and pain.I was feeling no different.
Sidd (as he was fondly called) was a gem of a person. A through gentleman, humble and kind human being. I regret not interacting with him on personal level but whatever conversations I had with him - short talks during class breaks, in the kitchen etc - it was sweet and genuine exchange of words.
It is a testing time for his parents. It is a testing time for class of MMA 2015. Through this program we have had 2 Kingston sessions (both 8 days duration) and 6 months covered so far in Toronto facility. We also had our Holiday party last night which was almost a 90% turnout. MMA 2015 is one big family now. Loosing a member that to in a form of a genuine caring person is indeed a huge loss! This tragedy has made us come closer and realize humanity triumphs over all other differences.
Nevertheless, came home and tried to find solace in my kids. Hugged and spend time with my kids to deflect the heavy emotions but Sidd's smiling face kept coming to my mind. Good people always leave early - he was only 35 years.
On a philosophical note, life is short and unpredictable. Value the relationships you have. Value the life you have. Bring out the goodness in people and overlook people's blemishes. Spread happiness, spread kindness. RIP Sidd !