A valued member--and very dear friend--within our community, Arun Rajagopal lost his mum this week, and our hearts and prayers go out to him and his family.
While Arun is geographically located in the Sultanate of Oman and that feels mighty far away to many of us, Arun has brought the marketing community and the world closer through his tireless work to make the Age of Conversation book, and all of its authors, known to The Middle East--along with spending so much time in providing profiles for us to get to know one another better.
He has been proud to do the work of not ten men, but ten thousand.
It is with a heavy heart and much love that we send Arun and his family our prayers--as that is all he has asked of us. Please take some time to leave some kind thoughts, a poem, a prayer or just some supportive words in the comments below. If you can donate through PayPal, we will also get that to Arun to help with the tremendous expenses associated with laying a loved one to rest.
And please let others know to leave Arun some kind words here. It's amazing what words from friends can do in trying times. Arun, you are loved, you are high in our thoughts and in all of our prayers.
Arun,
I know that no words can heal the loss and hurt of what you and your family are going through. But please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending you healing hugs,
Drew
Posted by: Drew McLellan | February 27, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Arun, you are high in my thoughts, heavy on my heart and within my prayers. I've told you this during happier times but I wish to underscore it now: your dedication and kindness just floor me. They also give me hope about the purity and goodness that exists in every corner of this world (and this community).
Even though you may be located a world away, your tireless, exhaustive work for the Age of Conversation book, Blogger Social and all other initiatives that you are the first in line to take upon your strong shoulders always makes me feel like you're right "here".
I am better for knowing you and I only wish I had a magic wand. Alas, I only have words...but your words have lifted me on many occasions...so I hope these give you and yours even a moment of comfort. Much love from your dear friend who's here for you, always.
Posted by: CK | February 27, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Arun, I am so very sorry to hear that you lost your mum. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. And although we cannot be with you during this time of great sorrow, we grieve with you from a distance, and pray that in some small measure we can help you carry the burden of your great loss. Wishing you peace and comfort. -- Connie
Posted by: Connie Reece | February 27, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Arun,
We're thinking of you here in the frozen midwest. We wish you strength and peace. You and your family are in our hearts and minds.
Tim
Posted by: Tim Brunelle | February 27, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Arun I'm so sorry to hear this, you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Mack Collier | February 27, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Arun, my greatest sympathy for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: gianandrea facchini | February 27, 2008 at 11:56 PM
As others have said, no amount of words can replace the person you've just lost. But take solace in knowing that you are supported by a wide community of friends who sincerely care about you and your family- now and always.
May the grief of this loss be short, and the joyful memories last for all the years to follow.
My best to you and your family, my friend.
Posted by: Tim Jackson | February 28, 2008 at 02:17 AM
May grief be not too heavy, while appreciating the gifts she has given others through her living.
Posted by: mvellandi | February 28, 2008 at 03:41 AM
Arun, please know that we're thinking of you here in Canada – so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Mark Goren | February 28, 2008 at 05:18 AM
Arun,
I'm sure that your mother passed away very proud of the son that she leaves behind, and I hope you will feel strong enough to share more about her when we get together in NYC. Virtual hugs now; real hugs then from your extended "blogging family."
Posted by: Steve Woodruff | February 28, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Arun ... when you have the time and the strength to read these thoughts from the other side of the world, know that while you are living through the shakiest of times, there are many of us thinking of, and wishing you healing and the sad joy of happy memories. Our prayers are with you, my friend.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | February 28, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Hi Arun - thinking of you. You take care now.
Posted by: Marcus | February 28, 2008 at 06:22 AM
Arun, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: Doug Meacham | February 28, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Arun, our hearts and prayers are with you in your loss...
Posted by: Robert Hruzek | February 28, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Arun,
You mean so much to this community, and just know that we're here for you no matter what (and no matter how far away we might be).
You're on all our hearts as we continue to pray for you and your family.
Posted by: Ryan Karpeles | February 28, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Arun,
My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend. You are such a wonderful man--I am sure your mother was very proud of you.
Posted by: Lewis Green | February 28, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Arun - You are an inspiring human being. I can only imagine how wonderful your mum must have been to have raised you. Of course you and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Cam Beck | February 28, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Arun -- My thoughts are with you. I hope that the power and warmth of this community brings you comfort now and always.
Posted by: Ann Handley | February 28, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Arun - I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of your mum. You'll continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: John Herrington | February 28, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Arun -
The loss of a loved one is difficult to deal with. And for a "boy" to lose his mother, the sense of loss is amplified to unimaginable levels. Just hold in your heart that she is at peace now, and will always live on in your warmest memories. Your strength would make her proud.
From what I see, you have a lot of friends to lean on through this. A sure sign of a good man.
I’ll say a special prayer for your mother and for your peace.
Andrew B. Clark
Posted by: Andrew B. Clark | February 28, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Arun,
In this difficult time- I wish you hope, strength, courage, and love.
-Shama
Posted by: Shama Hyder | February 28, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Arun & Linu:
My deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Words cannot adequately convey how sorry I am. I wish I was there to give you both a big hug, but that will just have to wait until April.
Love to you both,
-Lori
Posted by: Lori Magno | February 28, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Arun, you have my deepest and most profound condolences. You've been such a wonderfully giving individual and I'm sure you made your mother proud. Her memory will continue to live on through your good works, with the values that I'm sure she instilled in you.
Posted by: Scott Monty | February 28, 2008 at 04:03 PM
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. What a tremendous sense of loss you must be experiencing. I lost my dad several years ago and understand the feeling of sadness and grief. You are left here and it's important to remember to keep your mother's memory alive by fulfilling the call and destiny on your life. My wife and I will pray for you and your family.
Posted by: Scott | February 29, 2008 at 08:27 AM
We hope you can derive some comfort in knowing that there are people all around the world who care about you and send you their best thoughts at this time.
Posted by: David Reich my 2 cents | February 29, 2008 at 02:02 PM