inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji'oon I lost my dear Dr. Rizwan Shah this morning, and although my heart feels heavy I wanted to share some memories of her that make me smile. To the world Dr. Shah was a fearless woman who started the conversation about the impact of drug abuse on children in the United States and frequently testified in court against powerful drug dealers who threatened her life. To me, she was a nani (a grandmother). Dr. Shah was in her 80’s, and lived life on her own terms. Two days ago, she climbed up a ladder to pick apples for my brother and spent time with my cat in Iowa. Although many were concerned about her living alone with her husband at such an old age, she took impeccable care of herself - and others. She was the Pakistani Snow White - one that would feed large families of deer in her backyard every morning. They would eat out of her hand because of how gentle she was with them. Dr. Shah and her husband were the first Pakistani couple that I saw being openly affectionate with each other. She would travel around the world giving speeches and talks and every single time, he would wait at the airport with her favorite purple flowers to welcome her home. He would say that his wife was an angel sent to earth to help people, and those that met her would agree. She was the first one on the dance floor at my mendhi (even with a recent knee replacement) and sang me a beautiful love song at my shaadi. She was so full of life and love, with one of best senses of humor you could have. Dr. Shah has been by my side through life’s ups and downs, and has cheered me on through each milestone. I love you so, so much Dr. Shah. Your presence in my life is the greatest gift you ever gave me, and I hope to lead my life in a way you would be proud of. Ameen.