Thank you for taking a few minutes to stop and visit with us at TDW. My name is Merly, and these days I wear multiple hats as wife, mom, teacher, sister, daughter, neighbor, innovative leader and entrepreneur. I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband and two young daughters. I’m also a first generation, Indian-American who moved from India to America in the 1980s. With all these titles, I can boldly claim that no single one defines me. Instead, I believe my identity is formed and fashioned by my Creator, Jesus Christ.

State of Confusion…

It is this core belief that has guided and refined me and fueled the healing journey I started on 15 years ago. In 2006 and 2019, I experienced the loss of both my parents. This experience was a mixed shock, both culturally and spiritually. I was under the false impression that Christians should display an appearance of strength and that’s how God is most glorified. I also came to realize as an Indian-American, grief and loss are not topics our community does well to understand and support, on many levels.

Sharing is Caring

I started this blog as a resource for other Asians who may be walking through a season of loss or grief. At the same time, I realize these are not topics unique to any one culture. I welcome perspectives from other cultures. My beliefs were so far from what God’s word, the Bible, really teaches about grief. Understanding the truths of scripture can be daunting and I look forward to building a strong, encouraging community through TDW. We need this, if we are to share in the burdens of others. I believe we can through prayer, offering sound advice and recommending practical tools to discover a path forward!