Author: S. Thapa
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Recurring Dreams of the Sky: A Memory and Meaning
by Sanman Thapa | 01/19/2025 | 10:45 pm -***- Some dreams vanish into the depths of memory, while others linger, returning when we least expect them—puzzling, persistent, and full of intrigue. I first had this dream around 1979, and it returned in 2020. What does it mean when a childhood dream resurfaces decades later? Is…
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In Memory of a Lost Bond: Tribute to My Childhood Friend
A heartfelt tribute to a childhood friend, capturing memories of youth, dreams, and loss. This piece reflects on a life shaped by resilience, fractured family ties, and an enduring bond that lingers beyond separation.
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Gardening – How I Found Salvation During the Pandemic
By Sanman Thapa | 09-23-2024 | 9:35 pm –***– Growing up on a farm in Nepal, my days began with the unapologetic crowing of roosters and were filled with hard labor, plowing fields and praying to the weather gods that this season, for once, would be kind. It was the kind of life that built…
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Redefining Fatherhood: My Journey as a Stay-At-Home Dad
By Sanman Thapa |9-14-2024|11:18 pm -***- Growing up, I always imagined myself in a career that would allow me to provide for my family—something steady, respectable, something that made sense. But in 2009, when my wife Kim and I welcomed our son, Aiden, life threw us a curveball. The 2008 financial crash had already shaken…
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Caught In the Middle
By Sanman Thapa | August 27, 2024| 12:10 pm We sat on the rooftop cafe in Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sun dipping low in the sky as we waited for our afternoon snack—steaming plates of MoMos. Below us, hundreds, if not thousands, of pigeons swarmed around the Kaal Bhairav Temple—Aiden’s favorite spot—where people scattered seeds across…
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Kathmandu to New York: A Journey Marked by Unforeseen Trauma
In a harrowing journey from Nepal to the US, a father and his son faced unexpected obstacles. After witnessing a fatal plane crash, they navigated missed connections, explored Doha, and enjoyed a serendipitous three-continent birthday celebration. Their odyssey underscored life’s fragility and the profound impact of singular moments.
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Overcoming the Fear of Drowning: My Trauma and Growth Story
As flash floods enclose the narrator, panic sets in as they seek higher ground. Recurring nightmares of drowning haunt them, stemming from two traumatic incidents involving water. Overcoming their fear, they enroll in swimming lessons, eventually conquering their fear and putting an end to the nightmares.
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Misunderstood Identity: Confronting Misconceptions
The author shares experiences of being misunderstood due to language and appearance, leading to hurtful judgments and discrimination. From being mistaken for various nationalities to facing hostility due to societal prejudices, the author resolves to assert their true identity as a proud Nepali immigrant, rejecting misconceptions and embracing their heritage.
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The Rise of Digital Dependency: From Radio Silence to Smartphone Addiction
Sanman Thapa reminisces about his technology-free childhood in Nepal, surrounded by nature and close-knit community. He reflects on the rapid advancement of technology, expressing fascination with his first iMac and the transformative impact of smartphones. Concerned about digital addiction, he explores its effects and yearns for the simplicity of his youth.
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A Journey Through Adversity: A Tale of Factory Life
The author reflects on his son’s growing understanding of his injury and the hardships he endured in Nepal. He describes the challenging conditions and long hours in garment and shoe factories, leading to a life-altering accident. Despite the surgeon’s efforts, his hand couldn’t be saved, leaving him grappling with uncertainty at a young age.
Sanman Thapa 