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Clifford Fewel's avatar

Avi (may I call you Avi?), you always leave 100 percent on the field. Of course there are real human beings behind every byline we read, but we rarely get to meet them. Thank you for revealing your life, yourself, your mom to us in such raw, emotional, candid and humorous detail. Her retorts to the FU guy are priceless. You have done a service to those who suffer from depression, from parental pressure, from Cal fandom. Thank you for taking the time to do so, and for sharing those precious photos. I haven’t been to a Cheesecake Factory in eons. But I was in Olive Garden yesterday. To your beloved mother and her soul journey, may you reunite one day in perfect health and harmony.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Clifford, thank you for the kind words. I'm happy to hear my pieces might have had an impact on you and I hope the unlimited breadsticks were a proper treat.

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Clifford Fewel's avatar

Unlimited Breadsticks may well be the title of my memoir. Thanks for the chuckle, Avi and, win or lose, I look forward to enjoying the upcoming season with you and the Write For California team. Keep up the great work.

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TKE Prytanis 79's avatar

Thank you Avi for your courage in sharing this most personal story, and for trusting your CGB/WFC family with it. Go Bears Forever my friend.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

I've trusted you with many dumber things I've written. Felt pretty good about this one. Go Bears!

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Akhila's avatar

Avinash, what a writer, artist you are! And I think your mother told you what she was most proud of before she left. Your sweetness. Thank you for sharing about life, heart, and mom through your writing…✨🙏🏾

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thank you my dear friend for reading. Means the world. And thank you for donating!

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BearlyThere's avatar

Fucking lovely tribute. You are beautiful people.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Aren't most California Golden Bears? Thank you!

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Kevin Mullen's avatar

Heartwarming and heartbreaking tribute Avi. Well done: to you and your mom. There is plenty of story left to write though…

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thank you, and yes, the story keeps on going!

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justbearly's avatar

Avi, this is beautiful. My mom always supported and loved me no matter what dumb stuff I did, and I did a lot of dumb stuff. She is always with me as your mom will be with you.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

I will say my mom didn't ALWAYS support me. She had her own goals and dreams for me, and that is where we clashed early, often, and late. But that's how it can be sometimes. She loved in her own specific way, but the love was there.

I'm happy your mom gives you the love you need.

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justbearly's avatar

I do understand. My Mom did not always agree with what I did or the why of it, but she always loved me and made sure I always knew that. She passed twenty years ago; I was by her side. She is always with me. You are a good person, Avi. I enjoy your posts; they are often so much more than just about football. Go Bears!

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Daniel Lahl's avatar

Thank you Avi for such a personal and touching story. Very moving, and a great tribute to your Bear Mom!

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thanks for reading Daniel, it means a lot that it left an impact.

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KetamineCal's avatar

I am so sorry for your loss, Avi. This was a wonderful tribute.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thank you for reading and the kind words.

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Macarolina's avatar

Thank you for your moving memorial to your mom, complicated parent-child relations (to which so many of us relate!), and overall, love. So hard to lose a parent- thinking of you and your family.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Love is sometimes perfect, but it's usually messy, and take a look at all that mess!

Thank you for reading.

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Peetyjay's avatar

An amazing, compelling, touching piece of writing, Avi. Thanks for sharing in such a genuine, vulnerable way. I am sure writing this piece was cathartic, and I hope, healing for you. I love this online Golden Bear community and thank you for providing the gravity that holds us down. Go Bears, Forever.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

It was very helpful. It's not the same. But I do feel like I can start moving with intention again. Thank you for reading!

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royrules22's avatar

My sincerest condolences for your loss Avi. This was a beautiful tribute to your mom and your relationship. Thank you for sharing with all of us, I am grateful to have read about your mother bear.

And thank you for sharing about SJS/TEN. I admit that I don't really know much about. I will absolutely do my part donate and learn more about it.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

I didn’t know about it until 36 hours before. I wish I’d read up more. We could’ve done better for her.

Thank you for donating. It is definitely something that deserves more research.

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PawlOski's avatar

My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Beautiful tribute, Avi. Thank you for sharing.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thank you so much for getting the chance to read this!

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Peter Montalbano's avatar

Definitely! Looks like I'm not gonna get back for the alum band this year, Sept 13, but Go Bears!.

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Clbear's avatar

It's a wonderful and touching tribute, Avi. To mothers, whose loss we can never prepare as children. I hope you are able to continue to draw strength from all of your families. Take care of yourself and my condolences for your loss.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thank you for the kind thoughts! Families can be complicated things, but as long as they fulfill their duties they are a net good.

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Dennis Valerio's avatar

Enjoyed your story, Go Bears!

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Happy you were able to read it! Go Bears!

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Andrew Brooks's avatar

Wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing.

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Avinash Kunnath's avatar

Thanks for reading!

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