Yup. It’s been a while……
Kindda been busy and a bit shy too I guess as I, like a few of the guys could see the family bonding on the blog and thought its best to shy away a bit and let the bonding continue…. Almost like the opening of an Olympics or so – Let the bonding begin ….
Anyway, now the gap seems to be widening and figured I`d jump in and start blogging again. Kool bananas!
To keep this alive thought I`d recommend that Shyla initiates a kindda quiz with a prize for each right answer and of course it`ll be participation driven and if there are less than 10 participant answers, then the quiz question automatically becomes void…. Very simply – Shyla, you’d need to run a quiz or post a question, every 3 days or so or maybe every week – something very intrinsic about Stephen that most of us or some of us or maybe none of us would know – the questions need to be creative and related to Stephens life, lifestyle, attitudes, experiences …. Gosh, whatever! But the games open to everyone and anyone who`s known Stephen over the years.
Needless to say, we`ll need to give some thought to the prizes and how we get these prizes across to the winner. I`m sure Ashley will conjure up some creative prizes that can be delivered creatively across the web/ internet
Hey, this is just an initiative IO thought would bring Stephen and his memories and his colorful life back up and in our minds and bring out some creative insights – things that some of us may never have known about him. So what say gals and dudes? Would you co-operate and get involved at least by sending in answers if Shyla posts the questions out every week? The time`s come to separate the boys from the men (hey, gals are automatically involved) and so I`d imagine if we still have the men around, please do jump in and let your creative juices flow!!!!!
Shyla – over to you then!
Cheers!
A page for those who knew Stephen Francis (1966 - 2010).
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
The way I see him
From F1 Barbie dolls to pink and yellow rooms – I had everything a 6 year old girl could want. It would only take me one cute look and a couple of ‘pretty please’ to get my dad wrapped around all ten of my little fingers.
Mom on the other hand was the party pooper, or as dad and I liked to call her ‘The elephant butt’. Please say that you can see the OBVIOUS significance between the two. She was (and still is) the only woman who can keep me on my toes.
Even though dad never liked to result into ‘discipline’ he would teach me a lesson in his own special way. For example:
Me: Dad I want ice cream!
Dad: Not until you’ve finished your dinner.
Me: BUT I WANT ICE CREAM NOW!
*10 minutes later, a sobbing Sarah sits on the couch eating more than 15 ice creams, all brands, all flavours!*
And here’s another lesson I will never forget!
The happy Stephen family had just arrived in Germany to see an F1 race. Now the mom and the dad have already been to a few F1s, but for me, a very fashion conscious 6 year old, it was my first. Sitting pretty in the grand stands, opposite the Ferrari pit lane with Schumacher branded tees and cap, I refused to put the bright orange ear plugs in my ears. Mom went on and on about why I should put it and even resorted to threats! But dad said to me ‘You are going to learn your next lesson very soon young lady!’ And he smiled!
A few seconds into the race, my fashion sense dropped and common sense prevailed! I BEGGED with dad for the ear plugs! And I got it eventually after about 3 laps, my ears were finally protected.
Since then, every time we packed for an F1 race, I would make sure I ALWAYS packed my nice sore orange ear plugs too!
Most of the times Dad and I had special ‘father daughter’ bonds. That included me playing on his ‘computee’ or dad trying to explain a game of cricket, F1 or cycling.
Dad was always a ‘computer geek’. Something I call ‘unattractive.’ By the way, sorry to all the men on this blog who I just offended, you’re all attractive in your own special way! Back to my point, dad was always a computer geek – something I still call unattractive. Wait, I already explained that. Well the point is that he was a geek!! He was always the one to buy gadgets play with it and then toss it to mom or me!
Here’s another conversation:
Me: Dad, I think iPods are cool (Back in my day, we had iPods not Macbooks and iPads like now! Giggle! I always wanted to use mom’s back in my days dialogue!!)
Dad: Yeah … I think they are too
Me: How much does one cost?
Dad: About 600 dirhams … why?
Me: I was going to ask you if we could buy one, but I think that’s too expensive.
*45 minutes later* Dad: Lets go out to the mall
Me: OK.
*2 hours later, a happy Sarah gets into the car with a brand new iPod nano 3rd generation - which is later to be replaced by an iPhone.*
He wasn’t ‘cool’ in only my eyes – my friends thought he was amazing too! What with the blue shades and the puma shoes and the designer jeans – how can you not think that dude is cool?!
To them he was a rich guy who would be there after school, leaning against the hood of his BMW waiting for his daughter to come out but to me he was my dad, my mentor and above all my math tutor with little patience for the 12 year old who didn’t know how to find X. As a result, there were many unsolved equations, including the mystery of the flying math text books!
To me, X was only significant if you were a pirate. But to my dad – X was important for X amount of reasons. (-Ha-ha! See what I did there?)
Dad always encouraged me to learn from different cultures of the world and with that, I think I was the only girl in my class who would fly to Switzerland, Germany or Austria for the extended weekend and be back in time for the next school week.
Random father daughter bond fact: Dad and I liked to experiment: when we went to different countries. I would try the ice cream and he would try the beer and mom would sit there trying out the coffee.
Most of my hobbies have come to life because of my dad – I now have a growing passion for photography and creative writing. My taste in music is much wider than a typical fourteen year old. Instead of the normal “hip hop” and “R&B”, my ears are open to Heavy metal and Rock.
Which brings me to my next point – concerts. Listening to the kind of music dad had introduced me to had given me an ear for the band Simple Plan. Within a few short months – I had officially proclaimed them as my favorite band ever! And when Simple Plan decided to come to Dubai on the 5th of December 2008, guess who decided to put up with a screaming 11 year old? Yes, my dad.
May 30th 2006 little Rachel was born. Mom and dad had this expensive brand of Patchi chocolates for our guests. I asked my dear sedated mother if I could take a box of chocolates to school. As expected, through her sedation she screamed “NO SARAH YOU CAN’T!” Seeing that I was upset, dad secretly passed me a small box of chocolates and told me to stuff it into my bag. He said “enjoy!” It was our little secret… Until now!
I find there is no reason –whatsoever to cry over the fact that my dad is not here physically.
Instead I know better – to celebrate his life and remember all the great times we’ve had with him.
My dad was and still is my best teacher and instructor. He taught me the right things and when there was something I couldn’t do (suppose a self defense kick) he would guide me in his own special way (by telling me in tangled riddles and quotes) and help me achieve my best.
So dad, I say to you today Merci Beaucoup pour tout et je t’aime!!
French was one of the languages dad and I used to communicate, to make sure our beloved party pooper (hem hem my mother) wouldn’t understand anything we said!
Mom on the other hand was the party pooper, or as dad and I liked to call her ‘The elephant butt’. Please say that you can see the OBVIOUS significance between the two. She was (and still is) the only woman who can keep me on my toes.
Even though dad never liked to result into ‘discipline’ he would teach me a lesson in his own special way. For example:
Me: Dad I want ice cream!
Dad: Not until you’ve finished your dinner.
Me: BUT I WANT ICE CREAM NOW!
*10 minutes later, a sobbing Sarah sits on the couch eating more than 15 ice creams, all brands, all flavours!*
And here’s another lesson I will never forget!
The happy Stephen family had just arrived in Germany to see an F1 race. Now the mom and the dad have already been to a few F1s, but for me, a very fashion conscious 6 year old, it was my first. Sitting pretty in the grand stands, opposite the Ferrari pit lane with Schumacher branded tees and cap, I refused to put the bright orange ear plugs in my ears. Mom went on and on about why I should put it and even resorted to threats! But dad said to me ‘You are going to learn your next lesson very soon young lady!’ And he smiled!
A few seconds into the race, my fashion sense dropped and common sense prevailed! I BEGGED with dad for the ear plugs! And I got it eventually after about 3 laps, my ears were finally protected.
Since then, every time we packed for an F1 race, I would make sure I ALWAYS packed my nice sore orange ear plugs too!
Most of the times Dad and I had special ‘father daughter’ bonds. That included me playing on his ‘computee’ or dad trying to explain a game of cricket, F1 or cycling.
Dad was always a ‘computer geek’. Something I call ‘unattractive.’ By the way, sorry to all the men on this blog who I just offended, you’re all attractive in your own special way! Back to my point, dad was always a computer geek – something I still call unattractive. Wait, I already explained that. Well the point is that he was a geek!! He was always the one to buy gadgets play with it and then toss it to mom or me!
Here’s another conversation:
Me: Dad, I think iPods are cool (Back in my day, we had iPods not Macbooks and iPads like now! Giggle! I always wanted to use mom’s back in my days dialogue!!)
Dad: Yeah … I think they are too
Me: How much does one cost?
Dad: About 600 dirhams … why?
Me: I was going to ask you if we could buy one, but I think that’s too expensive.
*45 minutes later* Dad: Lets go out to the mall
Me: OK.
*2 hours later, a happy Sarah gets into the car with a brand new iPod nano 3rd generation - which is later to be replaced by an iPhone.*
He wasn’t ‘cool’ in only my eyes – my friends thought he was amazing too! What with the blue shades and the puma shoes and the designer jeans – how can you not think that dude is cool?!
To them he was a rich guy who would be there after school, leaning against the hood of his BMW waiting for his daughter to come out but to me he was my dad, my mentor and above all my math tutor with little patience for the 12 year old who didn’t know how to find X. As a result, there were many unsolved equations, including the mystery of the flying math text books!
To me, X was only significant if you were a pirate. But to my dad – X was important for X amount of reasons. (-Ha-ha! See what I did there?)
Dad always encouraged me to learn from different cultures of the world and with that, I think I was the only girl in my class who would fly to Switzerland, Germany or Austria for the extended weekend and be back in time for the next school week.
Random father daughter bond fact: Dad and I liked to experiment: when we went to different countries. I would try the ice cream and he would try the beer and mom would sit there trying out the coffee.
Most of my hobbies have come to life because of my dad – I now have a growing passion for photography and creative writing. My taste in music is much wider than a typical fourteen year old. Instead of the normal “hip hop” and “R&B”, my ears are open to Heavy metal and Rock.
Which brings me to my next point – concerts. Listening to the kind of music dad had introduced me to had given me an ear for the band Simple Plan. Within a few short months – I had officially proclaimed them as my favorite band ever! And when Simple Plan decided to come to Dubai on the 5th of December 2008, guess who decided to put up with a screaming 11 year old? Yes, my dad.
May 30th 2006 little Rachel was born. Mom and dad had this expensive brand of Patchi chocolates for our guests. I asked my dear sedated mother if I could take a box of chocolates to school. As expected, through her sedation she screamed “NO SARAH YOU CAN’T!” Seeing that I was upset, dad secretly passed me a small box of chocolates and told me to stuff it into my bag. He said “enjoy!” It was our little secret… Until now!
I find there is no reason –whatsoever to cry over the fact that my dad is not here physically.
Instead I know better – to celebrate his life and remember all the great times we’ve had with him.
My dad was and still is my best teacher and instructor. He taught me the right things and when there was something I couldn’t do (suppose a self defense kick) he would guide me in his own special way (by telling me in tangled riddles and quotes) and help me achieve my best.
So dad, I say to you today Merci Beaucoup pour tout et je t’aime!!
French was one of the languages dad and I used to communicate, to make sure our beloved party pooper (hem hem my mother) wouldn’t understand anything we said!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Canon Warehouse Sale
Leute!
I guess this is the part where the blog begins to fall off!
It has been nice reading this blog. And getting to know a bit more about Stephen from the regulars who update this blog like Ashley and Koolest Kat (Dude, I am sure thats not your real name :))
Ofcourse Shyla is a regular here too, but we can discount her! She has no other work but to talk about her loving husband or then sulk and whine that he is not here! (Lassie I am expecting you to retaliate, bring it on!)
The updates from Stephen’s nieces have been very genuine and always touch an emotional chord.
If I am not mistaken, Shilpa is the one in the US and then moved to Canada? If I am right, then it is because he used to talk about you as well. On a few occasions, so I can say he was fond of you. Ofcourse he used to tell me about the child labor he did with his younger niece. He was fond of you both and never lost a chance to gloat about his perfect family.
Other than Lassie, I am glad to meet you all virtually!
So why am I writing today, you can ask? Its the smallest things that trigger memories. And mine has been triggered because of the Canon warehouse sale. The last time this bargain came around was in 2008. I SMSed Stephen if he wanted me to grab him anything? Would you believe the dude flew down to Germany? I thought being a CA, he would rather spend the money on camera equipment from Dubai than on tickets to Germany. He later told me his tickets were next to free becoz Lassie used to work for Emirates! That man’s style and focus was truly a cut above the rest eh?
For the past 3 years, we have had this ritual where we update our camera backpack together. And as I do so alone today, I thought I must give a tribute to the man who lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had the best of materialistic things and the perfect work –life balance! While it was difficult to stop envying him, I mastered the art of learning from him – so Salut mein Freund Stephen, I hope I am fortunate to meet you in the next round – wherever that might be!
To Stephen’s nieces, Ashley and Koolest Kat – have a good week and I hope to see more of Stephen through you. I know the effort it takes and please know it is appreciated.
And Lassie – you are doing good! You are doing exactly what Stephen would have wanted you to. Infact you don’t realize it – but you are pretty much doing much better than what you think!
I guess this is the part where the blog begins to fall off!
It has been nice reading this blog. And getting to know a bit more about Stephen from the regulars who update this blog like Ashley and Koolest Kat (Dude, I am sure thats not your real name :))
Ofcourse Shyla is a regular here too, but we can discount her! She has no other work but to talk about her loving husband or then sulk and whine that he is not here! (Lassie I am expecting you to retaliate, bring it on!)
The updates from Stephen’s nieces have been very genuine and always touch an emotional chord.
If I am not mistaken, Shilpa is the one in the US and then moved to Canada? If I am right, then it is because he used to talk about you as well. On a few occasions, so I can say he was fond of you. Ofcourse he used to tell me about the child labor he did with his younger niece. He was fond of you both and never lost a chance to gloat about his perfect family.
Other than Lassie, I am glad to meet you all virtually!
So why am I writing today, you can ask? Its the smallest things that trigger memories. And mine has been triggered because of the Canon warehouse sale. The last time this bargain came around was in 2008. I SMSed Stephen if he wanted me to grab him anything? Would you believe the dude flew down to Germany? I thought being a CA, he would rather spend the money on camera equipment from Dubai than on tickets to Germany. He later told me his tickets were next to free becoz Lassie used to work for Emirates! That man’s style and focus was truly a cut above the rest eh?
For the past 3 years, we have had this ritual where we update our camera backpack together. And as I do so alone today, I thought I must give a tribute to the man who lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had the best of materialistic things and the perfect work –life balance! While it was difficult to stop envying him, I mastered the art of learning from him – so Salut mein Freund Stephen, I hope I am fortunate to meet you in the next round – wherever that might be!
To Stephen’s nieces, Ashley and Koolest Kat – have a good week and I hope to see more of Stephen through you. I know the effort it takes and please know it is appreciated.
And Lassie – you are doing good! You are doing exactly what Stephen would have wanted you to. Infact you don’t realize it – but you are pretty much doing much better than what you think!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
You were always "Cool" in my eyes
I just want to start out by thanking Stephen’s friends for putting this site up. I check this blog often and I love and have thoroughly enjoyed reading each writing and learning more about my uncle who is among the angels.
Many a times I start to jot something down but somehow my hands can’t seem to type any words. Part of it is because I can’t believe that he is physically not here with us, part of it is because I am so sad that when I hugged him in January 2009, I would be hugging him for the last time & part of it because I am a little angry that things happened the way it did and my Chechi (Shyla), who I love more than anything has her heart torn into pieces.
What can I say about my dear Stephen uncle? Everyone knew him as a quiet, intelligent & unassuming person. Well, he came into my life when Chechi found “her man” and called us in Dubai to say that she might have found someone and is ready to tie the knot. I was not too keen on meeting him coz I knew that Shyla (Chechi) would have to share her love with this new person. I was twelve or thirteen when I met Stephen uncle for the first time. He was always the "cool” dude in my eyes. I think my eyes almost popped out when Stephen uncle told me that I don’t have to call him “uncle” and that I could call him Stephen. As a twelve year old, I accepted and agreed with the newly- wed Chechi that her husband was “cool”, only to be shut down by my “traditional” & “boring” older relatives who threatened to smack me if I don’t respect him and call him uncle!
Stephen Uncle had a great taste in music & movies. I loved going to their apartments on Friday afternoons coz you would find Shyla (Chechi) in the kitchen attempting to cook something or cleaning up the place. Stephen uncle would be either on his laptop on lying down on the couch reading. During summer hols, we would spend night after night playing board games like monopoly or scrabble & it was always good to be on his team (Coz, I have to admit that he always won)! Stephen uncle, in my eyes always did what he thought was right for him & his family. In the society where we lived, where almost everyone had something to say about your personal life, Stephen uncle was like a breath of fresh air. Although, I don't think he ever knew how to express his feelings. My jaws dropped when he bought my mom diamonds just because she used to cook Indian seafood delicacies for him specially once or twice a month. I still remember that day like it was yesterday where we were having brunch at a restaurant and he presented those diamonds to my mom! Needless to say, we did give him a hard time & made fun of him. :)
Part of my sadness, I have come to realize is because I wish I was close to Stephen uncle like Sharon and him was. He knew I loved him, I knew he loved me, but I wish I had taken the time to let him know that verbally. I wish I had told him how much I admired him for not following what the society says and for doing what he believed was right. I wish I had hugged him a lil tighter the last time I hugged him.
Stephen uncle, I know you are our angel, sitting up and watching down on us. Even though I never expressed it, I was very upset & angry with you & the Person, up above when you left my Chechi & your two beautiful daughters. Giving you up is definitely one of the hardest things that we as a family had to endure. Every time I think about how we laid you down to rest, I can’t help but cry. I know that you are in a better place and you will be watching down on us. I am fighting back tears as I write this but I hope you know how much I loved you and how much we miss you. Our family is never ever going to be the same without you in it. You lived your life to the fullest and did everything that your heart desired. You lived a life of legacy and we will ensure that your daughters grow up knowing how “cool” their dad was.
Your 'cool' neice
Shilpa
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Footprints and Photos ... Part 2
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| Before THE GOA trip! |
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| During THE GOA trip! |
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Ashley! Is that you??!! What are you guys doing?! |
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Now which rally is this? |
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The first ever Bahrain GP  |
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| Monty .. This is Stephen working from home! Bet you have never seen this style! |
Footprints and photos ... Part 1
With Jose and ‘THE’ Vitara.
One of the first trips into Shoaib, 4 tree point, 1 tree point, cars getting stuck, digging sand out, BBQ with fine braised sand etc!!
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Steve with … sorry, but I only recognise OG. Someone please chip in with names and comments. I think this was in 1996, Ooty/Kodai .. |
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| With Jeffery |
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One of the many impromptu music and drinking sessions over lame excuses of wanting to eat ‘home cooked naadan curry!’ |
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| Stephen and Arun ... Enjoy in Peace! |
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Marathon camping! No pre-planned agenda other than drive, have fun, camp! Stayed outdoors for I think 2 or 3 nights!  |
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Another memory from this trip was when that silly donkey attacked our camp just before dawn. I saw a brave Prashina peeping out from their tent with glimpses of a rather sloshed Shamil behind her checking on the intruder! I heard you tell her ‘You check Prashi, I am right behind you!’ Ofcourse this comment has never been owned by Shamil who thinks Prashi and I made this up! |
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| Shamil – was this trip with the rather infamous and never said so ‘Not now!!’ comment from Steve?! It was just too cold for Sarah’s friend in the tent. So I reached for the car keys in Steve’s jeans pocket. He was so drunk, very cozy in his sleeping bag that he screamed out loud ‘Not now …. !!’ Ofcourse this comment has never been owned by Steve who thinks Prashi and I made this up! |
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The most painful part about camping is getting the sand out of the tent before pack-up. I think eventually Steve and Shamil invested in a hand-held car rechargeable hoover amongst other gadgets! |
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Shamil and Steve pretending – Not sloshed! No hangover! Yeah rite!  |
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| Stephen and OG - Tull concert in India |
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Impeccable knowledge and taste with wines
Dear Shyla, the little girls, Stephen’s family and friends,
I have been overseas and just returned to the Centre. Since I haven’t seen Stephen in his office or around the lunch room this past couple of days, I enquired with Helen about his whereabouts. Needless to say I am shocked beyond belief at what I heard.
Shyla, I hope you remember me from our dinner at my vineyard on June 11th. This was My husband and I were very impressed with Stephen. We never thought he would take up our dare to taste wine from black wine glasses!
We observed his ease with Sniff, Swirl, Taste – impeccable knowledge and taste in wines.
I have confirmed with the centre Shyla, I will be retiring next year June. In all my years of working I have seldom come across a young man with Stephen’s capabilities. I consider myself very fortunate to have been his acquaintance. I am still conjuring the strength to call and speak with you Shyla.
And I do realise it will be school holidays next month. You and the girls have an open invitation to come by the vineyard and stay while. I am sure it will bring you peace and good memories of the couple of times you spent as a family here. You are welcome anytime to be our guest of honour.
With love and prayers,
Catherine
I have been overseas and just returned to the Centre. Since I haven’t seen Stephen in his office or around the lunch room this past couple of days, I enquired with Helen about his whereabouts. Needless to say I am shocked beyond belief at what I heard.
Shyla, I hope you remember me from our dinner at my vineyard on June 11th. This was My husband and I were very impressed with Stephen. We never thought he would take up our dare to taste wine from black wine glasses!
We observed his ease with Sniff, Swirl, Taste – impeccable knowledge and taste in wines.
I have confirmed with the centre Shyla, I will be retiring next year June. In all my years of working I have seldom come across a young man with Stephen’s capabilities. I consider myself very fortunate to have been his acquaintance. I am still conjuring the strength to call and speak with you Shyla.
And I do realise it will be school holidays next month. You and the girls have an open invitation to come by the vineyard and stay while. I am sure it will bring you peace and good memories of the couple of times you spent as a family here. You are welcome anytime to be our guest of honour.
With love and prayers,
Catherine
Sunday, September 5, 2010
And time goes by ...
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| Mamzar Beach, Dubai |
Some say time has passed by so quickly – 3 months?!
Matter of perception! And I won’t share mine here in the fear that I will bring down your spirits – the bottled spirits or the other ones! Excuse is what one waits for to hit the spirits! And let me not be the excuse :)
Thank you everyone for writing on this blog and keeping it so active.
It has been heart warming to read the blog and comments. Has made my grief a bit easier to bear :)
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| Big Red and beyond! UAE |
His camera back-pack would always encompass accessories – filters, lens, film rolls and the Digital camera would often lie unattended and over looked as he would always prefer to photograph with his manual SLR.
Needless to say – his favourite model was Sarah with nature as a backdrop. Here are a few shots! Regards, SS
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| Khasab, Oman |
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| London Hyde Park, UK |
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| Sydney, Australia |
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| UK |
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| Titisee, Germany |
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| Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, Scotland |
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| Ras al-Khaimah Beach, UAE |
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Technical Support from Heaven!
wohoo Stephen Uncle! wassup ..
Yes yes writing to u in better spirits today
Thanks for helping me out now .. with the Internet stuff up … Ur gud :) .. So now I knw ur around ..which is awesome ..
Yaa – strange .. I knw the tel company is not in my mobile ctc list ..n i still looked .. yaa .. n ..saw ur name .. and .. said ‘Just help me now OK Stephen Uncle, make this stupid internet connection work!’
Giggle – and it just started working … wohoo .. not working for hours and working when I aksed you .. yay ..
U might wanna fly up to australia and console that wife of urs
She misses u .. I'm not sure if she wil get over u ever.. but she's all urs .. Make her happy ok .. Make rachel do a jump here n there and sarah to continue being more supportive .. She wil be fine then ..
Thanks again for now ..
I miss u .. U randomly pop into my mind .. Jst miss knowing that ur ntt around .. Sigh ..
I wld like to say ur my guardian angel .. :) yay ..
Feels good and secure ..
Will see u soon ok .. One day
Ow btw ..did u hear abt t solar tsunami? Musta been awsum 4 u to see it .. grandstand view.As usual..only the best view ..
Love, u know who! yaa .. ur fav niece :)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Email to my Uncle .. domain unknown :(
Every1 tht reads this – this msg was supposed to b private ..btwn me n Stephen Uncle .. n unfortunately I told chech tht I emailed him 4 his bday. Chech emotionally blackmailed me since then 2 post on this page .. since then .. n coz I dnt wanna do anthng 2 upset her more than she already is .. here is wht I send Stephen uncle for his Bday .. love u my half crack chech n love ur auditor hubby even more .. mwah!
Dear Stephen uncle,
Happy birthday!! I somehow miss u so much. More today than ever ..
I wish I cld say all this in my mind .. But I feel if I write it down u might read it sometime .. somewhr .. somehow ..
U went away too soon .. I love ur family to bits and I know for a fact that our family is never t same without u.
Jst t fact that I know ur gonna be in ur room or on t couch with ur laptop when I get home was a peaceful feeling in itself. I dnt have that feeling anymore.
Chech spoke a lot abt u on t train after we finished shopping in Sydney when I was there in May .. She was so happy ..
And then when chech wld get delayed at work and u wld be hungry .. u used to wait in t kitchen for her to come back .. that was such a cute thing ..somethin that I noticed but never told u ..
Do u know I don't even have one single pic wid u n me offlate? I regret that .. I wish we had taken more pics .. Somethin to look at and smile .. u know
U know I was so fond of u .. and I know u were always watchin out for me. But now I have to think twice before I do anything coz I know u r literally watchin me :)
I jst wantd to tell u that now that ur physically no more I find myself thinking so much abt u all t time ..
It was painful how u went .. too soon .. too fast. I mean .. u were ok .. man .. in May for Rach’s birthday .. u were fine.
U still had Vodka at Pancakes on the rocks on her birthday .. Only dada n mama wld believe it was orange juice K .. not me or Chech ..
I took for granted that u wld be around a lot more longer ..
Umm ill tell u somethin I have not told anyone ever .. I always thought if ...and that's a BIG if dada was no more for my wedding u wld walk me down t aisle .. Now that I have experienced how it is to lose u ..i pray I dnt need to lose anyone like this ever ..
I know you dnt like to go to church .. especially for a big mass .. I still remember my first communion ... our family was seated on t 3rd row.. I kinda knew u wldnt come .. so when chech told me u didnt come, I kind knew it .. but deep down inside I was disappointed .. Then I went for my Altar call .. when the priest told us to turn around and face the congregation as new members of the church .. there you were .. Smiling at me ..
When I turned from altar u were t first one I saw ..
That too in t front .. 1st row .. Hehe
But t fact is u came .. U came coz I called u
And u came coz u knew it was my first communion ..
AND u came in blue jeans n brown shirt .. the ppl were all decked up in sari or suit or juba n mundu .. and u .. my uncle came looking so cool .. all my friends were like .. wow ur uncle is so cool
Sigh
When I came to Australia in May and u took us to see t pacific ocean u drove all t way .. the full day .. and that’s how I assumed it wld always b .. Infact .. how I thot was for my wedding u wld be driving me to church … I took it for granted ..
We all think u had a blessed life and a blessed death. U didn’t suffer too much ..
But whatever said and done u went away too soon ..
Chech n the kids wl be fine .. But t fact remains t same tht they wld be jst fine .. And nothin else
But we r all here for them jst like before .. Only difference is much stronger ..
So obviously I dnt need to worry too much abt that
I jst wantd to talk to u ..
So ya .. the best way is FB email ..
.i, miss u .. . Have fun there .. K ..see u sometime ..
Ill wear my ralf schumacher cap, the one that u bot me k .. And u wear urs .. that stupid red michael Schumacher cap .. We ll recognise each other through that k :)
Love u .. ur fav niece ;)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Photos complimenting Amal's blog - Australia Trip!
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| Amal was in charge of breakfast, a role he took pretty seriously! Menu for the day - Anda Burji |
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| I must admit - it was delicious! |
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Mapping out the Sydney Leg! Where Amal got outvoted 3:1, but still managed to go to the Zoo |
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| Spot Steve ... |
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 After the riot at Country Club Tuross Heads, the party moved to one of the local's home... | <><>
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| The Sydney Melbourne Drive |
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| Great Ocean Drive, I think this was Gibson's Steps ??? |
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