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