I never really got a chance to blog about a certain death in the family, due to all the sudden dramas in life. So, here I am, half drowzy, wanting so badly to express how I feel about the 3 sudden deaths that have come my way.

  Last week, as I sat on a beach chair happily enjoying the sun,sea and all that, I received a call from my mum, But did’nt pick it up, coz I was out of credit and since it’s roaming, the credit is deducted..(something like that la). So mum called Dez, and as soon as she answered the call..she was her happy,excited self. I sat there watching Dez face change all of sudden. I dont knw why, But I instantly thought something had happened to Grandpa. Then I found out that Uncle Steve passed away. For that brief moment, I felt everything was at a stand still and that every part of me was in shock. Just before I left to Bali, I had spoke to Aunty Bell, and we were talking about Uncle Steve’s health. She informed me that he was goin in for his chemo and that he’s fine, but just finding it hard to eat. I advised her on a few things to do, as in how to handle him after chemo and what not. So, in my mind, and from the news I’ve been getting, Uncle Steve was doing fine. And then I get this news…..that he passed away from a secondary infection, pneumonia on the 17th of June, a day before my bday.

  Mum told me that Aunty Bell wants to talk to me a.s.a.p and that everything back home was crazy as the family was deciding on who should fly to London and all that. As soon as I reached, I called her..and as expected, she cried as she related to me what had happened. I sat there at the airport, few minutes before my 23rd bday, crying with my Aunty who was on the other side of the world all alone, as she had lost a man so important to her. My heart goes out to her, and I’m filled with frustration to realize that her marriage was cut short by this. As I got home, she called again, and tearfully wished me, saying that Uncle Steve wanted me to come visit them end of this year. I regret not getting to know him..for I heard many wonderful things about this special man that carved a place in my aunt’s heart.

  I will never forget last Christmas, as Grandma handed me a letter together with an Xmas card. It was addressed to my grandparents and the rest of us. Uncle Steve had given it to Aunty Bell before she flew back and made her promise that she will give it to grandma and grandpa w/o reading it. As I read that, I only wished that I would someday find a guy just like that…or even half as good as him. In his letter, he thanked my grandparents for raising such a wonderful daughter and he mentioned all the amazing things he and aunty have gone through together. I was very proud of my aunt as she put him first and then the rest of her life fell into place. It was like I was a witness to a remarkable love story. It was a beautiful letter with many other very touching details of their life together.

  I also remember having grown-up conversations with aunty as she told me how important it is to find the right person in life. I’ll never forget how she beamed at me as she told me that…she also added that it didnt matter how old u get, as long as ur happy with what God has promised you. We have been calling her for the past few days. I’m glad that Aunty Tina flew in on my birthday to be with Aunty Bell. Alex Mama, Bridget Atthai and lil Glow flew in to London on Monday. At least she had some support from the family,physically.

  Aunty Bell has taught me many things, but one thing that stands out the most…is her strenght and perserverance. She called earlier today and told US to be strong and that she is fine and everything will go on well. The funeral was TODAY. It’s probably goin on right now as I type this. I feel lost for words. All I want to say is, Uncle Steve..Thank you for bringing so much joy into Aunty’s life and to all of us too. We never got to meet you, but somehow it feels like we know you so well. Thank you for the smiles that you put on her face, thank you for becoming her knight, thank you for telling her that YOU loved her very much as your last words to her. She told me that she will never forget how you struggled to utter those words, as you were gasping for air. Thank you for allowing us to know you as the man that lighted up her life. Rest in peace, Uncle Steve! We love you so much! Don’t worry about “Christy”, she’ll be fine and will always remember what you mean to her!

*’christy’ was his name for my aunt*

  On another note, The church of St. Joseph’s lost a remarkable character today. It came as another shock to me as I got a call while I was in class today saying that Uncle Pragasam, who happens to be one of my friend’s dad..who also happens to be my relative, passed away today. He died in an accident of a hit-and-run case. We went over to the house just now, and…..well, let’s just say it was pretty bad la. I managed to speak to Dalshana for awhile. It’ s very tragic and we just lost another colorful character from our church.

  The whole world mourns another death today…MICHAEL JACKSON. When I heard this news from Kevin this morning, I thought it was a hoax..I mean, Ive heard that a few times. But as I tuned in to Hitz, my fears were confirmed. I’m still in shock,it’s all so hard to believe. I mean, it never crossed my mind that MJ will leave us so soon. He kinda seemed  immortal to me, u know? Seriously, he is the King of Pop, I grew up listening to him. Memories of old, I remember how Me, Dez and Camille used to listen to him and copy his dance moves, I think it was Joe Mama’s wedding..

  Anyway, I spent my whole day paying tribute to MJ. I decided to light a candle for  the 3 amazing men that has left this world in the last few days. I realized again today, that life is too short to stay mad at someone. Yes, Im hurt by a lot of things, but I’m gonna try to find the strenght to forgive.

*May the souls of all these 3 men rest in peace, they were gifts to many people in their own different ways. Now as they leave this world, may their legacy and love live on. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord*