By Tessie Chechi
It’s been a year and this tribute is way overdue. Last year at Popu’s funeral, I’m not sure what made me volunteer a eulogy at church and oh boy…was that a bad idea!! I literally bawled through it and pretty sure it made people squirm in their seats at the sight of this grown woman crying her eyes out while trying to babble words. Even writing that eulogy in the airport made me sob uncontrollably, and a little child…out of nowhere…came and gave me a tight hug…and it felt so comforting…was that you Popu??
Popu…thinking of you brings a lump to my throat and my eyes well up with tears each time. I feel somehow, I let you down. I could have been a better sister and reached out to you to talk to you over the years. I should have told you that I thought so highly of you, and it used to bring me pride speaking of you to others. I used to brag about how my brother was super intelligent and won a computer in a quiz competition – which is a HUGE deal – did I ever tell you that?? I mean… those days winning a computer… are you kidding me…you were BRILLIANT!
Thank you my dear for being this lovely little child, for being my sweet little bro, and for all the beautiful memories. You always had that huge smile on your face that bubbled into a hearty laugh whenever it could. Thank you for giving Jonny that Polaroid camera – what a sweet and thoughtful gift. And when I joked that I will probably use it more than he will, you told me to fill my refrigerator door with memories. Thank you for that last lunch we had together – so happy that I spent a few hours with you and even now I keep trying to recall the conversations we had that day. You spoke so fondly of Jonu and Priyam. You did such a great job at being the older brother and making sure Jonu was in good hands before you left us.
You are indeed a pearl – a rare kind of pearl!
Rest in peace dear Popu.
Love, Tessie chechi.
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