Summer 2011
In the lead-up to Sean’s first anniversary I asked a couple of our friends to pen down their favourite memories of him. I’m sure it will make a nice change remembering him through someone else’s words, rather than my constant drivel. First up is our former classmate Lindsay, whom we met in Ottawa while studying journalism.
Here’s what Linds had to say:
“Sean made me laugh – not the regular kind of laughter. I’m talking about a full body response with arms flailing, tears flowing, snorting, breathlessness and facial pain. The kind that leaves you renewed. The kind that makes everything sparkle.
Over the years, I was fortunate to share some special times and create many hilarious memories with Sean and Bev as they built their life in Ottawa and spent time with my family and I.
The first time Sean and Bev visited my parent’s house, they had only been in Canada for a few months. My Grandmother took it upon herself to bring them a pamphlet about India and presented it when they arrived. She is an amazing lady and wanted to make them feel comfortable, but of course we took it to mean “Really, it’s ok that you’re Indian”. They accepted her gift with gratitude and appreciation and I remember Sean’s eyes lighting up with laughter at her sweet gesture. It was in that exact moment that my Grandmother fell hopelessly in love with Sean and they flirted shamelessly from that day forward. In fact, their flirtation spanned many years with Sean sending little messages for my Grandma through our emails when he and Bev lived in Bombay and Dubai.
Sean had a way of capturing people’s hearts and had a quick wit and a way with words like no other. He could always get me with one sentence and a sharp look. One time I went off on a colourful 20-minute rant and when I finally ran out of steam he looked at me straight-faced and simply said “Woman seriously?” Bev always referred to her gorgeous husband as my Indian boyfriend and throughout our friendship he always treated me in a way that made me feel incredibly special. Not only was he a brilliant friend, he and Bev were family.
And with family there always comes a little feuding. One night in particular, we had a knock ‘em out battle in Sean and Bev’s new apartment in Toronto. The three of us had spent hours watching Jersey Shore, drinking wine and losing our minds laughing. Around 3 a.m. we decided it was time for bed as we were completely delirious. Bev started setting up a makeshift bed on the floor of their living room and as their guest I assumed it was for me – was I ever wrong.
In Indian culture guests are treated in the highest regard and Bev insisted that I sleep in their bed and she and Sean would sleep on the floor. Of course I refused, and since Bev and I are both very stubborn, the argument that ensued lasted close to an hour. Sean voiced his frustration through hilarious one-liners which left us in fits laughter over how ridiculous we were being. Even still, that night we all slept on the floor – Sean and Bev in the living room and me on the floor in their bedroom. The next morning Sean mocked us ruthlessly and we completely deserved it. To this day, Bev and I talk about that night and howl with laughter.
It is impossible to convey how special Sean was through words alone. But every time Bev and I get together our guffaws, giggles and chortles speak for us as we reminisce about the many times Sean brought us to the ground with his incredible sense of humour. When these beautiful memories come alive, it is clear Sean will always be at the table with Bev and each one of us who is so blessed to have laughed along with him.”
Photo: This picture of the three of us was taken by Lindsay’s brother, Josh, last summer when we were enjoying a couple of drinks on a patio near St. Lawrence Market in Toronto.
Pingback: Remembering Sean: Elroy and Neil’s memories « Table for One