Remembering Sean: Sonia's memories

Sean and Sonia on our wedding day in Bandra – January 8, 2010.

Sean’s second cousin, Sonia loved cooking for him and would go the extra mile buying extra servings of fish fresh from the market for him during her weekend shopping trips so we had a stash at home for our weekday meals. Sean also knew no matter what he said or did, Sonia would still continue to dote on him.

I’ve known Sean since the day he was born.  Growing up, he was always the pesky little brother.  My sisters and I endured many smelly socks thrown at us and being forced to smell his underarms after his sweaty games. Or we’d just get physically lifted up and thrown on the bed or sofa (just to prove baby brother was stronger than us older sisters). He constantly picked the best pieces of food from our plates and shamelessly stopped us in the middle of the road for some extra pocket money. Oh and how can I not mention his never ending list of things to buy him (email below was sent to me one day before his birthday 11 years ago !!)

From: sean dsouza 

Sent: 22 January 2002 14:01
To:  Sonia Gomes 
Subject: RE: hey sunny sean here

hey sunny i  actually sent u  my bday list(on ure bequest) and ask u to get me only one of the following items………………..pls only one ok?? restrain ureself hehehehehe

please note der they r in ascending order of importance

1-nike  shox bb4

2-cell fone-either nokia 3310 or onkia 3330 or samsung sg400

3 -swatch irony

4-casio g shock black color this time pls

thanx luv and remember i’m ur fav cousin…………..

Exactly when he went from being a pesky little bother to an overprotective one, I’m not sure, but am forever grateful for it.  I so clearly remember when a few months into my first job, a riot broke out in Bombay. Offices began to shut down and people were being asked to return home as soon as possible. Just as I was about to leave, who do I see at my office door? Sean himself ready to escort me home.  He was all of 17!!!!

Seven years ago, I was excited he was coming to Dubai to work and he’d be close to us again just like when we were growing up in Bombay.  During his time in Dubai, I cherished our Friday afternoon ‘fish curry’ lunches at my house.  Sean was full of humour and very witty with his speech and writing.  He was one of the few people who could have an ‘intelligent conversation’ on any subject.

I remember that horrid day in March 2007 when we learned Sean had a tumour.  But Sean courageously promised us he would fight it the best he could.  My mum, who also is his godmother, doted on him and she and Sean were very close. Sean specifically told us he wanted to tell her about the tumour himself and came over to my house, sat my mother down, hugged her and broke the news.

It was only Sean that made it easier for us to come to terms with the tumour.  I don’t know anyone who would have accepted this fate with more courage or strength than Sean did.  He lived life to the fullest and never let the tumour get the upper hand.

I love you, Sean and miss you terribly.  I’m so proud you are my brother.  Lisa and Liam always look out for the brightest star in the sky and know you are smiling down on us.

Forever in my heart…..

Sunny

PS : I know it was you who sent that crow to snatch the sandwich I bought from Hearsch.

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