Maniammavan, You are very much missed. By your friend, my father and by me.
I will never forget that you were there to see me off at 3am in the morning when I first left from Mumbai to New York. You were the one who told me about customs and immigration and the ways of plane travel and "foreign" countries that don't seem very foreign any more. And you were there for many a sleepless early morning arrivals and departures since then. Always easing my transition from India to the US and back.
You were the one who was sending mangoes as gifts even when you knew that they could be confiscated by agricultural department checkers. Perhaps, you wanted them too to taste the wonders of the perfect ripe mango from Mumbai.
The shirts you gave me (a plenty!) were my staple for clothing for years. And to this day, half my wardrobe is reflective of the Indian export fashion that you passed on to me. I am forever grateful.
The stories of your friendship with my father filled my childhood and youth and I always aspired to have a friend like that when I grew up. But i doubt I will ever find a friend as close as you were to my father.
Your warmth, affection and easy familiarity made my life richer and I will never forget you for that.
You will be glad to know that the love and affection you showed is now reflected by your family.
With lots and lots of love, I look forward to meeting you in my future transitions.
Anil