"Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven " - Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton.
The hardest part in life is seeing your dear ones pass away from this world. I have faced this situation so many times. However, I don't have the courage to face the situation. It is a pain for me to go to any funeral. So, life goes on like this. As a kid, I knew so many people who were close to my heart. I remember one person who was a fatherly figure to me. His name was Ravi Fenn known to me as Ravichayan. I remember him as my dear uncle who used to dote on me. I would like to pen a few thoughts about him. Mostly my memories, and write a tribute to him.
This was when I was studying in the 9th grade. It was a time, when I needed a wrist watch, so that I could manage my time when writing my exams. Despite a financial crunch, my mother brought me a watch which did not last even a month. I used to pray day in and night out, for a wristwatch. One fine day, my mother announced that Ravichayan would be coming home. I was pretty excited and wanted to be in my best behavior to impress him. I always pictured him wearing a suit and in fact, he was wearing one when he came home. He was talking to my mother most of the time. Then, he called me aside and asked me about my studies. I was then a shy and timid boy who could only smile at whatever he asked. He opened his bag and took out a box which could fit a huge diamond ring. He opened it, and showed me a wristwatch. It was my dream come true. I was so thankful to him for giving me a gift which I had long yearned for. Over the years he continued giving me gifts which I still cherish and I appreciated the thought behind each gift.
The bond didn't end there. I had the privilege to stay with him for a few days during his final days when cancer was eating away his life. During my stay, I received advice on each and every step that I should take in my life. He was a storehouse of knowledge due to his reading habit and could talk for hours and hours on any subject.
All good things have to end sometime. Last week Ravichayan was called back by his maker. It was also a relief for him too, he had waged a losing battle against the deadly disease which had ravaged him. Now I only have fond memories of Ravichayan’s life on earth. He was a fond, benevolent person who had touched so many lives and done many things for each of them without thinking about the consequences. It is hard to forget him. I promise I will meet you in heaven. Love you and miss you a lot, Ravichayan.
