He died on March 12th 2001, at 1.55pm and I don't seem very capable of writing this in his memory as I hurt badly, but write it I must.

It is my last and unseen gift for a man who was no blood relative but far beyond an uncle in his love and caring. He gave shelter to my family when we were practically destitute (I was a child then). And he put so much love and magic into my childhood, that much of me is the work of his loving care.

So how do I share all the wonder of knowing Uncle Lionel? My memories are innumerable...

He was the tall Uncle who had these extra big pockets laden with goodies and there was I, the kid who stood behind him and dug her hands into the pockets to retrieve those very same goodies. Then I remember Uncle cutting my slices of bread into lil square pieces (these were covered with condensed milk and butter and very yummy)... and then another flashback, Uncle always bringing wondrous toys for me.

I remember Uncle Lionel lulling me to sleep and the very same Uncle taking care of me when I made messes and got really sick.

How do I say goodbye to you Uncle Lionel? I will make a fool of myself if I tried to do that when seeing you on your final journey today on March 13th.

So I will say my goodbye here... so that all whom I know and those that I don't, will know in some small manner what a marvellous person you are and how you had so much kindness and love for others.

I love you... you are in my heart with numerous sweet memories... but oh how I will grieve for the rest of my life knowing I will never see you again.

Thus I will kiss you here, one last time in my heart and in my mind.

Goodbye. I hope to meet you one day.