Tribute to Uncle Manu
From Claire-Reka
I find myself here again. Our family find ourselves here again. In this very long year and yet short amount of time we have suffered so much loss. Another stab of grief. Another member of our family lost.
When I consider carefully, it is plane and obvious that Uncle Manu holds a special place in my life and in my heart.
He was my Uncle.
He was my Godfather.
In one of our last conversations Uncle Manu said to me “treat me like your own father”. I know, I too, held a special place in his heart but on hearing those words at that time, grieving from the loss of my father, I didn’t respond with the acknowledgment and gratitude I now wish I had.
When I came to the UK Uncle Manu did in fact treat me as his own. I now have a lifetime of memories that include him in so many ways. But actually it all started when I was born. On his second visit to the hospital he saw a couple leaving for home with a baby, he insisted they come back, adamant the baby they were taking was not their own. He was right. That baby was me. And that day I was returned to my parents and the life l am destined to lead. My parents entrusted him with the role of Godfather. A role he honoured. A similar role of guardian, he bestowed on me for Joshua. One I hope to honour as well as he did for me. Nicola, Joshua and Jacob, family I will always hold dear.
He made me feel loved and safe and welcome in his home and in his company, especially when as a child my own father was in Sri Lanka.
Reigate, for me, synonymous with Uncle Manu! Horse riding followed by Sunday lunch and cosy evenings in their Reigate cottage with Uncle Manu and Aunty Joan, was a ritual Mamma and I looked forward to.
Warm weekends spent running up and down and round and round the steep garden in Rutland and swimming in the freezing pool with my cousins and friends.
Aunty Joan beating Dadda at Scrabble in the lounge, Bijou and Sussie the dogs taking their comfortable place on the sofas, Uncle Manu cooking for us his go to favourite, stir fry noodles!
The offer of a trip to McDonald’s was a treat frequently suggested as he knew my smile was guaranteed.
It was Uncle Manu who paid, without question or hesitation, for me to go to LAMDA. He would playfully and with pride introduce me to people, saying, “this is my niece The Actress” a pride that truly meant a great deal to me, especially, as often I did not feel that sense of pride in myself.
These are just a few flashes of my many memories.
But there is more. Something I value greatly, that is beyond measure; the family love and kindness and genuine friendship he showed and shared with my Mamma, throughout the years and through all circumstances. When Uncle Manu passed, Mamma in her sadness said to me, that no matter what the situation he was always happy to hear from and see her and that is a rare and precious thing to find in life. In times of worry or need or crisis he would be the first person to whom she would turn, always met with the offer of help and support. Willingly, without question and with a welcoming open door and smile. In times of joy and triumph he would celebrate her victories.
We haven’t always shared the same views or come at life from the same perspective but I am so pleased that I once took the opportunity to really express my gratitude for the help, love and security he provided me. He however, wouldn’t let me continue, saying, “you don’t need to thank me, you are special and we are family”. These are words that will remain with me.
I am fortunate to have had him as my Uncle and Godfather.
Peace, Comfort, Love, and Joy are my prayers for him, wherever he may be.
With love,
Your niece,
Claire-Reka.
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