Goodbye mama! I knew him only after my marriage. After retirement, he was working at the same office as me. I didn’t like him then and the feeling was mutual. I mean who liked accountants anyway aye? I was a young hothead and he was older, adamant and unwavering in his beliefs. We had been at loggerheads many a time regarding work related matters. But as time passed, I saw him in a different light at office and at his home. He had many admirable virtues that I had the quiet privilege of watching and learning from! Integrity, honesty, incorruptibility and ethics are a few that come to mind. He was disciplined, committed and hardworking. He was a strict yet loving father/grandfather at home! He was a man who stood for what he believed in, no matter what. He loved sports! He was a tenacious footballer during his heyday. His eyes lit up every time we discussed sport. He was visibly broken in half when mami passed. His pride didn’t allow him to show it to outsiders but we could see it. His love for her shone bright for all to see. He was human after all and had his fair share of flaws. Who doesn’t? Mama, I’ve now realized that you and I aren’t much different! Say hi to mami for me will ya and keep that mischievous smile intact. For a change let heaven get a dose of your quirks! Till we meet again then…..