G. Vincent

"Daughter - Mama, you remember when i walked all the way from school to your office? Dunno which class I was in. But i remember being really really small and scared. I had to see you and hug you. I was desperate because I felt lost and had no hope. I knew I will be ok if I see you. And so I decided to walk. Didn’t know the shortcut.. took the round about route… knew I’m going to be late getting back home and get into BIG trouble.. every intersection was scary to cross but nothing could stop me from doing that. Finally when i reached Nitco you were happy n worried at the same time. I remember the hug… i remember how you smelled… i remember… you told me never to do this again… kissed me and put me on a rickshaw and sent me home. Actually we never needed to “discuss” anything… I come looking for you… you understand… no questions… no explanations… you hug.. give me a kiss and send back a happy me🥰 Ok its been a year and I hate these tears! Love you mama"

"Grandson - Hi Appapa! Thought I’d catch you up on what’s been going on since we last spoke. I aced my music theory final, I graduated and I’m officially employed now. I’ve been playing a ton of cool shows and recording a lot of dope music. I’ve made friends with a lot of really awesome dogs, and one particularly sassy parrot. I’ve been drinking an obscene amount of coffee, although I’m sure you’d approve. I’ve been going to the beach a lot, very cool sunsets out here. Still no girlfriend by the way, but I shall keep you posted. Until next time <3"

"Daughter - I don’t think memories are a thing of the past for me, Appa. I’m sitting in “your” chair as I write this, with your photograph right next to me. And somehow, even now, you don’t feel like someone who belongs only to what has already happened. You are still part of what is happening. Yesterday, the kids were dancing and I was recording them. But even as I watched them, there was another version of the moment playing just as clearly in my head. You were there. I could see you dancing with them. Vivi pulling at your lungi, you immediately reaching for Vivi’s shorts in retaliation, and all of us dissolving into laughter. That laughter, Appa. There was a particular kind of laughter that seemed to exist whenever you were with the children. Unrestrained. Infectious. The kind that made everyone else laugh simply because you were laughing. And perhaps that is why I struggle with the idea of “memories.” The word makes them sound like things that happened once and are now over. Things we look backwards to find. Mine don’t feel that way. Something happens today, and you are somehow in it. I know what you would have said. I can see what you would have done. Sometimes I can almost hear the joke you would have made, or picture the expression on your face. There is the moment as it is happening, and, running alongside it, the version in which you are still here. Maybe some part of me simply cannot accept that you are gone. Or maybe this is how I carry you now. Not only in the things that happened when you were here, but in the things that are still happening. In our ordinary days. In the children growing up. In the jokes you would have laughed at. In the empty chair that will always be yours. In all the moments you should have been here for. My memories of you are not just recollections of a life that has ended. They are still unfolding. Somehow, in my mind, everything that happens to us is still happening with you, and around you. Because there simply is no me, without you. And maybe Appa, I should rate you 1 for leaving. Love you Appa, so much. "

"Daughter - Mama, Whenever someone asks me why i call my chithappa as mama, I smile remembering the conversation we had when i was small. You said, “unakku chithappa varale, sethappa sonne… athukku ellam saaga mudiyathu nu mama ne kupudunu solliten”. 😆 How do I explain what you are to me!!!! You are ‘home’. my amma veedu. I wish i can stop crying mama. (But it has made my performances very easy because for the past year I don’t need glycerin to cry in front of camera) I have developed a new trick to feel better too, i call out ‘mama’ and mimic your ‘ohhh’ …. (Nandan saw me doing it and I think he got worried 😬) Mama, I feel all my prayers are getting answered faster now!!! Are you behind that too? You have always been my safe place. I do hit panic mode at times but I know you have created a small love circle for me. Thanks for that. And thank you for bringing up Nikki baby the way he is today. Your love and presence shaped him. Will write more Love you mama. Muuuaaahhh"

"Friend of Deepa’s - The first time I met Vincent was when Deepa and Rasu got married. Fina, her mom and I was invited to have lunch at their house. Now I was super jet lagged so my memory of that day was just impressions (but strong impressions). I remember that Sandra’s cooking was SUPERB, though probably bland by her standards as she skipped the spiciness for us I remember laughing so much to everything Vincent said. I don’t remember the exact details but boy was he funny. I remember the look of respect from the driver when he sat across from Vincent one-on-one for lunch. This made quite an impression on me because Deepa explained to me that it was important that the driver also came up to eat. I probably only spoke to Vincent for 30 minutes in total, but it was immediately clear to me that he was a great dad and kind to everyone he met. "

"Kochumakal - When I was little, I used to feel really sad that I didn’t have anyone to call “Thatha.” Only later did I realize that I actually had a grandfather in my life, and he has played such an important role in it as my Mamathatha. He absolutely loves little kids, and even older kids have a special place in his heart. The love he gives is so unique and unforgettable. He loved having me sit on his lap, and he would also take me outside for walks with Bluey. The fun, teasing, laughter, and all the little moments I shared with him are truly unforgettable and will always remain some of the most golden days of my life. If there is one of the best and most beautiful memories I have ever been blessed with, it will always be the memories I made with my Mamathatha❤️"