Thanks Uncle Julian!

Julian Dsouza was a numbers guy. A brilliant Chartered Accountant. He cleared his chartered accountancy exams despite much oppression and with the least amount of encouragement. I wasn’t born then, but I know from my aunts and mum He went through a lot of mental strife, especially around the time I was born hence I got the Middle name Julian - Sheldon Julian Aranjo which I’m extremely proud of.

Before I proceed with a brief gratitude speech that I’ve prepared for Julian, I wanted to thank Sister Jenny, Simon Martin and the entire staff at Sahyog Care Home, Bhuigaon, Vasai who have stretched themselves above and beyond the call of duty to make the last 2 years of Uncle Julian probably the best of his last 72. Not because we paid for VIP stay or special AC accommodation but because of how dynamic and jovial Julian was, taking on the mantle of administrative officer and rallying the other residents all of whom took a deep liking to him.

After being rejected by over 10 senior citizen homes due to lack of space or funds, he managed to get the last spot in Sahyog. Surrendipitously he also managed to get the last bed in Dsouza Hospital Vasai where he breathed his last.

Julians gang at Sahyog

Always happy to meet

Big sis and little bro

Big Sis proud of her babty bro

Sheldon, Julian, Anita, Jenny

His guardian angel Jenny

Pics taken at Sahyog Care centre, Bhuigaon, Vasai (Use side scroll. Mouse over for caps. Double click for zoom)

Now…

Since Julian was an ace accountant and I work in e-commerce where shortlists and countdowns keep customers engaged I thought of fusing the best of both our worlds.

here are my TOP 10 THANK YOUS to Julian as we bid him goodbye.

# 10 Thank you for teaching me how to be humble even in the face of extreme ferocity

#9 Thank you for teaching me that service to your fellow man is central to the human condition.

#8 Thank you for demonstrating that a father’s love can be just as deep and engaging and immersive as a mother.

#7 Thank you for teaching me that respect for one’s parents and family is very important to ensure good karma

#6 Thank you for teaching me that NO MATTER how many times you fall or sin in the eyes of the world, you can be forgiven. NEVER give up.

#5 Thank you for teaching me the importance of single-minded focus and passion

#4 Thank you for teaching me the importance of humour and being a genuine Bandra bugger no matter which part of the world you travel to.

#3 Thank you for teaching me the importance of building a strong network to leverage in my later years. He still had the metro palace owners number and was offering to get me a job there Incase things went south for me.

#2 Thank you for teaching me the importance of just sitting by someone’s side and listening to them with no agenda or motive

Finally Thank you for teaching me that even in this age of ChatGPT, AI, Machine Learning and Augmented Reality, the most important thing is still HUMAN TOUCH.

Thank you.julian!

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