Thread by @_shireenahmed_, ~ Inna lillahi wa inna lillahi rajioon ~I attended a zoom funeral [...]

~ Inna lillahi wa inna lillahi rajioon ~

I attended a zoom funeral today.

Husain Ahmad Bhayat - lovingly known as Babu Uncle- wss from Gujarat, India. He was an educator, a tireless volunteer, and a doting grandfather. He died of complications of #COVID19 in Mississauga. - 1

~ Inna lillahi wa inna lillahi rajioon ~I attended a zoom funeral today. Husain Ahmad Bhayat - lovingly known as Babu Uncle- wss from Gujarat, India. He was an educator, a tireless volunteer, and a doting grandfather. He died of complications of #COVID19 in Mississauga. - 1

He and his family opened the first Indian Food Store in Halifax. Smells of haldi and fresh cilantro coupled with his beautiful grin were a staple of my childhood, and offered fresh samosas. He patted us on the head and slipped us kids a candy or two. - 2

My parents had a tab at the store and would go in and buy things and then pay him. He had a Hilroy notebook in which all of our purchases were kept. He never asked to be paid. And for those who couldn't pay, it was well known that those debts were constantly forgiven. -3

One day, my father went in and as unbuckled my seatbelt he said to me: "Stay in the car!" I was confused.
I LOVED going in and touching the packets of daal, seeing the bottles of achar, and smelling the fresh vegetables
- foreign to many in Halifax. - 4

I stayed in the car and after a couple of minutes, Dad came running out with Babu Uncle a few steps behind waving cash. My Dad tried to pay for something. It might not have been agreed upon, but Babu Uncle refused the money. Dad eventually threw it on the counter and ran - 5

There I sat on Robie Street in Halifax in the early 80s with my Dad, wearing a yellow shirt and plaid pants, jumping into the hot car and Babu Uncle waving the money in the air calling after him breathlessly. What a sight to behold. - 6

That store was a place for love, nourishment of our identities, and affirmation of our community bond.
And that dedication and love of humanity followed him and Zubi Aunty everywhere. They were a team. And devoted their time to helping anyone who needed it. - 7

I did not see them often enough although their daughter is a close friend. When we did meet, he still patted me on the head and nodded and grinned. 40 years later we were all his kids. He ALWAYS asked for my parents. They have been friends and chosen family for over 40 years. -8

A lot of tears have been shed in homes all over the world today because of this wretched virus. Many of those for Babu Uncle. What a feeing of helpnessness to not be able to go and comfort his family. Hug his devastated grandchildren. And console his heartbroken wife.

- 9

When you come from a small immigrant community, these elders are all your parents. They are pillars of your life. They float in your memories, and stay embedded in your lived experience. And you miss them so much it hurts. But in many cases, realize it after they have passed. -10

Reconnect if you can. I called many of these elders this past week. Got scolded for not calling more frequently! Ha! And got tremendous amounts of blesisngs and love. I am still crying, but laughing at their jokes. These Aunties and Uncles are everything. - 11

This love and concern and now digital community holds me up. When the sadness in my father's voice from losing his friends is hard to bear, I remember that it lasts. I want to be unconditional with love, and non-judgmental. One like Babu Uncle who never gossiped, belittled. - 12

Babu Uncles digital funeral had over 100 people sharing stories, (including those who didn't mute their mics, and were looking in the wrong screens almost making us laugh) and just crying. He was a light. Now dimmed, he provided guidance and brightness for many. - 13

To Him we belong and to Him we return.

Please consider donating to @conquercovid19 through @IDRFcanada. One of the many charities Babu Uncle worked with.

Please stay home, and stay safe.

- 14

Latest Threads Unrolled: