Inspired by Nikhil’s (Gonzy’s and my nephew) lovely article in this blog, touching upon the nephew-uncle relationship and beyond, thought I’ll quickly pen a few thoughts about Gonzy, since he spent the last 20 hours of his life in my home. Just by way of introduction, my sister is married to Gonzy’s brother Jose (Nikhil’s father) who resided in Mombasa. I had the pleasure of hosting Gonzy in Nairobi for under a day on his way back from Mombasa to Goa via Nairobi.
Although I do not intend this to be a chronological record of events that unfolded, thought I’ll mention some events fresh in my memory, thereby hoping to preserve them. I picked Gonzy and Nikhil up at the Nairobi airport on Sunday late morning and got to chatting about his stay in Mombasa. Gonzy was most thrilled about his Safari in Tsavo, and I’m happy that he spent some of the last few days of his life enjoying and seeing the best of nature and animals in their most natural habitat. Throughout his trip from the airport to my home, I remember Gonzy trying to gather in as much of his surroundings as possible and absorbing each moment to its fullest. Gonzy and I got into a lengthy discussion about the Famous Five’s habits in the wild, and what animals were seen readily and where, along with the individuality of the various gameparks around Kenya. Gonzy was fascinated with what he had seen in the Kenyan wilds and had promised to return back, along with a friend from the US. I sincerely hope that he has a much better view of the wild from wherever he is today.
I’ve not known Gonzy for too long. However, we were meeting more and more frequently in the last few years in Goa, since Gonzy was visiting Goa more often, including in the festive season of Christmas, which coincided with my yearly visits to Goa. During Gonzy’s visit to Nairobi, I did comment on the same and the fact that it was so great to re-kindle family relationships. Maybe, it had to do with passing on of experience to the next generation of nephews and nieces in Goa, maybe it was catching up with family and what Gonzy had missed during a onetime prolonged absence from Goa. Or maybe, something completely different, which only Gonzy could explain in his unimitable combination of US-accented English and Portuguese. Whatever the reason, I’m sure our extended families in Goa were only richer for the experience.
Children have always captivated Gonzy and they in turn have always been attached to him. I’ve seen him form strong bonds with his young nephews and they have looked up to him for inspiration and advice. Unassuming by nature, Gonzy has never been forthcoming about his professional and work related achievements. Consequently, this blog, though untimely by cause of origin, has been an eye-opener to me, especially in relation to what Gonzy has been keeping himself busy with in his professional life.
When embarking on this article, I was tempted to share the exchanges and events that led to his untimely demise on that fateful Monday morning, but decided against it, since I’d like to remember Gonzy from the limited and joyous times my family and I had the day before, wherein we exchanged interesting conversations, a lunch and dinner with Gonzy, whilst exploring a little bit of Nairobi. In the short span of time we had together, Gonzy made time to discuss interests and various other topics with Alysia, my daughter of 12, as well as Neil, my son of 10.
Alysia and Neil were the last to say a formal goodbye to Gonzy, before they left for school. Little did we all know how final it would be. Knowing Gonzy’s attachment to the younger generation, perhaps, it was only fitting.
Aulio Martins
Nairobi, Kenya.
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