Tuesday, September 3, 2024
I met Uncle Sack in 1987 in Canada. If this meeting was in Guyana, I would have met Lil Mamoo. My understanding is his Canadian name is Uncle Sack.
When we bought our first car, Uncle Sack, Sham and Suresh became frequent weekend guests. I will be informed every weekend where we are going. Then Ramesh came to Canada. Somehow, the number of people in a car rule, did not apply to us. Uncle Sack, Sham, Suresh, Ramesh and Tall Boy became part of our inner circle. We saw Ontario together. If we went to a party or celebration, and any one of us felt it will not meet our standards, into the car we went back to our apartment for our own party.
This gentleman is very talented, humble and versatile. At a party, he can transform himself into Hirthik Roshan or John Travolta. He was the bartender at our wedding reception. He is a skilled tradesman. If we needed an electrician or a plumber he will get the job done. When he is helping someone, it is real help. He will deliver a skilled, safe and beautiful end result. He will take the time to explain what he will do, and, when the job is completed, he will explain again how it worked and the savings achieved.
In his professional capacity in Canada, my understanding is he became a union representative and a very verbal advocate for worker’s safety and increased wages.
Priam exhibited, all his life, extreme bravery. He sacrificed “big time” to make sure his family, Aunty Lizzie, Chris and Nandy enjoy a better life. He was skilled in Guyana and had a great job, yet he believed at the time that he can achieve even more if he came to Canada. For those close to him, they can talk to the sacrifices. Suffice to state, he achieved his goal, lived long enough to see Chris and Nandy married and play with his grandchildren. I believe inheriting a skill from a parent or grandparent can be called a legacy. And I am predicting here, that, soon, at a wedding or other celebratory event, one of Uncle Sack’s grandchildren, will move onto the dance floor, and you will be saying “Wow, look at Sack”.
Indians believe in the importance of a name. This gentleman’s legal name is Priam. Depending on the intended spelling of that name, the meaning will be love or beloved. Either is applicable to the live he lived. You are loved, you gave love and you will forever be loved.
As Hindus we believe in reincarnation. Hence, it is inappropriate to say rest in peace. We believe when someone dies, they will be born again. The life giving force is called jiva. The concept of escaping the cycle of life and death into something better is referred as moksha. The prayer for the departed to achieve the best transformation from here to the next life is Om sadgati. Therefore for Priam, Lil Mamoo or Uncle Sack, we pray that his jiva achieve moksha. Om Sadgati.
