When Selma, Sasha and I were born it was not customary for a father to be present at the birth or, to necessarily partake of the duties of caring for a newborn! However 3 years ago when Casim was born Dad was standing right there, albeit behind a curtain, and was speechless, probably for the first time, as he witnessed the arrival of his grandson. Although we were still living in New York at that time, Dad would call me every night to find out all the details of his Grandson's day. As most of you know, the life of a newborn is not exactly riveting material but he always found it all fascinating and I found an ally in those long and sleepless nights of early Motherhood. When we made, what I now realise to be, a very fortuitous move across the Atlantic to settle in Spain, the extraordinary relationship between "Abu” as Casim called his Grandfather and " Mister” as Dad called him began in earnest. Abu and Mister were a great team, always off on jaunts to the playground, the beach, the Africa tour or the cars and horses: frequently Abu would coerce Mister into long walks along the pier in Puerto Banus, dangling a lollypop in place of the proverbial carrot to make him complete the exercise! Abu especially enjoyed the fact that Mister was a real “crook”. A few weeks ago, Casim went to spend the night with his Grandparents and awoke at 3 in the morning, screaming. Abu rushed in and fussed over him whilst Casim proclaimed that he had a bad earache. Abu was naturally worried and wondered whether to call his parents or the doctor .Mister, however, persuaded him that he would prefer to go to Abu"s bed. Once there he suggested a video, perhaps Winnie the Pooh or Bob the builder. At this Abu asked him what had happened to his earache, he solemnly stared at his Abu and said “I don't have an earache, its my toe that"s got an ouchy!” Naturally Casim was despatched off to bed but Abu, rather than being annoyed at having been disturbed at such an hour, found it hilarious that he had been duped by a 3 year old! We have received so many wonderful letters of condolence these past weeks, here are extracts from a couple of them. This is from Ram, with whom we had lunch the very day he died. “Shafiq was not only a good friend, I admired him for his dignified lifestyle, his compassion and his sense of fair play: always game and open minded. I will miss him lighting my cigar, he always had the first few puffs, and as usual, he would have definitely picked this year’s Grand National winner, his favourite Jockey won the race. Shafiq was never a show off but enjoyed the good things in life. His preoccupation was always to provide for his family. In fact his children had a special place in his heart and Casim was undoubtedly the apple of his eye. We were so fortunate to share that lovely afternoon with the family and Shafiq was so very happy that day. I for one will always miss him.” And this from Mehendra Mehta an old family friend from Uganda; “He was a wonderful human being- warm friendly and above all caring. From young to old, all could relate to him. His spontaneous smile, genuine nature and zest for life won over all who came in touch with him. His passing away has left a big void in all our lives which will be difficult to fill.” Before I end I have one more letter....from Mona to my darling Papa. I can only consider myself blessed to have had a father like you. You gave me courage, and conviction, you warned me that life would be complicated but taught me to walk tall in the face of it. The examples you set were impeccable and If I did not always follow them then you can rest knowing they are what I will aspire to. Your sister told me recently that your name, Shafiq, means kindness and sympathy, ultimately this is your legacy. In these past few months you seemed to find joy and pleasure in all the little things around you, I think perhaps you found enlightenment. You always told me everything would be all right, and now I believe it will. After all, it is your voice that will continue to guide me through life’s decisions, your smile will forever hover on the horizon of all my happy days and it shall be your dignity, integrity and compassion that will carry me through the difficult times. If there is indeed a knight in shining armour, then you were surely him, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx