Jose Jaime Noel Savio De Souza Filinto
In the midst of the confusion of the lockdown & economic downturn related to COVID-19. My day usually starts with the morning chores of breakfast, cooking, taking care of my sick dad, & lunch tiffin from home for work, this day was no different from the last few months. As soon as I resumed my duties today and got busy, my colleague received a call in which he broke down in tears. I took the call from him & spoke to the person on the other end. The sister of a deceased colleague called to inform of the sudden untimely demise of our dearest staff member Jose Jaime Noel Savio De Souza Filinto.
Noel and friends at my home for Christmas
There are very few things in life that are harder to face than the sudden death of someone you care about. The end of their life can make you feel like you have an enormous hole inside you. It’s difficult to face the tragedy of unexpected loss of a friend. The shock of hearing the news can happen to someone close to you, makes you feel pretty vulnerable.
One of the most amazing picnics with Noel on board
It also happens at a time in your life where you're coping up with enormous amounts of stress and grief. “Grief is a weird thing” — it affects every person differently. Still does not seem real to me. I just feel numb and not able to react.
A joy ride on the back of my best friend
The call took me down the memory lane. Jose Jaime Noel Savio De Souza Filinto is known in my community of Calangute as "Noel" was a common figure and the family was well known, as he was very popular. He was a good friend of my brother. I never really had much interaction with him, until I came in contact when he joined the institution in 2004, from that day onwards till today, each incident came as a flash back to me. He was a person who made me smile no matter what stress I was going through. He was funny, jovial and equally irritating. I used to address him with real weird names at times. He too would call me names, but what amused me was when he used to call me "Hero", it would really tickle me, but most of all he was a “Batkar”. My friends loved to have him around, especially my Hindu friends. waited for me to get Noel to their homes at "Ganesh" Chaturthi”.
Noel having his favorite batata wada and Mirch at Cafe Aaram.
We often met after work over a cup of tea & his favorite Batata wadas, Mirchi, or a slice of Pizza, chicken cafreal & a glass of beer. Whenever he joined our picnics and outings was always a laughter & riot. He could amuse anyone with his ways, his words and thoughts were out of this world. always dressed elegantly. Noel was a person with a big heart. He was not scared of tomorrow & lived for today. He was very intelligent. & always ready to help anyone and everyone who needed help. At times I used to get annoyed at him to see people taking undue advantage of his goodness. Today was a gloomy day in the office. I still can’t believe that I have lost an amazing friend.
Noel and myself at my friends place for lunch during Ganesh Chaturthi
The funeral is just going to be a private function with close family and friends, I feel privileged. I’ll be able to join to bid farewell to my dearest friend. Adieus Amigo.
Related Post : Noel at my home for Christmas in 2009
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