He Could Have Watched From The Sidelines

He could have watched from the sidelines.

Observing others more fortunate play the game

But he knew he had something to offer

And though some things about him were different, many were still the same.

He still had the capacity for love

And he still had gifts to share

So he gave of his music, his art, his meals, his hospitality, and his all-embracing love

Putting aside his struggles, his challenges, and his cares.

He got on the phone and talked with friends and family from far and near

He hosted lunches, played his guitar, gardened and created art

He wholeheartedly threw himself into whatever he did

Starting from the base of his broken, crippled heart.

And despite the disappointments, losses and pain life had dealt him

He found a way to live, bond, and connect

He found a way to make everyone who knew him feel wanted, loved, and special

Using his limited resources, and within his challenging context.

So natural, genuine, loving and spontaneous was he

That his gifts and generosity touched lives far and wide

Every gift was given with love, appreciation, and caring

And the intention to make someone feel loved, valued, and worthwhile.

And thus this marvelous man kept living, loving, and giving

When most would have dropped out and let others play the game

Instead till the very end, this dear kind man I am proud to call my brother

Continued to let his gifts, his talents, his cooking, his music, his art

And above all, his love for everyone reign.

Dedicated to my brother David Lobo. Who created meaning out of the hard circumstances in which he found himself in the last 1/6th of his life.

Instead of becoming a lone wolf, he continued to live, laugh, love, and connect, and share his gifts with the world till heaven called him home on August 7, 2021.

RIP Precious and Blessed David. We are richer for all the goodness and love you showered on us during your life. And we are richer for your example of what it means to be human.

The pics in this piece were taken from David's art website, which he maintained on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/DavidGerardLobo. If David created a piece of art for you, and if you are comfortable doing it, can you take a picture of yourself holding his piece of art to add to the gallery above, and send it to me, or one of my sisters on Facebook. It will be a much appreciated addition to our collection.

What I have written today was inspired by conversations over the phone with David's friend Andrew Monteiro and my sister Christine in the days after David died. Many of my poems and blog posts are inspired by conversations, texts, comments, and messages, and I deeply appreciate all the support, calls, and texts, me and my sisters received after we lost David.  Many attended his Celebration of Life, spoke or performed at it, and helped us remember the occasion through their participation, videos, and photographs. Thanks for comforting us, consoling us, and helping us heal from the loss of our dear brother David. We really appreciate it.

If you haven't watched these videos yet, please watch these beautiful and moving memorial videos of my brother David's Celebration of Life.

Here are the links:

David's Memorial on September 3, 2021

David's Memorial Live Zoom on September 3, 2021

Tribute to David created by Divya and Ben

Also Tammy and Roy, a Goan band David had been a repeat patron of,  hosted a special musical tribute event to David. It was held on September 8, 2021 and attended by 500 people online.

You can watch the amazing video (and dance and sing to it) at this link:

In Memoriam - David Lobo