Gaurang Raval
A Few Memories of My Beloved Foi
Growing up, Foi was always a constant presence—gentle, loving, and full of quiet strength. One of my earliest and most cherished memories is that she was the one who gave me my name when I was born. That small but meaningful gesture became a symbol of the profound connection we shared throughout our lives.
Foi wasn't just family—she was a guide, a protector, and a second mother. She played a huge role in bringing us to the United States, helping us begin a new chapter with hope and stability. Her sacrifices and support were never loud, but they were always felt deeply.
She reminded me so much of Laliba—calm, nurturing, and endlessly giving. The way she cared for my dad, her younger brother, left a lasting impression on me. He was always her priority. She looked out for him with a love only a big sister could give—pure, fierce, and unwavering.
What I’ll miss most are our countless Sunday mornings together. Sitting with her over 2–3 cups of tea, we’d slowly drift down memory lane. She would share stories of her younger days living in Sheth ni Pole, reminiscing about her golden days, school friends, and her beloved dadi—my great-grandmother Chanchalba. Those conversations were filled with laughter, nostalgia, and love.
By the time we were on our third cup of tea, the conversation would shift to lunch plans. Somehow, we always circled back to her famous handvo—one of her specialties, and always made with love. Those simple Sundays meant the world to me. They weren’t just meals or chats—they were moments of connection I will treasure forever.
Even now, while the loss feels immense, I find comfort in imagining her reunited with my dad, with Laliba, Fuva, Dada, and Chanchal Ba. I can see them sitting together again, smiling and laughing, enjoying their favorite shrikhand, telling stories like we used to.
Foi's love was quiet but powerful, and her legacy lives on in every one of us she touched. I will carry her memory with me always—with gratitude, love, and a heavy heart.
Gaurang Raval