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"NAV...my buddy (for a few moments)..." - PARKDALE, TORONTO - Jul '16 PHOTO CRED: Julie Feher
How lucky am I, to have had the happenstance to meet and even photograph this "Wonderful and Loving Spirit"?!?
Today, I felt shocked and saddened, as I scrolled thru my Fbook newsfeed, and came across a post regarding the recent PASSING of NAVEET (NAV) SONDHI, whose photos appear below. As I read on, my own experience of this kind-hearted soul came flooding back.
Nav was delightfully sweet, and breezy, which belied his intense visage and physical presentation. I asked him if I could take his photo, which he agreed to, in exchange for a little money. I gave him a few bucks, which I didn't mind doing... afterall... he was actually posing for me! Great!!! I could tell he had some mental health or substance abuse issues, but I just adored his "Free Spirited and Loving Energy". After a bit...he abruptly turned direction, while I snapped off the last shot of him...walking away. I felt cheated somehow, tho he owed me nothing!
Many months later, my boyfriend, Willliam, saw and loved the shots of Nav and suggested I do a photo-story on him. Regrettably, I said, " I wanted to get into his head and heart"!!! Thank Goodness, someone else did!!!
I was thrilled to be reading the CBC NEWS Post on Nav, today, which also featured something quite special...a clip from a Documentary by Umar Akbar, titled ." TORONTO ORIGINAL: AN INTERVIEW WITH NAVEET SONDHI". What a gift that was...to get into his head and heart...finally!!! ( I hope you watch it.)
Kudos to the folks at the GRAND TRUNK LOUNGE, on West Queen West, as well, as the many compassionate friends and Parkdale residents, who gathered in LOVE to raise funds for a great cause, and celebrate the life of this one-of-a-kind SOUL!
ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME...NAV!!!
Love, Light and Laughs...your buddy for a few moments... Julie :)