Selby and Andrew

Andrew's maternal grandfather

Grandpa, it brings tears to my eyes remembering how badly you wanted to be with Selby and I on our wedding day. While you stayed with me in Dallas, you'd always talk about wanting the biggest reception, having the best foods and most importantly, conducting the best church service. That's the man I've known you to be...always wanting to be you're best self with God at your side. I'll truly cherish all the moments we had together on this Earth and will never forget how we always ended our phone conversations, with us giving each other chakkara umas, panjasarra umas and ponnumon umas. I am blessed to have been at your side until your last breath.  You will truly be missed on my wedding day, but I am happy to know that you'll be watching down from heaven.

Andrew's maternal grandmother


Grandma, I miss the days when it would only be us sitting around the house at Star Street, NY. You'd always make my favorite foods, take me to the basement and talk to me about random things while you cooked and I played, and finally, as I grew older, would always turn the TV off and yelled at me when I'd watch Jersey Shore or MTV. It's the small things you did that made you so special. I learned so much about strength and resilience as I watched you fight cancer. It's that same strength and resilience that I will practice in my everyday life as I start a family of my own. On days that I miss you most, I can still remember your raspy voice and contagious laughter. Though I know you won't be with me on my wedding day physically, I know you're spirit will. 

Selby's Paternal Grandfather and Maternal Grandfather

Appacha (my dad’s father) and Chachan (my mom’s father) are going to be missed dearly on our wedding day. According to my parents, appacha was an excise officer who everyone was terrified of. Even off duty. From what I remember, he was my favorite person to see when I went to visit in Kerala. He was a very tall man, so his hugs were the best. He always made sure that my sisters and I had everything we wanted. If you look at my baby pictures, he definitely spoiled me as well. I still remember the day he passed; I was in 5th grade getting ready for school when my dad informed me. I think that was the first time I’ve ever had my heart broken. There are many things I wish I could say to him, and wish he was here now. I hope you’re watching over us as we begin this new chapter appacha!

My chachan I don’t remember much. Some things I do remember are him sitting in his favorite chair by the window with his legs up on the leg rests. He was always chewing his tobacco and asking for his chai. He also had a booming voice which you would hear when he would start to get loud. Apart from that he was a quiet man who minded his business. When I was on and off living in India, he made it a point to always come visit me and show me all the love! Chachan passed away a few months before appacha. One thing I know for sure is that they thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. On our wedding day, I know they’ll be having a drink (or more) watching over us from heaven.

I love you and miss you both so much. Ummas from your Semol/Selby mol

Selby's Maternal Grandmother

My grandmother passed away when my mother was very young. I never got to know her or experience her love. My grandmother is the oldest of several brothers and sisters and I’ve been blessed to be able to meet them. One thing I do know is she raised my Amma. If amma is anything like ammachy, then I know she was probably an amazing person with a lot of love to go around. Amma’s aunts raised her after her mother passed, and they are truly the best of the best. It makes me wonder what she would have been like! I wish I got to meet her, but I know she is watching over my family and I always. Love you ammachy.