This message is 20-plus years overdue, and finally time for me to send it! My family and I have thought about you many times over the years. You helped my dad, Jagdish Gandhi, when he was beaten and jailed by police for trying to pick me up at the airport after 9/11. While that was such a crazy time, sometimes I wonder if we are going backwards because 2026 is not much different at times.
Back then, I was in my 20s and grateful for everything you did. Now, as an almost-50-year-old, I feel an even deeper level of gratitude, appreciation, and pride because I understand the world a little better. I remember walking out of your office and you coming to the parking lot to tell me how personal this case was for you—that your grandfather wore a turban—and how evident your own shared hurt and sense of discrimination. I want to sincerely thank you for your support, and more importantly, for supporting my father during that time. Now, as a mother of 2 brown teenage boys, I have a whole different view, understanding, and feeling of that moment.
I had intended to write you this message five years ago when my Dad was on a ventilator with COVID. You were going to be part of my dad’s eulogy – I had started to write it and thank you in it, but by the grace of God, he survived!. I had the words ready to share then, but it seems this note was always meant for now, while he is still here, as healthy as he can be for a 79-year-old.
Even today, whenever we see your name or hear about you in the news, my whole family smiles and says, “There’s Manny—Dad’s lawyer.” Your work has left us with a sense of pride and joy in our heritage, and a lasting impression not only on my dad, but on me as well. I often think about how my Dad must have felt in that moment and after, he never talks about. I think it is truly in the past for him, except for the smile he gets when he hears anything about you; you are a happy reminder of a terrible time.
I am sorry it took me so long to send this. It’s been far too long, but it’s never too late. I hope I never have a reason to call you, as that would mean I’m in some kind of trouble, but I continue to enjoy seeing and hearing about the great work you do.
Thank you again for making such a meaningful difference in my family’s life. I wish you all the best. We will forever be grateful and proud.