Happy Birthday Thaththiyo!

By Lakmali Livera Seneviratne

March 30 has always been a special day to us. It’s your birthday Thaththi. This was the first one you were not with us, to accept our wishes, hugs and kisses. I remember your last birthday; it was quiet, yet rich with memories.

Do you know how much we miss you Thaththi, your singing when you enter the house after work, your kisses to all of us before leaving to work? You would never leave the house without kissing all of us. Although your two grandchildren scream, laugh and play, the house is very quiet.

You gave us a lovely childhood, adventurous holidays, wild parties and cricket matches in Nuwara Eliya. As teenagers and adults you never denied us anything. You hardly did anything without Ammi’s consent. To you, we were your little kids who loved bacon and eggs and iced coffee. I always think of how you made us laugh, how you carried us on your back and crawled on the bed. I sing the same songs to my little children now. I remember how you used to sing whenever we went in the vehicle; I think it is your songs that have made us appreciate all the songs of the 70’s.

You never missed a single basketball match that akki and I played in. To you all the players were your daughters. Thaththi, all of them were there to wish you goodbye, they were there because none of them could forget the times we’ve had together.

You loved life and lived it. You were adventurous, made many friends, were always smartly dressed, even when you went for Dialysis. We enjoyed listening to your pranks in your youth. You always stood for justice. You enjoyed talking politics, especially the heated arguments the rival parties had. Did you know how frightened we were of losing you each time you fell ill, how much I prayed to keep you for my special occasions – my wedding, to take me down the aisle, the birth of your first grandchild, her first birthday. You looked forward to a grandson but you couldn’t wait for three days to see the grandson you liked to have. What more could I give you Thaththi other than name him John. I love you and I miss you so much!

Memories are the souvenirs that we cherish. The happy times, the love, laughter and joy, giving and sharing you taught us. May God keep you safe in heaven. It is the fact that you are with Him that keeps us happy and peaceful. Looking forward to the day that we meet again in heaven. God bless you my darling Thaththi.