Sunday Times 2
A simple thank you to our mum
It is with a heavy grief stricken heart, at the loss of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Nesta, that we ask ourselves, what she meant to us, the impact she had on our lives and how the values inculcated in us generationally devolved upon society at large. Collectively, we progress through life, dealing with our daily challenges, without even realising that our actions, are pre-dictated by the moral values, embedded in a seemingly unforgotten psyche. Mum hailed from a lineage of people dedicated to public service, entrenched with deep religious values of caring and concern for the less fortunate. Her paternal and maternal relatives, the Christie-David’s and the Pullenayagam’s built churches, schools, and embarked on programmes to empower and enrich the lives of the under privileged. They did not seek or welcome platitudes of accomplishment, or acknowledgement of grandiosity of purpose, just quiet unspoken outcomes.
Her warm heart and feisty indomitable spirit, emanated to those around her, and adversity was a temporary challenge, not a permanent fixture. She and Dad taught us that family was the most important bond in our lives, that required constant nourishment, and it was sacrosanct in times of trying family disagreement. She made our home a place of happiness and love. It was open to anyone who walked in, irrespective of the time of day, and we were constantly reminded of the need to put others first. Any protests to the contrary, were firmly silenced, any fires of discontent were quickly doused. People from all walks of life, and religious or non religious persuasions were treated with respect and dignity. Unbeknown to us, these ideals have morphed and are assimilated into our DNA.
All of us, in some small measure have tried to promulgate these ideals of civic duty, in whatever manner we see fit. Mum was a very loving person, “Nana” to her grandchildren, “Big Nana” to her great grandchildren, and the collective body of young people, who were routinely in her presence. It is our earnest and humble hope that we and all future generations can live up to her lofty ideals. Her love of life and music, have contributed melodiously in overcoming the struggles of our everyday life, while we sing, laugh, and battle our idiosyncratic shortcomings, with comedic consequences.
Mum was a devoted mother who gave us her love unconditionally. She was non judgmental and always supportive. Along with our dearest daddy she nurtured us, and instilled in us values that we have to this day strived to emulate. She was the most self sacrificing mother a child, could have ever known.
A maxim, Mum lived by could be summed up in the following quote “One’s true wealth in life, is not measured by the height of one’s material possessions, but rather by the depth of one’s human relationships”
May the Lord take you into his kingdom where he has prepared a dwelling place for you. Rest in peace darling Mum, Nana, Big Nana.
The children