Appreciation
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Come again and serve Buddhism
Is
this the lesson, you taught us An
exemplary son of Lord Buddha Malini Hettige
Again you made us realize Hashini de Silva
My aunt Maithrinee was a special and lovable person. She was my mother's sister. I am the eldest among her nephews and nieces. She had been bed-ridden for eighteen long years, even at the time I was born. She could not express her thoughts or her pain, like the rest of us, but we all understood what she wanted to tell us. Her handicap never mattered or made any difference to us. She could do nothing without help, so my grandmother was always with her. I have also seen my grandfather bless her daily, after his pirith chanting. My small cousins and my two little brothers who are always so noisy and so naughty, were very loving, caring and gentle with her in her room. We thought of her as a close friend in all our troubles. I remember my youngest brother, kneeling by her pillow on her bed, bending down and whispering secrets in her ear. He used to do it often, and none of us ever found out what those secrets were, but only saw Sudhammi's beautiful smile all the while. Her presence filled the house although she was confined to her room and bed. It was felt by us, as we entered through the gate. She was the centre of the family. This feeling of tenderness and affection was mutual and shared by all who knew her. Her numerous cousins and relatives living far and wide, never failed to visit her regularly with their families. She was loved. Sudhammi was all heart -- she loved to be with us, talk and laugh with us. When we were unhappy and in tears, we went to her, sat on her large bed and felt comforted. We cousins used to hide our treasures in her room -- pictures, marbles, little boxes and coloured bits and pieces, under her pillow for safe keeping, Sudhammi used to enjoy the innocent fun. There was an abundance of love around her. The house was always open, every day, all the year round, because Sudhammi was in the house. It was never, ever closed. But now, a chapter is closed, and there is a difference, a loss and sadness in all our lives. Weekend visits to Kandy were full of anticipation with each one of us busy tying up gifts for Sudhammi. Religion, race or creed never mattered. In some unseen way, she bonded all of us. We did not think of it, then. But we think of it now. Helpers who had been in the house, from time to time throughout the long years were always remembered by her. The affection and remembrances were mutual. She was 'Sudu baby' to them. I have seen Rankira in his late eighties, groping his way to her room to see her. Their memories of her were first, as an active child, and then as an invalid. Our birthdays, often, were celebrated in her room, at least the important task of blowing out the candles and cutting the cake. We enjoyed watching programmes on her TV with her, or quietly reading books by her side. She was the gentlest of teachers who influenced our lives. I listen to my elders talking about her and realise now how much she had offered us, far more than we were able to offer her. My grandmother says that it was a privilege for her to have been able to look after Sudhammi and that she brought her peace and an inner quiet through those long years she spent by her side. Around me in the world outside, I see and feel turmoil, rivalry, competition, jealousy, revenge, resentment and pride. Suddhammi was empty of all these. So there was peace. She taught us, the young ones, how to cultivate patience, endurance and all that is good by example. These impressions are indelible.
Thank you Sudhammi, You have left behind treasured memories great
and good, to help us along the right path wherever the future leads
us. May your sojourn in Sansara be short. May you attain the supreme Dineli
***** **** **** Kevin Joseph |
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