Appreciations
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A
message of whispering hope These lines from the largely unsung last verse of the immortal song, ‘Whispering Hope’ written some 150 years ago underline the trusting faith and expectant hope with which the family members and friends of Shirmal Fernando mark the 1st anniversary of his death on Wednesday March 1, which also happens to be Ash Wednesday. The dynamic young company director passed away not to the end of life but to a new beginning after battling for 30 years with a rare blood disease. Right through it Shirmal had the grace and the courage to battle through the struggle and battle through the suffering instead of seeking or pleading for a way out of the struggle or the suffering. As
the world commemorates Ash Wednesday, Shirmal would be experiencing
first hand and in a definitive way the words of a song for the day: During Christmas time last year – the first Christmas without Shirmal for the family – the precious memories were also filled with tears. But for those who were near and dear to Shirmal, the Lord gave through the words of ‘Whispering Hope’ and other inspirational songs, a very special grace. It was the gift of pain and joy going together in a sort of a wedded bliss. It was a deep experience where amidst sadness, tears and pain there was at the same time an inner strength and courage which is the joy of the Lord. In any event, situation or tragedy like the death of the beloved Shirmal, the Lord has led his family and friends into an experience where Christ dies, Christ rises and Christ comes again. In the immediate aftermath of the despair and loneliness, Christ dies. When trusting faith and expectant hope revive the spirit in the assurance that all is now well with Shirmal, Christ rises and comes again to give joy amidst the pain and sadness. On this 1st anniversary of his death, family members and friends would say – “Thank you Lord for Shirmal and thank you Shirmal for being with us in spirit and whispering to us the inspiring words: “Then when the night is upon us, why should the heart sink away. When the dark midnight is over, watch for the breaking of day”. A friend A Thanksgiving service for Shirmal will be held on Wednesday March 1, at 6.30 p.m. at “Lankarama”, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference Hall Chapel, No 19 Balcombe Place Off Cotta Rd. Borella. Memories
of a lasting and exciting friendship We were also in the Youth Fellowship movement as adults where Claude took a more active role. In the town of Moratuwa, the Claude-Sheridan duo was registered as a unique combination till with Roy, we stood out as the famous Jim Reeves and Hank Locklin fans among the Moratuwites. Music was the common factor of this trio. We organised picnics, boat trips to the Bolgoda lake and Panadura. Other music lovers of our age group joined us on these trips. I can still recall organising pilgrimages and sing-songs at Christmas time et al and bathing at Bolgoda not to mention in the sea. On completing school, Claude joined the private sector while I joined the State sector. Yet we were inseparable. The Debate Forum on Sunday kept us amused and yet engaged in heated arguments on various subjects including politics, religion, cricket. Often the atmosphere at the Sunday Forum was hot but friendly. When he took the plunge, I was his bestman. Often we donned the identical attire being dress-conscious. We even had the same brand of sports cycles and other things in common. This went on till we nearly fell in love with the same girl. Ultimately it was the sea that parted us when I decided to go abroad but we kept in touch via the mail and the female. I had the good luck of meeting Claude again recently after a long stint overseas. We did a pilgrimage to the Anglican Church at Hambantota where we recalled the good old schooldays, church days and thereafter. Claude
was unassuming and could befriend any outsider at short notice.
He had an aptitude for journalism and said he dreamt often of being
a gentleman of the fourth estate. He used to contribute articles
and letters to the press. Claude is no more but he will continue to live in the memory of the parish circles of St.Peter’s, Koralawella and elsewhere. He leaves behind his dear wife, Leonie and daughter Lakshini. Our friendship has been exciting, adventurous and memorable and Claude will not be forgotten by many, and least of all by me. “Adios” my friend in the jargon of our idol Gentleman Jim and may you rest in peace. Sheridan Fernando There
was never a dull moment with her This went on till we retired. That's how thoughtful she was. She used to say that I was the sister she never had. Our tea breaks were quite enjoyable. A group of us would sit together and our conversation would range from cookery to gardening, sewing to child raising. It was such a pleasant break from the classroom routine. Susyma had so many interests and she had so much to contribute. I will remember those tea breaks for a long time. She was a great cook and also took great pride in her garden. In school she was an excellent teacher and loved by her pupils. At home she was an excellent hostess, housewife and mother. As a friend she was always there for me in times of need. I will always remember her for her delightful humour and cheery laughter. In her company there never was a dull moment. In times of stress she kept calm and quiet and had the knack of dealing with problems in her own inimical style. After retirement, Susyma and Brian left Kandy to settle down in Colombo to be with the children. Though we had to part we stayed "just a phone call away". We would talk to each other almost every week. How much I miss those chit chats now! Susyma was taken ill in 2002 and the news of her illness was indeed devastating for everybody who knew her. She was so normal till then. In the hands of experts she was treated and thanks to them she was given an extra span of life. During this period she showed great courage and fortitude. Our phone conversations resumed after she returned home. She did not think of herself as a patient. She told me she was trying her best to keep the house running smoothly without being a burden to her family. She
involved herself in church activities and social service work as
much as she could. Though she put up a brave front, with the passage
of time it was plain to see she was fading. In the end she lost
her battle to cancer. Pat Jayatilleke A mentor
and advisor to many Naju bhai as he was affectionately known by one and all was about 75 years old but very young at heart. At the time of his death in the town of Bagasra in the state of Gujarat in India he was on one of his usual Indian pilgrimages and staying at his wife’s brother’s house. On that Friday morning, he got up for Fajar Prayers and went for his usual rest before breakfast. This rest was to be eternal. He was a disciplined man of high principles and punctual in all his prayers as well as his exercise. He always kept up with local and international happenings. He was wealthy but with a humbleness you rarely see in people today. An avid traveller, he liked to experience different modes of transport wherever he went. A mentor and advisor to many, his greatest happiness was to help people in need. Sakeena Mazahir Mu Hassenally Thank
you for being my friend Thanks,
dear friend, for listening - even to little things - I had to say Rodney Mervin Downall She
radiated charm She
wore a smile wherever she went, The
courage she showed was amazing, She
radiated charm, in home and office, May
her soul rest in everlasting bliss, |
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