Appreciations

My mother’s eldest brother Cecil died on November 8, leaving behind his wife Amara, daughters Asanthi and Anusha, and family members, friends and a plethora of memories.

My earliest recollections of Cecil maama, as he was fondly known by my brother and I, were at his house in Seeduwa.

We had lots of fun and good times there, playing cricket and other games, picking mangoes and rambuttan, going on adventures, riding bikes, playing cards and eating the most delicious food cooked by nandi.

Our week-ends at Seeduwa were eagerly awaited . We would catch the train from the Fort Railway Station and stop at Seeduwa.

Maama’s house was just a stone’s throw from the station and we would practically skip to his house for a fun-filled weekend. The following weekend would usually be a return at our house. Sometimes extended family members would also join us.

My uncle who had an engineering background was meticulous and neat. His house, books and furniture were always kept in order. He admired the German ethos and way of life and would tell us stories of his time there. He also had a penchant for the Volkswagen car and I remember his spotless white Volks 5 ‘shri’ 8121.

He was extremely proud of his two daughters and their achievements and also my brother. He had a soft spot for me as I was the youngest of the foursome. Fair complexioned with a moustache he was my Sudu-Maama.

He could sing very well and I still remember him singing, Sihina Lovey and Mindada ghee.

Meeting our two lovely akkies and their adorable children Nihara, Pramuka, Akansha and Nishitha recently, brought back those special childhood memories. In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives today those days seem to be idyllic, like stories out of a children’s favourite book.

And as my brother succinctly put in a final word, “…we must always find time for our loved ones and not make excuses. We must just go and see them and be with them...and not wait until they die”.

So, ‘Thank you’ from all of us Cecil maama for what you have been to the entire family. You will always be in our hearts. May your soul rest in the loving hands of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.