Appreciations

During Christmas my thoughts go back to my childhood, when this wonderful event of the birth of Christ was celebrated as a family event. Childhood memories are centred on my beloved parents who are always remembered with love, gratitude and respect. Therefore, this is once again a loving tribute to my parents, Denzil and Mildred de Mel, whose wedding anniversary fell on December 16.

They led a happy and contented life together for 56 years, till our father passed away suddenly in Canada in 1992. Daddy, as he was called by his four children and our spouses, the grandchildren and even the great grandson he was privileged to see, was a lover of sports. He would eagerly follow cricket, rugger and tennis matches and whatever sport that was televised, as in his youth he played cricket, tennis and football. Daddy got his final call while he was watching an ice hockey match on television. It was a sad day when our mother returned to Sri Lanka with my brother and his wife, bringing Daddy’s ashes to be interred in the family vault at Moratuwa. Mummy who lived in Kandy with me continued to find solace in the company of those at the Y.W.C.A. Attending the Sunday services at the Methodist Church and St. Paul’s gave her much joy.

A severe heart attack in May left her weak and helpless. It was on Christmas morning of 2000 that she was called home, may be just at the time my brother set foot on Sri Lanka, denying him the wish to say a prayer with Mummy before she left us. I still recall that fateful day with a deep sense of sadness every Christmas morning.

However, the valuable lessons taught to us can never be forgotten, among them the spirit of caring and sharing, especially at Christmas, which we practise in whatever way we can, to bring joy to the less privileged. I still remember the December 24 party during our childhood. We had a Christmas tree and Daddy would dress up as Santa Claus!

I remember with love and affection all our uncles, aunts, two cousins and my Achchi who have left us and gone to rest. We can never forget the close family ties and the love and affection showered on us and our families by them. With families being separated, with many living overseas and not meeting for many years, we tend to miss what we as children enjoyed. God blessed our parents for they gave us their children and families’ immeasurable love and the best of material comforts.

I praise and thank God for giving us the privilege and opportunity to look after our parents till they were called to rest. We remember Mummy and Daddy with undying love and gratitude. May the souls of our beloved parents rest in peace.