“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy, when skies are grey,
You never know dear, how much I love you,
Oh, please don’t take my sunshine away.”
I can vouch for the fact that more than half of you in this room, have at some point of time, heard our grandmum, or as we would call her ‘Ajji’ sing this song. She had a melodious singing voice and hers was often the loudest voice in any room. Today, as we watch her lie there peacefully, we still can’t come to the terms that her vibrant, cheerful voice has now gone silent.
Ajji’s was a life of love. True to her name, she was lovingly called ‘Preethi aunty’ or ‘Preethi Amma’ by those dear to her. She was quick to help anyone in need and loved and gave selflessly. It was extremely easy to have a conversation with her and more often than not, she always had a fun story rolled up her sleeve.
There was never a dull moment with her. Growing up, we remember her scurrying around the house whipping up some tasty food that somehow onlyAjjis manage to do and filling us up with some amazing stew.
It’s the little things about her that we seem to remember the most. Her love for colorful nightdresses, her childish nature and tendency to fall for every prank we played on her and her zest for life.
The Ultimate paradox of life is that loss and death in this world is certain, regardless of the shape and form it takes. And while we all acknowledged that at 85, Ajji had already been blessed with a long life, there is nothing that could have prepared us for this moment.
Losing her has shaken us to our very core and at this point, seems like an insurmountable loss. But in the midst of our grief, there is celebration for a life well lived. While the queen on our chess board has fallen, the game must go on.
Dear Ajji,
You lived a full life and when the time came, greeted death like an old friend. Things are not going to be the same without you and your absence is going to be felt deeply every time the rest of us get together. There will be a void that nothing can fill, just like that empty chair in the middle of the living room. Thank you for the love, fun, laughter and joy you brought into all our lives. We know heaven has a banquet prepared for you with food you love, fresh lime soda and a heap full of pickle, just the way you like it.
Our sunshine may have been taken away today, but in the midst of our sorrow, we will find a patch of warmth in every memory of yours. Ajji, we love you and we will miss you. Farewell for now Ajji, till we meet again.