Last week, I found the money order receipt with my granny’s signature. I have preserved it carefully for almost 30 years now. I had sent her 100 rupees by money order from my first salary… I recall how happy she was receiving it from a grandson. I still preserve that money order receipt with her autograph. It is my priceless possession.
I went nostalgic…I always cherish my childhood memories. I cannot dissociate my childhood memories and my granny. The both are so closely woven. I know that sharing my memories with others may not interest them at all. My memories are mine until they desert me! But let me be generous to share with others..even if they don’t interest everyone.
I write this passage on my granny..the special woman in my life… before I forget most of what I experienced in her association. The slender figure in her spotless white dress always represented an embodiment of love and affection. As a child I was not aware that my granny became a widow at 28 and that she was cursed by the society to be a widow with all attendant taboos. She was my teacher who inculcated moral values in me through her bedtime stories. Her story telling abilities were par excellence and I never knew in her presence the delicate transition between wakefulness and sleep. Next morning, I used to realise that I was awake only up to half her narration. I used to crave for the night so that I could listen to the rest of the story.
Unfortunately, now I have neither the stories nor my granny not even the sleep at my command.
I grew up in her affectionate care ever since I could recall my distinct personality. She instilled several positive qualities in me and made me realise what I am capable of. It is the most valuable gift I received from her and how could I ever convey to her?
She was in her late 80’s at the time when I last saw her. The life had inflicted telling blows on her mind and body. Her whole life was a sacrifice to the prevailing social customs. She had numerous don’ts to follow scrupulously and she went through her life uncomplainingly with a smiling face. This was the woman, I respected, adored and admired. I continued to do so… She passed away quietly into a different world leaving me all alone..almost 25 years back. But her memories are still fresh. I cherish her memories for the rest of my life. I wish I could institute ‘Granny Awards’ a la Grammy Awards- it is a fitting tribute to all such grandmothers who despite their treacherous conditions in life lived smilingly and never lost zest for life,
I once again looked at the money order receipt and her signature. I folded the receipt carefully and put it back in the pouch along with other souvenirs associted with her.
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Dear Vijaya,
Thanks for your gracious comment.
Nice to know that you are locomoted to your halcyon days of childhood...
Are you humming..
"Koi Lauta De Mere Beete Hue Din
Beete Hue Din Woh Haye Pyaare Palchhin
..................................................................................
Aaj Maein Dhoondun Kahan Kho Gaye Jaane Kidhar
Beete Hue Din Woh Haye Mere Pyaare Palchhin"
Sashi
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it is cool.you have a flair for the narrative.my mind winged back to the halcyon days of my childhood.your sensitive nature came across in u r article.
keep up the good work. vijaya
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My sincere thanks to Shri K.C. Srinivas, Smt. P.V. Kalyani and Smt. Sita Shankar for their comments through Email on my Post.
Sashi
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Dear Mrs. Mangala Nagarajan,
Dear Shri Phaniraj,
Thank you for your comments and encouragement.
Sashi
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It is long since i read any article of yours .style was very simple and lucid......was like listening in person.
now times having changed will we have the patience to b a good grandparent.we were blessed actually to b in that generation
expecting more articles from u
mangala
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Phaniraj
Dear Sashi,
The writing "Granny...my Souvenir" touched my heart. I went down the memory line. I also had an aunt (father's sister) who became a widow 2 -3 years immediately after the marriage. She passed away in 1979 when just completed my education. She was so caring and affectionate. The story matches with my experiences and I recalled my early days.
Excellent write up Sashi............
Best regards,
Phani
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Dear Subba Rao,
I am happy that the narration touched you.
Thanks for the comment.
Sashi
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Dear Shri Geo Mathews,
Thank you for that wonderful note on my post...
I wish I could express it better.
Sashi
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Dear Sashi,
A real tribute to Women's day celebration.. I lived through your narration..As usual the narration filled my heart and eyes together. Just loved reading it.. thanks for sharing..
Love,
Subba Rao
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Thanks, Shashi for the piece. I guess it is a piece of yourself rather than an exercise in creative typing.
Knowing a bit of you personally, I am not surprised to learn that you are endowed with such a happy childhood and riches of nostalgia. Your effervescent smile is no wonder ! I think we can see a flash of your late granny in your happy smile !
I commend your deed of sending the money order to your granny out of your first pay-packet. Rs 100 must have been a pretty penny then.
I don't think your "Granny Award" is a wonderful idea, after all. Your father/mother would have been more deserving to give your granny a "Mommy Award". Having a worthy grandson like you is the best recognition for her. I am sure she is smiling in heaven.
-Geo
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