Sun day Times -
Plus (5th of Oct 2014)
(Special thanx goes to Mr. Sanath Weerasuriya )
My beloved grandfather's sudden demise, created a vacuum in our lives. My memories of him over the 20 years of my life are impossible to put into words. I was blessed to have his love and guidance from my early days.
The best days of my life are filled with memories of him.
Aiya and I called him 'Appachchi', but he was Seeya to his other grandhildren. He was my mother's father but he was like a father to us. He was a solicitous, caring person always, there for one in good times or bad. Even during the worst situation, his explanation would be with a smile.
He was to me and many others a living symbol of perfection. Born in 1916 in Kahaduwa the elder son of T.D. Gunawardena Maha Ralahami, he lived to a great age quite independently.
I was his favorite because of my long hair. He called me 'Chuty Nona'. Every first day of a new school year, I went with Appachchi. During week days, he visited my classromm with chocolates and pocket money. When we grew older he never stopped giving us chocolates. He even gave Amma chocolates.
An old boy of St.Joh's College, Appachchi was a great cricket fan and strict disciplinarian. He was a strong supporter of the UNP and worked hard towards its goals. His favorite naphew was Gayantha Karunatilleka of UNP.
Appachchi was concerned about his children, Manel, Geetha, Ravi and Nimali. He showed the same concern for his grandchildren Piumal, Praharshi, Suharsshi, Sukumal, Supipi, Thaveesha, Dileesha n Maneesha and great grandson Chatra and was keen to mold us to become model citizens. He guided and advised us and was always happy about our achievements.
Appachchi always strove to see the god in all of us. I have never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. All would agree with me if I say that his greatest quality was his generosity. He was noble magnanimous person but he never publicized his beneficence nor bragged about his accomplishments.
Appachchi was the backbone of strength to us and to all those who knew him. He was endlessly enthusiastic, always interested in everyone and essentially good hearted. He posssessed a deep reservoir of kindness and limitless generosity which always reached put to help people, irrespective of who they were.
He always looked so smart, and neat, dressed in white with shining black shoes. He liked to use eau de clognes and perfumes.
The Sunday Times and Daily Mirror newspapers were his favorite news sources and Sunday was his 'Times' day with his beloved Sunday Times the whole day.
Right now to all those who loved this noble person, the sky seems dark without him.
There seem to be no stars such as him, to guide us, but I tell myself that if we keep looking up he will be there to help us find the way.
To me, his loss leaves a void which can never be filled, but I look forward to the day when we meet again in Sansara.
Darling Appachchi, all of us miss your loving presence and bubbly personality. I will cherish your beautiful memory as long as I live...
May your journey through Sansara be light and short...
~
Hmm she is better than me.. I m so proud of U my Sister
