Happy Birthday, mom!

We would come home at Hubbathalai and to your room [nadu roomu -centre room, as we call it]…

Your face would brighten up seeing me, “bandu buttaya- you have come” you would say with a smile, reclining from the bed.

Mrs.Idyamma Bellie Gowder

[2-9-1912—13-7-2011]

“Harachu- bless me” I would say, bowing my head. You would place both your hands on my head and bless me with those beautiful words ” ondu nooru saavira aagili, endhendhu somi ninaga olliya haracha kottu, sogava kottu barali – let one become a hundred thousands..may God give you good health and happiness…”

Then with a faint smile,  and holding your hands, I would tell you,”Happy Birthday, mom..endhu ninna huttidha barasha, ardhaya – do you know that today is your birthday ?”

You would act surprised, ” athaya… is it so?…aesu barasha aathu – how many years?… ennu aesu kaala ebbadhu- how many more years to stay?”

We, all your children, grand children and great grand children along with other relatives, would have celebrated your 100th Birthday in grand style.

Mom, you chose to leave us just a year short of a century.

Gone to ‘another’ world but never forgotten.

But wherever you are, we know, your blessings are with us always.

You were and are the inspiration for everything.

We miss you, mom !