Achayan and my father were old friends so when I came as a bride to my new home, I had an extra feeling of happiness.
Achayan and Ammachi were very different in nature and character but both loved their children deeply. Ammachi was ready for any extent of sacrifice for the wellbeing and progress of the children. I think that this character trait has been transmitted to the children also, though to a lesser extent.
Achayan was of a very social and outgoing nature. Everyday, atleast one new person got acquainted with him and they rarely forgot him. He was a teacher for more than 35 years and his students had loving memories of him.
Recently I had an experience of this when the students and teachers of our school planned a trip to Chennai. I contacted a cousin of my colleague who is an advocate there. When I said I belonged to Chirayil family in Kanjikuzhy, his instant response was whether I was related to Mathew Sir.
Both Achayan and Ammachi were straightforward and broadminded. They are role models to the children and remain ever fresh in our memories.
2 comments:
Short and sweet....
Funny the things you don't realise - It didn't hit me until now that Appachen had been a teacher for 35 years - that seems like a really long time and makes me think about what his life must have been starting out as a young teacher. I must ask Appa if there is anyone still alive who would know? I always saw him as someone who was strong and confident and sure of himself and it would be fascinating to see that other side of him and perhaps even to see something of ourselves in him...
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