A Warm Welcome And Happy Goodbye

Let us pass on this grand culture…

- Anamika K Lalwani

While I was little, as a family we lived with our great-grandparents. Even today when I reflect back, I have fond memories of them. A little bit of them continues to live in my life in a beautiful way.

My dear great-grandfather was like Santa Claus all year round. Everyone who came to visit was welcomed with warm smiles and went back happier than they were when they came in. Once in a while, I heard my mom feebly complain at the endless cups of tea that she had to serve. But all her grievance faded as she went before great-grandpa as he always showered her with praise before one and all. Those words were a soothing balm on her fatigue and she would be rejuvenated in no time. It was one of great-grandpa's excellent qualities that made all feel special with his love and care.

I recollect my Dad, would be away all week and when he was home for weekends, great grandpa filled him with all the positive news. He would ask for my Dad's favourite dishes to be made and used to fuss over him like a baby. The cutest sight was to watch him run his feeble wrinkled hands through my dad's hair and bless him from his heart. Time flew and with it, the elders of the family departed; what they left behind was their deeds of kindness for us to remember and share with the world.