Appreciations
View(s):Grandmother had the sweetest voice, the gentlest touch
Kusuma Rajakaruna
Her smile brightened up our home, her eyes sparkled with love. Her graceful stride was regal, and her warm hugs endearing. She had the gentlest touch that soothed our wounds and ailments, and the sweetest voice that sang to our hearts. She was my beloved grandmother.
Mrs. Kusuma Rajakaruna was the adored daughter of the late Dr. Edward Wickramanayake and Mrs. Thilina Wickramanayake. She was the youngest of four siblings. Following in her two older sisters’ footsteps, she studied at Visakha Vidyalaya Colombo. She blossomed through her love of learning and close friendships that lasted a lifetime. The idyll of her childhood came to an abrupt end when her father passed away when she was 14 years.
Her education came to a halt, and she spent her teen years in the loving care of her mother’s younger sister, Mrs Lilliet de Silva, wife of the late Supreme Court Judge Mr. K. D. de Silva, and their family of seven children. She spent her growing up years with her cousins, and she would share her fond memories of these years with us.
Her wish for a kind and intelligent husband was answered when she married my grandfather, the late Mr. F. M. Rajakaruna. Wise and gentle, he was a highly respected principal at Devapathiraja College, Rathgama. Leaving behind her urban lifestyle in Colombo, she made the best of her life in the village.
She loved looking after my grandfather’s nieces, nephews and students. From giving them various goodies to perfecting their English and etiquette, my grandmother’s generosity knew no limits. Till the end, she extended her generosity to all who crossed her path. No visitor left without a cool drink, nibbles to munch on, and words of wisdom that would influence their lives for the better. No employee left without a generous reward.
The big moments in her life were the birth of her two beautiful daughters, Jeevani and Shyama. Soon after, the family moved back to Colombo and the girls were sent to Musaeus College, Colombo. She made sure they had the best in life. Long after her daughters got married and started their own families, she remained a tower of love and support to them.
My two brothers, cousin and I grew up in the abundance of her love and care. I was her oldest grandchild and only granddaughter, and we shared a special bond. She nicknamed me Tina, after a cartoon character.
She introduced me to the wonders of reading, of getting lost in a great novel, the joy of singing along with classical music, and the satisfaction of giving your best to any task. Her encouragement and blessings drive my life’s ambitions.
I would wake up to see her sitting by my bedside, chanting pirith. I would listen with rapture to her tales of yesteryear. Together, we would watch the all-time great movies, such as “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins.” These and many more memories will be in my heart forever.
Whatever role you played in life, you performed it with the purest of hearts. From daughter, sister, cousin, friend, teacher, employer, aunt, mother, to grandmother, we were all touched by your presence.
It is three months since we said our final goodbyes. We take comfort in knowing you are now beyond earthly suffering. We love you so much and miss you every day. May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.
Your granddaughter
Hiranya Nonis
Tribute to an Aunt whose laughter was the heartiest, whose hand was the most generous
Tammy Juriansz
How do you capture in words a soul that was vibrant, vivacious, joyful, passionate, compassionate, fiercely loyal, deeply loving, creative, and sensitive? How do you say in so many words that such an early departure has left a void in the lives of those around her, an absence that feels endless, an integral part of every moment of each life suddenly gone?
How do you convey the message that love does not die when the body dies, that the spirit lives on forever, even after the world ends, and that death is not an end but an interlude to the best that is yet to come?
Tammy, my Aunty, was many things to many people. To me, she was someone to laugh with, cry with, dance with, shop with, and share my heart with. She was my “partner in crime”. Her laughter was the loudest and heartiest. Her heart beat the most tenderly, her hand the most generous. Champion of the underdog, she was never silent in times of injustice. What can anyone say to describe what she was to us all, and all that she continues to be in our hearts?
The wealth of love and passion she held in her heart was enough to touch hundreds of lives, many times over, and still have enough left for anyone begging for more. Her ever-present smile brought out smiles in everyone who met her. Hers was an indomitable spirit in the midst of pain and sorrow. She was brave, witty, and ever hopeful. She had a trusting heart towards the Father who healed her body and took her to eternal health. She took on her roles as wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend with passion and love.
Darling Aunty Tam, it is one year since you went ahead of us to rest in the arms of God. But earthly death is not an end, just a temporary separation till we meet again. So, till that fateful day, this is a note to say I love you and miss you, and that when we meet again, we shall dance once more, in the golden radiance of eternity.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21: 4
Marisa
He was like a breath of fresh air
Ranjan Fernando
Ranjan received heaven’s biggest hug, which lasts forever when he slipped into eternity peacefully after a brief illness. He was educated at Royal College starting his academic career as a hosteller at Glendale, Bandarawela in the primary grade and joining the Colombo branch later on as junior.
After a successful academic career he joined the Fisheries Department going through a course of training abroad in trawler fishing and learning the scientific techniques of trawler operations. On his return, Ranjan was appointed as a captain of the trawler boat where his modern methods came in use. His work in fishing expeditions, almost touching India involved lots of challenges. Whilst serving in the Fisheries Department, he joined as a volunteer in the Navy and rendered his services as an officer, whenever he was called upon.
He was a great source of strength to those around him and his kith and kin. He carried out his responsibilities whether to his family or his church or his society to the best of his ability. He gave his advice to those who needed it whether they were rich or poor and helped in every possible way. Ranjan was a person of great integrity, simplicity and humour.
Ranjan was like a breath of fresh air reinforcing our faith in the human race. His cheerful disposition was a lesson to all and I wish we could all grow old the way he did. He accepted the life the way it was and was peaceful and contented.
Ranjan was an active member of the Y’s Men Association, holding many prestigious posts and serving as a lynchpin on many diverse projects.
The happiest hours of his life were the times he spent with his wife Srikanthi, children and grandchildren. Srikanthi can take comfort in the fact that Ranjan has only gone ahead on the road, along which we too have to go one day. Hope that day is not far off when we shall meet on that eternal shore.
Farewell Ranjan, may hosts of angels sing thee to thy well earned rest.
Freelancers
To a Mother we loved more than words can say on her 94th b’day
Florence Laura Jayesinghe
When I was born you took me as a gift
And ever since you did not hurt me a bit, your milk so rich – gave me a strong fist
So I say may you be with “Jesus” with a loving kiss.
When I was a toddler and couldn’t walk by myself,
You gave me your hand and held me so high
And through that hand which was a gentle guide
Came a love so pure that helped me to survive
And I know in my heart the day I die
Your hand will be by my side.
All red roses fade away but their lingering fragrance shall never decay.
So Amma Darling when my days are gone by, you will be there with Jesus to welcome me too to that pearly shore. You are always remembered.
Your daughter Shanthi, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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