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The closest to a grandfather that I never had and what he taught me...

I always keep mentioning how much i wish i had a grandfather to pamper me during my childhood.
Well, the closest to a grandfather was my dear Athimber. Muthu Athimber is the only one i used to call Athimber, so it was a very special title.

Appa and Amma would have a trip to Palakkad for my thatha's shradham and since we had school, they would leave us with Athai and Athimber. Their home was very close to school and as kids, Anna and i have spent a lot of time there.  While I do not remember much of when my cousins were around, I do remember a lot of when Athai and Athimber were the only occupants of 34, Harley's Road. Athimber was always fun loving and frank. Over the years that I spent time with him, i realized he has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

Today, it is one year since he left us all in shock, never to return. While I am choking at the thought, I only want to remember him by all that he has taught me as an individual.

- I am a person. Not a girl. He taught me that one can love a girl child as much as a boy and I am capable of doing anything that I want to. He was one of the first few who thought i was a smart kid.
I cannot express how much it had boosted my self confidence.
- Food should be presented well. He made a humble curd rice look tempting by placing alternating slices of cucumber and tomato. He would make bread butter look like a gourmet dish. He would make everything look amazing, even though he was serving it to a bunch of 10 year olds
- Never be afraid to tell what you feel like. Be frank.
- Appreciate others - He would say wow to neatly cut potato dices. He would appreciate anything that he liked
- Never take the same route while getting back home (lest someone is stalking you)
- Enjoy life to the fullest
- Smile a lot

I hope I continue to make him proud.

Comments

Unknown said…
Tears rolled down my eyes reading this. He played a big role in all our lives.
January 22, 2016 at 1:15 PM
Unknown said…
Tears rolled down my eyes reading this. He played a big role in all our lives.
January 22, 2016 at 1:16 PM
sunti said…
Tears rolling down my eyes too blocking my vision.
January 22, 2016 at 2:07 PM
sunti said…
Tears rolling down my eyes too blocking my vision.
January 22, 2016 at 2:08 PM
Unknown said…
Very thoughtful Shweta. Miss him a lot. He touched the lives of a lot of people. My appreciation for him only grows stronger as I hear these stories. Thank you for sharing. - Arun
January 22, 2016 at 4:35 PM
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