When we were all still very young, due to some family situation my father had to move back to our native place in Tirunelveli. He took the two older children with him while my mother had to raise the rest of us alone in Bombay. She was running a small grocery shop and my father would send in additional financial support from his farming back home.
I was truly blessed by my Mom. She was my spiritual role model and leader who led by example. She taught us how to trust in the Lord, how to serve the Lord & community and how to be faithful in the Lord.
She encouraged me in so many ways. When I was a child I had never seen my mom sleeping; she would be praying when I went to bed at night and would be still in prayers when I woke up. I am sure she went to bed in between; but to my little mind she appeared to be praying nonstop.
When I was about 12 years of age, I had boils on my body; I had this for many days. My school was about to start in couple of days, but I could not wear pants or shirts because of the boils. If I wore any clothes it would stick to my skin and would cause more damage to the skin while attempting to remove them. I was very sad that I could not make to school on the first day which was merely two days away.
My mom applied coconut oil and prayed over me, she was in tears for hours. Miraculously the next day all the boils dried up and I was able to make it to the first day of school! Praise God!
I was an "outstanding" student in school. Of course outstanding because my teacher would make me stand outside the class for disobeying her or not doing the homework or not getting good grades in exams or for bullying. When I came home,my elder sister Paul who was also my tuition teacher would plead with me to learn atleast one question & answer. Having pity on her I learnt a few.
My favorites were Maths, Science & Arts. I was very bad in Languages & History. Everyone(except my MOM) would scold me that I would be never successful in my life and that I was dumb & slow and that if I didn’t study I would have to beg for bread in my life.
My mom used to read me the biography of Thomas Alva Edison, and she encouraged me saying, "Even Edison was slow, but turned out be the smartest person ever known. My son would also become like him."
My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me, and I felt I had someone to live for, someone I must not disappoint.So I started focusing on studies and finally I was able to complete my Bachelors degree in Chemistry followed by an Aptech diploma in Computer Science.
My dream was to build a home for my Mom and provide everything that she ever wanted or needed and to see her happy. I was able to fulfill most of them but not all as she passed away soon. I am reminded of the fact that she lives in a better place.
I am truly blessed by my Mom's prayers and encouraging words. I owe it to God Almighty first, and next to my Mom for what I am today...
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