Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

An Appreciation to Beta Pereira An exceptional human being

By

18 August 2018 12:15 am - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

At the very outset, let me say that it is not usual for a Son to write an appreciation of his mother – but then my Mother was an exceptional human being – at least to my two siblings Leilani and Pravin and my self. She lived to the ripe old age of 99 exceeding the Psalmist’s score by almost 3 decades! To the three of us, she was everything and more that a mother should be. Even long after my formative years, she was the one I turned to and rely upon. When I exceeded my weekly “pocket money” allowance, I could rely on her for a little something to tide me over till the next instalment and nary a word to my Papa!. My Papa being the martinet he was, was very strict about what he “doled out” to his three children. Come birthdays and family outings, it was our Mum who came out with the ideas and planning –trips to Gampaha Gardens, Victoria Park, and moonlight dinners at the Lighthouse on Marine Drive! She was the one who always ensured that there was a “Jolly Bomb” on my sister Leilani’s Birthday in December. Her culinary expertise was well known and my cousins still smack their lips when they talk about her Cheese Straws, Cream Buns and the Portuguese delicacy “Bolo Folhado”, and the South Indian Payasam and Kesari. Her Sunday afternoon desserts were especially “yummy” , and we the family could choose our favourite dessert in rotation – my being “Honeycomb Mould” pudding! Her skills extended to sewing , foreign languages and music as well. My Paternal aunt Niru used to tell us that she had sewn for four generations of my Father’s family. She quite adept at the keyboards and our home used to waft to the tunes of “Chopsticks” and “Maiden’s Prayer”.
Despite her mild disposition and dimunitive size, she could be quite formidable when the occasion warranted it and woe betide the butcher who “short changed” her on a joint of beef or if the Dhoby brought back her precious “Dorcas” bedsheets frayed! She was also a live wire at the Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, old girls association and played a good game of tennis in a (half-sari) at the Bambalapitiya Catholic Association. Mum had her share of idiosyncrasies too – bent forks and knives, talking to herself whilst washing dishes at the Pantry sink etc! She also had this uncanny knack of getting along with people. In fact it was a standard joke at home, that when my Paternal Grandmother used to visit us at home, she spent more time with her daughter-in-law than with her son!!. Even at this advanced age of mine, what wouldn’t I give to be tucked into bed at night one more time listening to her narration of “Jack and Bean Stalk” and lullabies like “Kiss me goodnight Sergeant Major” and “The Goodship Lollipop” and for a touch of those soft gnarled hands and that distinctive whiff of “4711 Eau de Cologne” on her being, the rustle of her housecoat and that warm endearing smile.  
“She riseth with the dawn  
She eateth not the bread of idleness  
She opens her mouth with wisdom  
Her words are the law of kindliness  
Her children rise up and call her Blessed.”  
Proverbs 31  “Jit”

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 0

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H