[Merin] My name is Merin, Lia and Joseph and we would like to say a few words on behalf of all the grandchildren. If we could describe Appapa in three words they would be giving, joyful and strong. Appapa was not your typical grandfather, he did spoil us behind our parents’ backs, but he was also very strict when it came to speaking Malayalam at home and keeping up with our traditional family culture. I will miss the guidance that Appapa has always provided me.  He played an instrumental role into my development as a successful and confident young lady.  He has always been there for all of the children and his everlasting smile will always be with us.  

 

[Lia] Appapa has been with me since day one. From waking up in the morning and saying “Good Morning Appapa” while doing the signature salute to showing Appapa my certificates after every award ceremony and talking about school, the memories with him are countless. Appapa adored his grandchildren. Even through small acts, Appapa was always showing his love for us. Whenever we wanted something and our parents say no, we would always go to Appapa. We were sure he would convince our parents and they would say ok. Whether it was a sleepover or wanting to go to Checkers, Appapa always said “Don’t worry. I’ll handle.” Another thing Appapa never forgot to do was give each of his grand children a piece of candy whenever they visit. He always had something for us in his pocket. Even when he was in the hospital two weeks ago and I had gone to see him, he pointed at the bag of candy sitting on the table. Although he was sick and weak, he remembered to make sure I got something when I came to see him. Our birthdays are also very important days for him. Last Wednesday was my 15th birthday, and I was very blessed to be able to celebrate it with Appapa. Even though he was in pain and feeling very sick, he still wanted to make sure that my birthday was special. He made sure a cake was bought, the candles were lit, and even remembered to give me the special birthday present that he gives to all his grandchildren. We will miss Appapa’s presence, seeing him in his neatly ironed clothes and treasured watch, and the unconditional love he had for each one of us. He truly is the greatest grandfather anyone could ask for.

 

[Joe] We have so many fond memories of Appapa that each one of us holds very close to our hearts. One thing that always bonded together was me Appapa and food. Every Sunday it was like our ritual to go over to Appapa’s house in the evening.  While we are there, Appapa always made sure that we ate good. After I was done eating Appapa would tell me “Don’t be stingy” and put another item on my plate and of course I would end up eating that too. Even after our parents say that it’s enough, I remember Appapa saying “they are growing kids, they need to eat more”.  Another fond memory of Appapa is when he would take us to Publix in his pickup truck, when he was still up and going about a year or two ago. Every week Appapa would come pick up one of one of us from our house and take us to Publix for grocery shopping and the part we loved was that he lets us pick one item, whatever we want from the store. He was a frequent visitor at the store that it was funny there were employees at the store always greeted him by his last name. Also, we always cherished the life stories that Appapa used to share with us and he will always have a valuable lesson at the end of the story.  Last but not least Appapa was a role model and mentor. Appapa would always tell me that a firm handshake determined an individual’s character.  If I approached Appapa and gave him a weak handshake he would correct me on spot and will tell me to shake hands like a gentleman. On Tuesday, I realized that Appapa’s condition was turning for the worst.  Appapa’s hands were shaking; these were the same hands that carried me as a baby, the same hands that taught me how to develop a firm handshake, the same beautiful hands that always congratulated me after every performance.  I knew it was time to let go and allow Appapa to have the solace of being in Heaven.

 

When Appapa passed away, he was in his own room surrounded by his three children and Ammama who always took such good care of him.  Appapa lived his life to the fullest. He had a devoted wife who always respected him and was there for him. He had three beautiful children, my mother, Joshychacha and Paulachacha who you were tremendously proud of and are a true testimony of your fine parenting. You got to bless all of us grand children on the evening before you died with your special Sthuthi.  Appapa was a man who was humble and simple. We're all going to miss your presence. Appapa we want to let you know that we all love you dearly. We will try our best to take care of Ammama just like you did. You were a man with a great heart and great wisdom and one day we all hope and wish to grow up to be the young men and women that you always wanted us to be.  We know that you are in a better place right now and that you will be by our side wherever we go and that we can look up to you in heaven whenever we are in need!!! We will cherish the moments and we shared with you and once again we love you Appapa.

God Bless