‘Mangpha aw, Pipi!’ It loosely translated to ‘Goodbye Grandma,’ in my native language. We were good friends with grandmother with a good rapport. Our sense of humor was senseless; never sounded like humor to others. I tried it several times with others and even with my loved ones. No one did actually buy it!
Thus, I wrote on one of my Facebook pages that a huge part or the other side of me will never be recovered. And, it’s true. My grandmother went to the Lord on the hazy evening of January 5, 2023, this year. We last met with her in the mid-summer of 2022.
My grandmother left behind my grandfather, a retired Pastor, who is 99 years young. They had a daughter and seven sons. Two of them also departed before her. Grandpa and Grandma were blessed with 37 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Grandmother was different and lovely to me. She understands my character and how to deal with it. We were friends from the very beginning. Then in her last days, we would joke around while we were on a call. I personally think she loves me, just as everyone in the family would think of her. I could keep on writing about her and our story, but I would like to share with you the eulogy I have written for the funeral service far away from home.
To you – My Grandmother
Here is a brief note from the eulogy I wrote for my grandmother:
_My name is Thuamsiam Ngaihte, the third grandson of my Grandmother Khawlman.
I would like to bid you goodbye in my presence physically, however as we used to call ourselves, we are the privileged bosses of the houses due to our ill health, I can’t be here today. Yet I’m humbled there is someone who’d read out my speech on my behalf.
_I know a time like this would come, it’s just that we’re not certain because we’re mortal beings. However, when I heard the word about you, I cried and laughed at the same time in my heart. You know, we’ve laughed, mourn, and cried together.
_ I still thought my voice or my voice call and our senseless jokes could still wake you up…. But death has done its part now. However, this I remember – we have the living hope in Christ that we’ll meet again.
_ Looking at your life, if you were a fruit you’re fully ripened throughout the seasons. So, I take it as the best time for the Gardener to collect the ripened fruit. Thus, there’s nothing to be bitter about what has happened today.
It is Him, the Faithful lord who has leadeth us over and over the waves of life. I know we’re blessed! Nothing more nothing less.
_ We spent a good time together. Now, as I recollect the times we had and the jokes we shared, remember Grandma, I did not cry! It was just a well of water in my eyes. And no one saw it!
_ I know I need to be disciplined. When I get the scolding I needed as a child, you’re the one who took my side; but not without explaining to me the reason for all of it. That’s the great privileged of growing up with a grandfather and grandmother at home.
_ You are the ‘MOTHER’ of a big family, and no one will be able to follow in your footsteps. You took care of your own children, then us – your grandchildren, and all your great-grandchildren.
You might not stand next to my grandfather as a pastor’s wife, but you set him free to roam around spreading the gospel even though your hand is full.
_ Dear grandmother, you knew me well; I’m not like my elder brother who is strong and quick although you both loved us equally. You did not force nor pressure me to do my chores.
You have been understanding to all people. And I know you tend to hide it in your own ways. Your journey wasn’t easy at all.
_ Beginning from my bed-wetting time till the time I could admire girls, you let me sleep by your side. Your pieces of advice and stories are with me, and still will be.
As I grow up, I enjoy the songs and words we used between us just like a forlorn lover. Your short and one, two, or three-liners capturing the emotions of the lover and beloved enticed my young heart.
_ Grandmother, never forget that I’m still sharing our stories with my children. Even though you’re my respected grandmother, the way you make me feel like an accepted friend in you will never die.
_ By now, as your soul has departed your mortal being, you’d be high up in the sky in your wings. The days of our communion will soon become yesterday. Still, I’ll be fine Grandma, because one day we will meet in the arms of the Lord.
_ Those beautiful days when I could say to you, ‘I love you and misses you Grandma…!’ seems to have abruptly concluded today. The one who listens to all my complaints, happiness, and sadness is no more….
‘Mangpha aw, Pi!
