It was 1983. I was planning to go to Sannanallur to visit my best friend
Dharmalingam. During my first visit in 1980 the love and affection showed to me
by them especially mother made me visit them once in six months at least.
As I was working in Madukkarai -Coimbatore I had to go Sannanallur via
Thanjavur. My friend Mohan is from Thanjavur and he asked to visit his family.
In fact, I was more willing to visit. He gave me a bag as an identification and
I started to Thanjavur. Telephones were very rare in those days.
I came to Thanjavur and through the city bus 6 arrived the bus- stop and
by enquiring people reached the house. On seeing me everybody was excited as I
was looking exactly like Mohan. Sisters Periya puppy and China puppy called me
Anna at the first instance! Father was a genuine gentleman with all the love
and care. They were so loving and caring I felt at home. I had the feeling this
is also my home. I considered mother of Dharmalingam is next to my own mother.
And I added Mohan’s mother also to it. After
some time I left for Sannanallur and they asked me to visit there during the
return journey.
I went to Sannanallur and had a very nice time. Mother cooked all the
special dishes for me. Idly with many chutneys, Sweets, degree coffee etc. Stayed for a day and next day I had to start
and preferred to go early so that I might pay a visit to Mohan’s home on the
way. Mother finally allowed me to go.
After getting blessings from her I started to Thanjavur. From Sannanallur
garden we used to collect the fruits and Mother gave me many fruits to carry.
I arrived to Mohan’s home. They were waiting for me. Morning breakfast
was ready. I shared part of the fruits brought from the Sannanallur Garden to
them. They were very happy. I had to start to catch the bus so that I could
reach Madukkarai for the 4 to 12 shift. They gave a parcel to Mohan. I
collected it and Mother gave me a parcel too for lunch. I was overwhelmed by
the affection.
I boarded the bus. Arrived to Karur. I was hungry and opened the parcel. It
was flavoring lemon rice and a boiled egg. Anybody will give you a rice pocket.
Only a mother will keep one egg along with it.
That is mother. I have lot of mothers and each one is special.
Happy Mother’s Day
Sampath
14th May 2017
