Remembering Ammini

          If one thinks ‘And God Created Woman’, was a movie made twice by Roger Vadim, heroined by Brigitte Bardot in 1956 and Rebecca De Mornay in 1988, they have barely experienced the essence of the title if they had never met Ammini, wife of Aniyan, mother of two adorable children and her precious grandchildren.
          Those who have been fortunate with their association to Ammini and accepted God as the Creator, cannot help but wonder why He has been so very partial in the process, so very limited and miserly in creating more like her.
          Ammini as I knew her, personified the ideal assumption of feminine elegance, the grace of nobility, poise of right rearing, the warmth of friendship, spousal dedication, affection of motherhood, and a sincere commitment to the needs of the needy.
       To me, she became a sister that I instantly identified with my own sister Ammini, my intimately loving and caring sibling that we mutually cherish sharing all about life through our relationship of seven decades.
       By the time I got to know her, she was frail and delicate afflicted by the ‘Emperor of All Maladies’, but the distinct glow of humanity in her, the unmistakable benevolence of her persona and the inimitable charm that exuded when she was around, were treasures that she profusely shared with all. Her quiet and serene presence in any gathering was palpable without words, as her subtle gestures exuded eloquence beyond any histrionics could impress. Her unmistakable charisma was expressed through her compassion and her elemental nature spoke volumes about the humility that resided in her elements.
      The reality of life assigns human entitlements that range from generous offerings to cruel retributions, that we may choose to accept as auspicious gifts or protest as cruel destiny
      But to all of us who were fortunate to have been associated with Ammini in a variety of relationships, there is only one way to accept and assimilate the experience; an endowment from God, a Divine Donation. As our profound scriptures proclaim, the body is only a transient shelter for the soul, the flicker of divine presence in each of us as we transit through our worldly sojourn, in an earnest attempt to perform our Karma and qualify to blend in with the Ultimate Presence. Knowing Ammini, she may have earned that exclusive eligibility and joined that elite status.
      I am enlightened of being a beneficiary of the sacred privilege to have known such an elevated human being.

Deferentially,
Venugopal Menon (March 29, 2018)

Author: Dr. Venugopal Menon

Was born and raised in a loving family in pre-independent India, became a doctor, served Indian army, got married, then came over to America with wife and a daughter, established as a successful Allergist, raised a family of three children, was involved in many social establishments, retired, and wrote memoirs, 'My Mother Called Me Unni, A Doctor's Tale of Migration'. View all posts by Dr. Venugopal Menon