It was on December 29th 1980 when Ammini (Sara) and I reached Baltimore with three month old Jamie and Aimee. Our married life sprouted in New York but is deeply rooted in Baltimore. Many of you who are here today were at our wedding in Bronx. Two people who were at our wedding are not here today – Pappachayan (M.G.Abraham)and Demetrius Thirumeni (H.G.Yuhanon Mar Demetrius). Pappachayan was the witness at our wedding and was part of our life in Baltimore all these years until he was called home. Demetrius Thirumeni came to our wedding as a stranger but remains as a brother and spiritual father to this day.
I realized that I had married a special girl at the first party at Thankachayan and Ammama’s (Marykutty) apartment in New York. Ammini was everywhere talking to people and introducing me. Making sure others ate and ate well was her life ambition. We were also blessed with Ruby. Ammini and Ruby were inseparable. I knew then that Ammini would never have a problem bringing up children.
We spent our days immediately after the wedding in Baltimore with the Sebastian family- our Pappa and Ammachi in Baltimore. We have our longest running relationships in Baltimore. Ammini has always made sure we keep in touch with our St. Thomas Baltimore Church family and our family in Bombay, Kerala and all over the US - from TN, TX, CA, NY, NJ, PA, GA, IL, OH, CO, MA and MD. You all have given us so many wonderful memories.
Our life became complete with Gina. We are proud of our girls as much as you are of them. Ammini has taught them well.
Each of you know Ammini in her own unique ways. If I had to tell you her qualities you will tell me, you already know it. Let me do it anyway. She prays constantly. It is never a surprise when she says, “Namuku Prarthikam” (let us pray), be it in the car, home or in the plane. Helping others is a consistent habit. She has no problem asking her nieces and nephews for money to send to someone in need in India. Cooking is her passion. She has no clue how to cook for a family because she only knows how to cook for many. Her strength in cooking comes from Ammama, who has the same quality – only knows how to cook for many. She knows to suffer with a smile. She takes up more of the struggles than I do but you would never know. She is a blessing to others. Be assured that each of you has been in her prayers one time or another and will continue to be in our family prayers. Finally, Ammini loves surprises. I hope this party was a surprise to her. Knowing Ammini I can tell you, even if she knew about this party, she will be the first one to be happy to see all of you here.
Wishing you all the best of God’s blessings.
Bejoy (Abraham Joshua)
