Excerpt of letter from Mathenachayan, dated 31st December, 2017, regarding Tiruvalla Valliammachy:
I have seen dear Ammachi since my childhood, generally once a year when schools closed for summer vacation. Vacation meant going to our mother's home in Kozhencherry and Tiruvalla was a necessary stop. The Theepany home had many fruit trees in that extensive property and climbing trees and getting fruits was always an attraction in our boyhood years. But what made our stay in Thiruvalla special was the warmth and endearing hopitality we felt in the home of "Kariachayan and Ammai" as my parents used to address your grandfather and grandmother.
This annual 'pilgrimage' continued till I was out of college and I started working at U.C. College, Alwaye. After a year of teaching there, I went away to North India working for L.I.C. at different stations. Sadly, that made my visits to Thiruvalla rare. I saw her only when she was healthy and active and that is the picture I still have in my mind. I know that she was seriously ill in later years in Vellore under the care of Kunjachayan and Kochamma
My uncle 'Matthachan' was taken care of by Ammachi when my grandmother passed away. My paternal grandmother (Mariamma) was your grandfather's sister. Another sister was Rosamma who passed away soon after giving birth to Unnimon whom Ammachi took care of. Such generosity and tenderness of heart are rarely seen in families these days.
We all have relatives who have and are known for their special gifts and qualities. Some are good by nature. Some are kind hearted and empathetic. Some are deeply religious. Some are known for their worldly wisdom and resourcefulness. But Ammachy had all these qualities of head and heart and much more. It is not an exaggeration to say that she was exceptional and an one of a kind person. Apart from all her qualities, she also used to dispense some special remedies for tonsillitis. I think the ministry of healing runs in Pareppeedikayil family!
I have seen dear Ammachi since my childhood, generally once a year when schools closed for summer vacation. Vacation meant going to our mother's home in Kozhencherry and Tiruvalla was a necessary stop. The Theepany home had many fruit trees in that extensive property and climbing trees and getting fruits was always an attraction in our boyhood years. But what made our stay in Thiruvalla special was the warmth and endearing hopitality we felt in the home of "Kariachayan and Ammai" as my parents used to address your grandfather and grandmother.
This annual 'pilgrimage' continued till I was out of college and I started working at U.C. College, Alwaye. After a year of teaching there, I went away to North India working for L.I.C. at different stations. Sadly, that made my visits to Thiruvalla rare. I saw her only when she was healthy and active and that is the picture I still have in my mind. I know that she was seriously ill in later years in Vellore under the care of Kunjachayan and Kochamma
My uncle 'Matthachan' was taken care of by Ammachi when my grandmother passed away. My paternal grandmother (Mariamma) was your grandfather's sister. Another sister was Rosamma who passed away soon after giving birth to Unnimon whom Ammachi took care of. Such generosity and tenderness of heart are rarely seen in families these days.
We all have relatives who have and are known for their special gifts and qualities. Some are good by nature. Some are kind hearted and empathetic. Some are deeply religious. Some are known for their worldly wisdom and resourcefulness. But Ammachy had all these qualities of head and heart and much more. It is not an exaggeration to say that she was exceptional and an one of a kind person. Apart from all her qualities, she also used to dispense some special remedies for tonsillitis. I think the ministry of healing runs in Pareppeedikayil family!
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