Every church in Goa, today celebrates Grandparents’ Day with grandchildren praying for their grandparents and some parishes even have small get-togethers after Mass. We might call them funny names like grandma and grandpa or papa and granny, or even gamma by tint tots, but the emotion is more innocent and kind that it is heartbreaking when grandchildren are away from their elders. Their sheer presence in the house is a gift and one that is cherished by children even when they are long gone. Their every story is awe inspiring.
Gemma Fernandes from Divar has been travelling across continents but makes it a point to connect with her grandmother, who did the same a few decades ago. “I love and miss my grandmother and I am thankful for everything that she has taught me. She has lived on three continents and has imparted me with the richness of Konkani language, music, culture, etc and she is very proud of me. I always say that I have followed her footsteps on the Konkani tiatr stage. I recall her teaching me Konkani in England and followed me back to Goa, sharing her wisdom and I shall eternally be grateful for her being in my life. She always brings a smile to my face whenever we speak on video calls in Konkani and always has a song ready in Swahili, English or Konkani for me. Having her has been a blessing that I cherish forever,” says Gemma about her grandmother, Ana Regina Antonette Fernandes, who will be celebrating her 90th birthday on September 21.
Paulin D’Mello recently lost her grandmother, Adeline, and still feels the house is empty without her motherly presence. “When the announcement was read in church about Grandparents’ Day celebrations, I was numb because this is the first one without my granny. Her smiling, cheerful face that I would see in the morning and the good night kiss is missed so dearly. I was fortunate that I was raised by my granny while my parents were away working. I was her favorite. Her affection, care and understanding nature is missed every day. Although, she is no more in person with me, yet I feel her blessings every day. I only wish a happy Grandparent’s Day to my angel in heaven,” says Paulin, with a heavy heart.
Shraavani Nayak from Ponda shared a stronger bond with her grandfather Bhagirath compared to her grandmother, Shalini. “I was always close to my grandfather. The way he lived his life always fascinated me. He wasn’t very highly educated; however, he more than made up for it with his skills and constant curiosity and ability to learn. My grandmother on the other hand, was a more laid-back individual. But when I was small, I always enjoyed listening to her stories and songs. I lost my grandfather two years back, but even in his illness, he was the toughest fighter I has ever seen and that has influenced me for life,” says Shraavani.
Amanda D’Costa from Raia eagerly waits for holidays to visit her grandmother in Mumbai. “Visiting my grandmother during vacations is something I look forward to a lot. From the age of three to now being 17, the level of excitement is always the same. Whenever we reach her door, no matter the time, she will always be there with a smiling face and open arms and attack us with kisses. She makes sure to prepare our favourite dishes. She keeps my sister and me entertained with her stories from her younger days, stories about my mother when she was small, and even the lessons life teaches you. It’s always an amazing when we are spending time with her. We never get enough of her,” says Amanda, about her grandmother Antonette Barretto.
A junior resident in the department of paediatric surgery, Honda-based Heramb Barve gives credit to his grandmother Shubhada Manerikar for learning about the finer things in life. “My Aaji inculcated my interest in gardening and nature which s a big part of me now. I believe Grandparents have a big share in giving you a happy childhood. Be it a particular recipe that makes you nostalgic, summer holidays, the ‘Khausathiche paise’ which is the pocket money they give you when you visit them, and of course the bedtime stories. They are the ones you go to, to complain about your parents and hear their embarrassing stories. We are so busy growing up and living our lives that we often forget that they are growing old too. After all, it’s their legacy we take forward. It’s time we give them their due credit by spending some quality time with them till they are around,” says Heramb, who brings a huge smile on his grandmother’s face.
Jinesh Jain from Merces is one of the few who has been born and brought up under the shadow of his grandparents, Sohan Lal and Lilawati. Setting them as his role models, he has gained much more wisdom at a young age. “My grandfather is a retired school principal and my grandmother has always made the house a peaceful place for everyone to live. The best part of having them in the house, is that they hold everyone together. I like to travel often and every time I am out they will call and talk to. They don’t talk much, but when it comes to clicking pictures together, the blush on their face is beautiful. Grandparents play a key role in teaching us to hold on to our culture, tradition, and family bonding. No matter how old they are, they always teach and inspire us. Hearing their life experiences and struggles is always fun and exciting,” says Jinesh.
His advice to other youngsters is to spend more time with grandparents. “Just give them ten minutes to sit with them and talk as they need you now. Make sure you don’t make them feel alone and separated. Try and teach them some technology if possible. Be patient with them and hear them when they speak. They might be angry at times but it’s okay, they have given life to the family. They deserve all happiness now. They are the reason behind all those beautiful memories of your childhood,” says Jain, as he wishes them a happy Grandparents Day.
Jennifer Viegas from Dona Paula compares grandparents to angels sent by God to unconditionally love and pamper their grandchildren. ”My avo, has been my pillar and strength. I value and cherish every day I spend with her, because of all the sacrifices she has done for us. The love and the bond she has with us, is irreplaceable. Every day, she is teaching us so much about life and how to value the people around us. We wish that God adds good health and happiness to her life with passing time,” says Jennifer about her beloved grandmother, Viena D’Souza.
Jovinson Duarte from Margao shares a special bond with his grandmother, Maggie D’Sa. “Growing up with my grandmother, is a memory that will always be close to my heart. She instilled in me a life of discipline, independence, and a love of animals. I miss the stories that she would tell, techniques of cooking and much more. She would wait for me if I would get late and call to ask what time I would be reaching. She was the only grandparent I had growing up and I wish I had more time with her,” says Jovinson.
