A Life Well Lived in Christ Jesus.
(In Memory of my dear aunt Beatrice John)
It has been a week and a half of sadness. We lost my Aunt Beatrice on 27th July 2016, whom we lovingly called Betty Chitti. 'Chitti' in Tamil means, 'mum's younger sister'. She has 5 sisters. All are in India except for my mum and aunt Betty. Now three are gone to be with the Lord. I have three aunts in India.
She married my dad's older brother. It was an arranged marriage and a match truly made in heaven. He was in Singapore and she in India. It was my parents who matched them up. They were the only siblings of my late parents, I had in Singapore. Now I only have my uncle John, whom I lovingly call 'Periappa' meaning 'dad's older brother' here with me.
Looking back at her life, I praise and thank God that I was a part of it. She was a lady full of love and adored her husband and only son Anthony whom all know as AJ. She showered the same love on her daughter in law and her two grandsons Gerald and Justin.
In my early years when I was in secondary school, both my sister and I used to go over to her house for lunch twice a week during lunch break and she lovingly cooked for us and served us joyfully. I remember the dresses she used to sew for us and every Christmas she used to get my youngest brother Francis new shirts. As her son grew, she occupied her time by giving tuition to many many many children, most of whom are all married and have their own children. She was an exceptionally dedicated tutor, going all out to buy them assessment books and teach them till they understood. She used to have parties in her house every children's day for her tutees whom she regarded as her own kids. Her dining area used to resemble a classroom. She was very resourceful and a true entrepreneur in many ways. Whatever she put her hands to, she did it with devotion and dedication. She cared for others and she prayed fervently daily. My holidays during my youth, were spent in her house. She was a fantastic cook. Even lately while her health began to deteriorate, she quickly taught her recipies to her domestic helper so that my uncle John will get to taste her delicious recepies daily, even after she was gone.
Her only regret was that I did not visit her as frequently as I used to after I had kids of my own.
But I am glad that I spent the last couple of months with her as often as I could, telling her that I love her. She in turn will reply that she loves me. This was a daily thing we exchanged endearingly while she was in Yishun Community Hospital. I am glad that I spent her last precious moments with her, stroking her head and singing to her while she breathed her last, as her son and grandsons stood around. Two days before she passed on, she sang Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia and when her son asked her why she was singing, she said that she was singing with the angels whom she saw singing up there. Tony my cousin has recorded that for memory. Without a doubt I know she is in heaven with Jesus. She will be rejoicing and singing eternal Alleluia's to God Almighty with all the angels and saints now. She has left a legacy of love, blessings and faithfulness to her loved ones.
As I reflect on her life, I reflect on my own. What legacy am I going to leave behind for my loved ones. Material goods will corrode and devaluate as time goes by. What do I want to leave behind?
God's Word says, ...
Proverbs 20:7 NLT
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
Proverbs 11:21 NLT
Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.
Psalm 37:25 NLT
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.
Isaiah 54:13, 17 NLT
I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace. [17] But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!
Yes I want to live a godly life and leave an inheritance of God's abundant blessings for all my children, descendants and loved ones. That is what will last.
God's promises are always, 'Yes' & 'Amen'. They are always fulfilled, in the lives of those well lived in Christ Jesus.
Mary Augustine.
7th August 2016
