I keep getting my maternal aunt Shanta-mami's name in my thoughts. (Mami is maternal auntie, the wife of mom's brother in Indian language). So, lets talk about Shanta mami. (Shanti means peace)
My mom had only one brother, Uncle John, and Shanta-mami was his wife. She was born in India, and she lived and died in India as well. All her sisters' names started with S. Shanta mami was the oldest of all and so more of a motherly figure. She is survived by 4 kids of her own. She was a very pretty, good looking and a gracious, kind woman. A Sister Nurse-in-charge by profession, dedicated to her work; she had a passion for cooking yummy-licious Indian food and loved her God, her work, her husband, her children, her family, her nieces and nephews; and people in general.
Shanta-mami was one of the best cooks, and her dishes were famous among the family and friends. Her mango pickles used to be the best. Back home in India, during my childhood, I remember every year in summer vacation she would come home and make mango pickles for us to last us a whole entire year. Her Christmas sweets were the best and her Chapatis - what can I say! She knew and taught me many kinds of Indian flat breads (Chapati) and their sub-divisions: What is Kori Rolti, Fulka, Bhakhri, Chopda, Paratha, Thepla, Puri, Dhebera, Vedhmi (sweet chapati) etc.. Despite her full-time job as a full-trained midwife, she would try every new recipe. She made scrumptious Handva (an Indian version of spicy corn bread), ice-cream, etc. I have fond memories of big feasts held in her home on Resurrection Day and Christmas Day celebrations, and then we would be taken out for a picnic or outings in general.
Together with my two older siblings, I was privileged to be housed by her for a couple of years when my parents were away in Nairobi, Kenya. Even though she had 4 kids of her own she took my sister, brother, and me in and looked after us, loved us, and trained us. I remember the good times we have shared with her in Pij. I was the youngest of all the kids, so she showered extra love on me. My Mom and Shanta-mami had a good understanding between them. Early in life, during her sickness, my mom breastfed one of her kids and during the time my parents were away, Shanta mami looked after us. My uncle and aunt would play games with us kids in the backyard after meals during summer's bright late evenings.
My special memory of her is when she used to occasionally take me with her on her public health visits to the people in the village. Everyone in Pij town knew Shanta mami and respected her as "Bahen" the only Nurse back then who loved and cared for them, not only while they were sick, but otherwise, as she was a friendly person. She was called "Ben," endearing term meaning "Sister." And every one knew I was her youngest bhaani (niece). On those visits while passing through the market place, I would be pampered by these dear lovely people, the market place businessmen and women, i.e. the fruit sellers, the grocers, the vegetable vendors; they handed me seasonal goodies and candies! Mami was kind and sweet to me and taught me many good things.
I admired curly hair more as I have very straight hair, so after washing my hair, she would plait 7 chotlis (braids) for me and let it dry for sometime; when it was opened, it was all curly like Goldilocks. During the drying time of those braids,(ah! you know what waiting means to a kid)! So to keep me calm and forget about it for a while, she would let me to go and play with other kids on the slide and swings in the play plot near the bus station that was a stone-throw away from the hospital premise where we lived. In Biblical terminology, it would be almost like at the entrance of the city gate!
She introduced me to the little library that the hospital had and allowed me to read almost all the kids' books, the biographies of the Indian freedom fighters, and other famous diligent and good people. It helped build character in me. Mami would cover her head while praying, and, at night, reading the Bible and praying in my uncle and her household was a must - something I am thankful to God for helping me learn.
Regardless of what the elders in the extended families argued about or even as cousin brothers and sisters, we had our own games and arguments, my uncle and aunt did not treated us differently. They loved us and showered affection on all of us. During afternoon naps or sleeping at night, she would gently stroke my hair with her fingers. Yes, that was my dear aunt (Shanta-mami)
On this Mothering Sunday, I want to honor and remember that I am thankful to God for my Shanta mami and her sister youngest sister Sunanda. Sunanda masi (ma-si means ma-like) was like an elder sister to me in my early teen years, talking to me, listening to me, and helping me cope with teen age life. I am thankful for both of these dear ladies and their presence in my life when I needed it most.
A few years ago, Shanta-mami died due to illness; medical condition of fighting cancer in her body. On this mothering Sunday, I miss her, and I am sure her children and grandchildren miss her too. The world is a better place because there are godly aunties present who are truly mothers to all. They fulfill a high calling of the sacred role of motherhood.
She is resting in peace for now and I hope to see her on the Resurrection Day at the feet of Jesus and hear God say "Well done! my faithful servant" to her for looking after us, loving me and for doing His will for her life well. Here is Shanti-mami:
