In praise of the older generation….Sankari Viswanathan, surrounded by her handmade baby quilts. Photo by Sumedh Balan
By Ammu Kannampilly
A granddaughter fondly remembers her grandmother of another generation and what she stood for…she was the “glue” which kept the family together!
SANKARI Viswanathan or “ammamma” as she was known to us, her grandchildren, came of age with her country and exemplified its finest qualities — tolerance, generosity and an openness to people and experiences of every hue.
She was a teenager when India became independent, a mother at 21, a working woman in her mid-twenties and the coolest granny in her fifties, sixties, seventies… you get the picture.
When my granddad was too ill to drive, it was Ammamma who took the wheel, just as she did in so many areas of their life together.
She managed their finances, ensuring that they would be able to educate their three daughters, help those in need and look after themselves no matter what curveballs life sent their way.
And she did it all with minimum fuss and a no-nonsense attitude that was her trademark approach to life.
She gave of herself freely to those who valued her, inside and outside the family — never keeping score — except of course during her games of 56, where she was a ferocious competitor.
Her daughters’ accomplishments made her immensely proud even if they struggled to keep up with her at cards, turning every game into a mini soap opera — all the entertainment, minus the tears.
As grandchildren, we knew her love was unconditional and constant.
When my father died and I struggled to process my grief in the months that followed, it was Ammamma who knew just what to say, what questions to ask, allowing me to unburden myself during our weekly phone calls.
She had seen her share of loss — saying goodbye to her beloved husband, parents and siblings — but somehow grief only made her heart bigger.
By the end, maybe it was just too big for her body to contain.
And so she let go, leaving us with beautiful memories and a reminder to always live with an open heart, overflowing with love.
Thank you Ammamma — we will spend the rest of our lives in gratitude for everything you have given us. You were the glue that held this family together!