Deepavali and family

31 years ago, I got married to a Malacca Chitty.

Ganesan was born and raised as a Hindu and his religion is Buddhism.

I, on the other hand was born in Brunei and raised in Sabah.

A Roman Catholic by religion.

Like family, it is a package deal.

Unlike friends, you can choose.

My entry into the family was made easier

by my wonderful late Mother in law, Letchmy Pillay.

A Chinese in birth and given up for adoption to an Indian family.

I think silently,

she must have understood what culture shock I was going through.

Her patience and soft approach in carrying out the cultural and

traditional prayers speaks volume.

One, sort of goes with the flow and pick up as we go along. My husband being the third in the family and only son is called Tai Mamah.

As the wife of the Tai Mamah,

my role is to assist in any prayers for my nieces from their birth,

coming of age, wedding and into the time of their children.

How do a feel as a Catholic performing these prayers?

I feel blessed as there is only one tongue to wish goodness, success,

happiness, trust and love.

As I do my ritual, I touch and speak as if there are my daughters.

I am indeed blessed with five nieces,

Nisha, Yashodra, Gertrude, Amanda and Rina.

Plus my two daughters, Manjusha and Tashanee.

Although this year I missed Deepavali but where ever I go,

I take the family and it's culture inside.

Happy Deepavali!

Love, Aunty Vera