It is very difficult for me to think of Papiya in the past tense. She was seven years younger than me . I treated her as one of my kids in many ways. I feel blessed to have her as my sister. She was also my friend, philosopher, spiritual advisor, counselling for dealing with life’s adversities and much more. Her hearty laughter still rings in my ears….
I am borrowing a poem by Constance Parker Graham to convey my feelings…
“Some people
Constance Parker Graham
Have a special gift
Of giving other hearts a lift,
Roses, rainbows, a sunny smile
Whatever makes a day worthwhile.
They give warmth
And understand,
The art of lending a friendly hand
They always know
What help you need
They are very special people indeed
Who somehow always seem to guess
Just how to bring you happiness”.
Papiya’s loss is an irreparable one.
Our family will carry forward her legacy and honour her memory in as many ways as we possibly can.
JAYA GHOSH ( Papiya’s eldest sister)
(Excerpts from , My Very Special Sister, Papiya-Bumble, in “Toast to Papiya ”, 2008).