A Story by Abitha Claren J

Behind the facade of achievements lies the untold story of a life burdened by sorrow and despair. In the dimly lit corridors of the past, this journey unfolds - a journey which begins with tears but ultimately finds its way into the embrace of joy.

This recounts the tale of a remarkable woman born in the 1940s. She wasn't merely ordinary; she epitomized courage, confidence, and strength. Her father passed away when she was just a toddler. Her mother became everything to her, raising her daughter alone during the challenging period of the 1940s. Though the woman was her mother's sole child, she grew up alongside her cousins as if they were her own siblings. Despite being just a teacher, her mother found a way to provide for herself and her family. The only dream her mother had was to witness her daughter follow in her footsteps and become a teacher. The woman's mother toiled day and night, tirelessly striving to gather enough funds to send her daughter to school while also supporting their family financially. Finally, with immense pride, she enrolled her daughter in school at the age of six, envisioning a future where she would excel as an educator.

As time passed, the woman matured rapidly; by the age of ten, she possessed a level of understanding surpassing that of many adults. Recognizing her mother's relentless dedication to providing a better life, she decided she would soon get a job to remove her mother's burdens.

 Before long, at the age of 15, she found herself captivated by the idea of teaching. Inspired by her mother, whom she regarded as her ultimate role model, she yearned to be just like her in every aspect. Throughout her upbringing, her mother had always told her that the hallmark of a great teacher lies in possessing a servant's heart. She firmly believed that teaching isn’t a mere profession; it is a profound calling deeply rooted in selfless service to others. Her mother, while imparting a passion for teaching, also passed on a great belief in God. Whenever the woman sought anything, her mother advised her not to ask her, but to turn to God. She consistently reassured the woman that she needn't worry about lacking a father because she had God as her father. In the twinkling of an eye, the woman found herself enrolled in a boarding school to pursue her teacher training. Her mother diligently packed snacks for her, which she received each time she returned home from school. Her mother unwaveringly supported the woman throughout her journey to become a teacher. And before anyone knew it, at the age of 19, the woman blossomed into a remarkable teacher after completing her schooling. Her mother's dream was finally fulfilled, and above all, her own aspirations were achieved.

 At 23, the woman grew into a breathtaking, understanding, and modest lady. Immediately, the woman's mother wanted to provide her daughter with a life she believed she hadn't been able to offer before, striving to find the perfect partner for her daughter. She desired her daughter to marry a gentle, considerate, and amiable man. Upon finding someone whom she believed to be her daughter's perfect match, she orchestrated a wedding between the damsel and the man with both of their approvals. The man and the woman lived happily together for years, but they faced the challenge of not having any children. This absence caused worry in both the woman’s and the woman's mother’s hearts. The woman prayed fervently, and after nine long years, she finally gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, who was like a blessing bestowed upon the family. Not even three full years later, she welcomed another baby boy into the world. The woman's life was finally complete! With a beautiful family, a spacious house, an amazing profession, and leading a delightful lifestyle, she found fulfilment in every aspect of her life. The laughter of the two children brought joy to the house. Each time the young woman’s mother heard the toddlers, her heart filled with adoration and affection. They had everything—money, happiness, basically anything someone could ask for. What could go wrong now, right? But suddenly, everything veered into darkness.

 One evening, as the woman was writing a poem in her diary, a maid came running to her and rapidly asked her to come outside. Sensing the panic in the young maid's voice, the woman dashed to the porch, where a sentence from one of her husband's worker’s mouth shattered her like glass. 

“No, no, no, no! How could this happen?” she exclaimed, staring in horror at the worker as grief churned in her stomach. She had believed she had finally found happiness after years of struggle, only or life to deliver this devastating blow. Did life even hold meaning anymore? Was everything truly over? Her beloved husband, now deceased, seemed to have taken with him all purpose and significance. Suddenly, she felt as though her entire world was spinning, tears cascading down her cheeks. She was on the brink of unconsciousness until the sound of her younger son's voice calling out to her snapped her back to reality. His cheerful tone, uttering, "Ma! What happened?" threatened to unravel her composure, yet she summoned every ounce of strength to maintain a stoic face as she tried to explain the situation to her 12 year old son. A few days after the funeral, she made the difficult decision to move out of town with her sons and her mother, leaving behind a place now filled with bittersweet memories. They arrived in another beautiful location where her relatives resided, seeking refuge in one of their homes. While people offered their condolences, she couldn't shake the feeling that they could never truly understand her pain. Throughout her life, she had always been a kind and considerate young woman, known for her understanding nature. But she couldn't help but wonder: at what cost had she lived her life this way? After a few weeks, she began to sense that her presence in her relatives' house was no longer welcomed. Feeling the weight of their discomfort, she decided it was time to find a new place to stay. With her mother and sons in tow, she searched until she found a suitable residence where they could start afresh. Moving in as tenants, they embraced the opportunity for a new beginning, away from the lingering shadows of the past. The weight of the man’s absence pressed upon the woman’s chest, suffocating her with grief. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of determination ignited within her. She would find a way to honor his memory, to carry on despite the unbearable loss. For in the depths of her sorrow, she still clung to a glimmer of hope, however faint. She held onto the belief that despite her trials, God had never left her side. With the support of her relatives, she found solace in the midst of her struggles. The woman worked tirelessly to save money. Each penny saved brought her closer to her goal of building a house of her own, a sanctuary where they could all find comfort and security. After a few months, things were slowly getting better for the woman as she was recently promoted to become the principal of her school. She thanked God day and night for His blessings, along with her mother and children. Throughout the darkest times, her mother had been with her, and her relatives, whom she believed were her own siblings, slowly drifted away from her, avoiding her like she was a plague, afraid that they would get stuck with being responsible for the woman. 

After years of struggle, God finally blessed her with a home, and she lived contentedly for a while. However, at 56, her mother approached her, advising her to trust only in God and that he was everything to them, as others had abandoned them in their time of need. The next day, the woman discovered that her mother who went to bed the night before had passed away in her rest. The woman sobbed quietly, consumed by guilt for not appreciating her mother enough for all she has done to raise her while she was alive. Sorrow choked and suffocated her as tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks like melted gold. 

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Now, the woman is 84. She still embodies resilience and strength, her spirit undiminished by the passage of time. She shares her days with her younger son and his family, her older son having ventured out into the world. As she gazes back on her life's journey, she acknowledges the countless hurdles and obstacles overcome and the triumphs celebrated. Through it all, one presence has remained with her: the unwavering support of God Almighty. With gratitude in her heart, she thinks of the umpteen number of blessings and divine guidance that have shaped her path. In moments of joy and grief alike, the woman finds solace in her faith, knowing that she is never alone.

And so, at 84, she continues to embrace each day with courage and gratitude, cherishing the love of her family. For in the tapestry of her life, woven with threads of joy and sorrow, it is the thread of faith that binds it all together, guiding her onward with strength and hope. 

She still tells her grandchildren that the greatest love in the universe is the love of God. If she has learned one thing from her life, it would be that God is always with everyone. We just need to realize that.

A biography written by- 

Abitha Claren J of Class VIII B