My memories of Appapa date back to early days

My memories of Appapa date back to early days when I was growing up and staying with him and Ammachi in Coimbatore as a small child since my parents were then finishing their higher studies. Appapa has been my father, grandfather, close friend and mentor at all times. I can remember some of my early days with Appachai. He was always around to support me and to make sure that I did not cry when my parents left. He would divert my attention with a car ride or new toy as soon as the train left. All of us grandchildren know that he had a regular stock of all kinds of chocolates in his cupboard which he shared liberally with all of us.

Appapa spent many hours engaging me in cricket games with a plastic bat and ball. He always made sure that I hit enough runs. We remember the times he has spent playing card games of bluff and 28 during the holidays. He was always more enthusiastic than all of us about it. My cousin sister, gowri was his favorite partner.

Appapa loved to celebrate birthdays and Christmas day. He was very happy at all times to have the house full of children and grandchildren. He always insisted on a Christmas tree and a Christmas star. We will preserve and treasure these precious memories of Christmas and birthdays with him.
Appapa was an enthusiastic gardener even in his 80's. He enjoyed watering Ammachi's plants and to watch them grow and flower. I remember waiting for him to pull out the gardening hose so that I could help with the watering. He even provided me with a watering can for this purpose.

Appapa loved books and reading was his favorite past time. He often read to us and gave life to all his stories. I can remember his favourite songs for us were - grey sand and white sand & ragupathi ragava raja ram. Appapa valued honesty and hard work and always reminded us that we had to study and work hard to make our way in the world. I AM SURE THAT WE WILL ALL TREASURE THESE VALUES THAT WERE SO IMPORTANT TO HIM ALLAYS.