Our appachen was an extraordinarily noble man who was near and dear to the hearts of all those who knew him.

Appachen and ammachi lived a peaceful and humble life in his village of Puramattom, always providing for their family and taking the time to care for neighbors and friends as well. You will never find two people who loved each other so much as my appachen and ammachi loved each other. Their eternal love for each other and for their native land, could be seen with their refusal to leave Puramattom even though all their children and grandchildren were here in America. Even upon the death of my Appachen, Ammachi refused to leave our Puramattom house, which will always have as a part of it, the selfless soul of our dear Appachen. From every wall and room of the house, you can feel and hear the immense feelings of love Appachen showered upon all his children and grandchildren.

My appachen was an incredibly strong willed and hardworking man also. He was met with many obstacles from the time he started his family, but every minute of his life was devoted to working for his four children and providing them with a life that was shielded from the hardships and cruelties of the world. Appachen ran a small local store, selling goods to people. Even during the tough times, appachen never cheated anyone or lied to anyone. If anything, he sought to help others as much as he could even though he was in a difficult situation himself. Though he faced many challenges in life, his resolute and painstaking work helped him to overcome these obstacles one by one without turning him bitter towards the world. Even after his first heart attack, Appachen refused to give up and continued to strive to provide for his family.

Appachen was a simple man, who didn't desire or expect much from life but a happy home. He lived his life a simple man and he passed away as a simple man. Words cannot describe him and there will never be an appachen like him anywhere in this world.

I have many fond memories of my Appachen who raised me until I was nine years old. My appachen was so special to me and I loved him beyond explanation. I still remember the nights that I spent with my grandfather, holding and sleeping beside him as a child. When I came back from school during the second grade, he used to close his store for about 30 minutes and we used to go to the local restaurant and have a dosha or something to eat. Sometimes I even stayed with him until he closed the store and we would make the two-mile walk back home together, nine at night.

He was not only special to me but also to everyone who knew him. He was very soft spoken and honest. He lived a peaceful life, tending to his business until the end of his time. On the inauspicious day that he passed away, Appachen was watching television after having had his dinner. As time passed he began to complain of chest pain, but little could be done due to the dead phone lines as a result of a sever thunderstorm. As he lay in bed, Ammachi brought drips of water on a cloth to his mouth. Unable to bear the chest pain, he got up once and screamed in pain. Knowing that Appachen's time was coming, Ammachi comforted him by telling him not to be scared and to think of God and pray to God and all will be well. As Ammachi continued to sit by his side and comfort him, Appachen drew his last breath and closed his eyes… he was forever gone from this world. But he is never gone from our hearts and minds; he continues to live in our hearts and minds as he lived any other day in our hearts. Appacha, there isn't be a day that goes by that we don't think of you…you are forever a part of each of us. Your loving, compassionate heart and soul will be cherished and adored in our hearts every passing day.

We dream of you and you come to us and tell us not to worry, that everything will be fine. We will all love you always and forever. The story of your unconditional love and the stories of your helpful hands will pass through your children to your grandchildren and their children for generations and generations to come. Our appachen will live in our hearts and soul for the rest of time. A man who has seen and lived through so much has left his legacy behind in the unforgettable memories of his children and grandchildren.

(Biju Mathew, Grandson)

DEDICATED To The Sacred Memory Of My Grandfather K.V. MATHEW

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