With LOVE from our Family

God's GIFT of Love: His Only begotten son!

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but

have everlasting life!!!

John 3:16

My-mothersdaughter

VeerajaR

Angelic Endurance

God has blessed us...

Choosing the most daring

Among beautiful angels

Dedicating her

To be our mother.

Despite her angelic beauty,

Eminence and intelligence

She suffered greatly

And endured undue

Pain with humility.

But "all that IS...

God's will and plan,

Through which

I was to bring forth...

The blessings that

You are... my children"

Said my mother!

Bless her soul,

O' Lord, my GOD!

For she's a genuine

Angel of yours!

I am My mother's Daughter

Poetry: Copyright©2010 VeerajaR

Mummy's Blessing!

I am my mother's daughter!

Copyright©2010VeerajaR

One-of-A-Kind!

Artists' reception @ Steinway Gallery: Guests & proud one-of-a-kind husband without whom I could not have achieved all that I have---becoming a scientist, artist, Poet, etc. He is one-of-a-kind husband GOD has blessed me with!

I am sure that my one-of-a-kind-mummy---The EXPERT Pianist---is proud of my painting on grand piano lid---titled "Devotion"---to be auctioned on October 9th fundraising exhibition and grand event. The funds raised will be used for Steinway Piano society and Arts Council scholarships to talented students in need.

Isn't that ironic that both PIANO and ART are mummy's realm of expertise---the two things she was passionate about, but literally left on the back-burner in raising me and my brother. I am sure she has something to do with my painting that--in viewers words--one-of-a-kind artwork. I can not believe that I did it: It is GOD's Grace and mummy's blessings!

This is such a cute one-of-a-kind family picture of Dada (G.F. Rajaratnam) with my one-of-a-kind children N&J! Note the "Lion King" cake my daughter insisted on getting him and of course fit for a Raja/King. He was such a quiet and pious gentleman; I miss my one-of-a-kind father-in-law!

GOD IS...!

I am my mother's daughter

VeerajaR

All Is Well!

All is well with the world

When the sky is clear blue

Wearing only the whitest clouds- and

Air is laden with rainbows of scents

Mapped for bees and butterflies

Dancing under the hot sun!

All will be well with the world

When I lie in my little grave…

Just as I am now,

Lying in my hammock – amidst

A busy world breathing, and

Breeding, happiness all around!

Poetry: Copyright ©2010 by Veera Rajaratnam (VeerajaR). All Rights Reserved.

Bound in GOD's Grace!

It can only be GOD's Grace...

That I ever got to see your face

In the first place...!

Love, my dear... thus

Takes only second place!

Poetry © by VeerajaR 2010. All Rights Reserved

Silver Anniversary of Golden Magic!

What Magic?

Just pull the tiny knob

Twist it gently clockwise- to

Set the time you…

Want, my mom said- It’ll

Last generations, fine gold

Watch – a family heirloom!

But ever since I have

Met… this very handsome chap,

Just like my maiden heart, my

Watch seems to skip- a

Beat, and go out of rhythm.

What magic does he possess?

Poetry © by VeerajaR 2010. All Rights Reserved.

I am my mother's daughter

& YOU are my destination...

I LOVE YOU !!!

A Perfect Image of Mummy: My Precious Niece!

Happy Birthday, My Little Dhanursha!

In every way... You are a Perfect Image of mummy- and I Love You very much!

Have a Wonderful Birthday and May GOD Bless You, abundantly!

I am my mother's daughter, VeerajaR

& YOU are my mother's little grand daughter!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, My Dear Brother!

Many... Many...

HAPPY Returns... of

The Day!

Your Sister & My Mother's Daughter,

VeerajaR

Mummy's Promise: Sign for A Living Spirit!

We---my husband, me and my daughter---were sitting at the center aisle that evening at the Easter vigil mass. Usually, we sit at the left side aisles and our daughter sits in the choir. The song was “Christ is risen today, Ah… Ah…Allelluiah.” While the organist & violinist started playing, my husband reached out and took the hymn book over from my daughter’s side. She threw me a puzzled glance as if to say “what’s wrong with him! He has two hymn books right in front of him. Why does he have to reach for one that is further away?” I pressed her hand assuring it is alright.

I love that song and as usual, I was testing my voice to the limit. Church is the only place I get to sing, nowadays, and I always look forward to it like a child. Many things have changed in life: Our children have grown up; my mom and my husband’s dad have died, and we are not getting any younger either. The only constant is the singing of praise to GOD and when I sing, I feel connected… to the past, present and future. Everything seems to make sense and I feel the goodness around me as if there is nothing wrong with the world.

My husband turned the front few pages of the hymn books on our row and pursed his lips. As we sat down he showed me the name that book was dedicated to. It was not the one we were looking for. But I was happy to see the dedication was for Fr. Arnold --our former pastor of more than 20years.

Two years back, when our church ordered all brand new hymn books, we had the opportunity to give a donation and dedicate a book to someone. We requested dedication of a book to my father-in-law, Francis G. Rajaratnam and a book to mummy, Jessie Rajanayagam Vijiaratnam of Uduvil. Ever since the new books arrived, we skimmed the books every Sunday- wherever we sat, to find the ones with our dedication. Before long, we located the book dedicated to my father-in- law, right among the seats where we usually sit. Last two Christmas holidays, when our brother-in-law visited us, I made sure to find that book and show them. It made me very happy!

However, we have not found mummy’s book, yet, and I was earnestly hoping as usual “may be today!” That’s what my husband was up to, checking the dedication page in all the books in our row where we were seated that day.

It was a long mass with Baptism ceremonies. We gathered around the Baptismal fountain/pool at the back of the church. I drifted in my thoughts to the days when mummy and I discussed life and death, and whether there is life after death. My mom loved ‘Psalm: 23’ which I requested to be read at her funeral service. She believed in “Lord is my shepherd…, he will anoint my head…” She strongly believed that we are on the earth for a reason and upon death while our body may decay--mission accomplished--our lasting spirits go back to GOD!

During such conversations, she made sure to bring to my attention that people of other faith---Hindus and Budhists, for example---also believe in the continuity of the spirit/soul and even reincarnation. She also promised me that she would - after her death, if possible - come back to let me know of the “Living Spirit.” She said one sign may not be enough- so, she would try at least two times. Yes, mummy had kept her promise and did make her presence felt quite a few times, but those wonderful stories are for another day.

I snapped back into the now and here, following the Baptismal mass, I chorused with everyone “Yes, I do!” when asked “Do you allow GOD to come into your life?” I meant every word and felt complacent realizing the connectedness and continuity of our spirits. During the donation collection song, my daughter nudged me and asked what it is with the hymn books. I hushed back that we were looking for the hymn book dedicated to mummy. “Oh!” she said “she is over there in the choir!” I gasped “what?” “Yea, she is over there! And I use her book all the time in the choir!”

My husband and I looked at each other. We couldn’t believe it! There it was... the book dedicated to "Jessie of Uduvil," in the very first row of the choir and often in the hands of her granddaughter during Sunday mass. Having been musically inclined and passed the highest Cambridge (UK) exams in Piano, where else would mummy have preferred her book to be located? It made a whole lot of sense. We chuckled knowing her personality. It is her way of showing us that she is up there, a living spirit, in GOD’s presence. And having been an effective teacher, obviously, she chose the Easter vigil mass to reiterate the “holy” truth!

I am my one-of-a kind mother's daughter!

Copyright ©2010 VeerajaR

Mummy's Memorial Mass!

She has never left us!!!

I am my-mother's daughter, VeerajaR

Copyright© by VeerajaR 2010. All Rights Reserved.

Rejoice: Easter is Everyday!

Rejoice: Easter is everyday- for all who believe in "Living Christ."

-by VeerajaR

I am my-mother's daughter!Publish Post

Mummy Had Only Praise!

My pretty mother's

Very handsome brother

Was the most eligible bachelor

Intelligent compared to no other!

He saw a fair lady

At the tennis court daily

And chose her instantly-for

He was smart and very lucky!

Falling in love upside down

Vast dowries around town

He did turn them all down

Making grandma Lily frown!

Manel aunty may be Sinhalese,

Mummy- but had only praise.

She joined them in endless bliss- with

A knot tied in countless blessing!

Poetry © by VeerajaR 2010. All Rights Reserved.

P.S._ Thank YOU Manel Aunty; M... mama is so lucky!!!

I am my-mother's daughter-VeerajaR

One Year Memorial to Kirubai Aunty!

-By VeerajaR

I am My MothersDaughter!

Happy Valentine's Day

I am my-mother's Daughter!

-by VeerajaR

Doves: Mummy's Favorite!

On forlorn icy branches...

Of the resilient trees, the

Doves await miracle-with

Hope... and pray!

While it lasts...enjoy-the

Whitest snow pedestal.

Water's frozen... now, but

Will... in time be a puddle!

Photos & Poetry ©by VeerajaR

-My mother's daughter

Blessed 80th Birthday!

To mummy's favorite Sister-in-Law

and my Sweet-Aunty Manel: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

May GOD Bless YOU & Keep YOU Healthy & Happy for years to come!!!

Love,

VeerajaR

-I am my mother's daughter!

Blessings Abound!

A moment of laughter to share...

Amidst shopping spree!

Sparklers of Family Joy...

Welcoming the New Year!

Home made Hoppers with Love!

Labor of LOVE: A Birthday Cake for Miranthi!

Made A-Z by-the baking expert of my family,

none other than the Apple of my eye!

Grown-up children...

Relishing on childhood bliss!!!

I am sure WE made OUR Mothers... very HAPPY!!!

VeerajaR: I am my-mother's daughter!

Copyright©2010 by VeerajaR

HAPPY NEW YEAR & HAPPY THAI PONGAL!

WISHING YOU A...

VERY HAPPY AND

BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!

&

HAPPY THAIPONGAL!

MAY WE ALL

BE WORTHY OF

OUR FATHER's

MERCY & GRACE!!!

Rejoice & Give The Almighty, OUR Thanks.

2009 had been a very blissful year: Mummy's miraculous cure; visit to Australia & seeing my family-especially, my little niece for the first time-tops the long list. GOD is GREAT: HE knows what we need, when & where... long before we know it! Trust Almighty!!!

Thank You... LORD for sending us the most beautiful & dedicated ANGEL as OUR mother!

I am my-mother's daughter!

-VeerajaR