MUTHOLATH FAMILY

Translation from Malayalam 
SPEECH BY MR. M.C. CHACKO MUTHOLATH
ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HELD IN LOS ANGELES

I am very glad that you all are participating in this function. At this time I would like to say a few words on my early age.

I was born on April 9, 1921 on the day of Bharany. When I was born my father was over 37 years of age. I came to know that my marriage was fixed only after my parents arranged it when I was 16 years of age. I married 15 year old Achamma from Edattukunnel family at Uzhavoor.

I have two male and five female children. My parents brought them up with great love and affection.

When Avarachan (Fr. Abraham) was four and a half years old, an aasan (traditional teacher) was invited to officially initiate his education by writing on rice. At that time my mother rushed to the storeroom and brought a gold ring and gave to the teacher requesting him to write "God help" on the tongue of Avarachan. She said he will have good education only if that is done.

My mother had a great love to all, especially to (Sr.) Saly because she was born with my mother's color.

When Appachi (father) was 90 years old, two of his friends came to see him. While they were talking, Avarachan went and sat with them. During that time, he was studying in the Minor Seminary at Sacred Heart Mount. When the friends saw Avarachan, they asked appachi, who far was the education of Avarachan. Immediately Appachi replied that he was studying for priesthood. However, appachi’s tone was a bit ridiculing. 

I felt that Appachi was making a funny answer. I was thinking about it and later found the meaning for it. My grandfather had four sons including Appachi. The eldest was Appachi. Appachi was doing business and became financially well. So he also encouraged the youngest brother to study for priesthood and with that intention admitted him at St. Thomas School Pala. However, he left the school after three years. Appachi had that memory. I understood that my father used that tone because he was happy that the son of our fourth generation could become a priest.

It was because of the desire of my parents that Avarachan and Saly could join religious service. We are all glad that they are doing well.

The marriage of my elder three daughters could be done when Appachi was alive.

Jacob and Valsa got married in 1975 and could come to America after two years. They brought my wife Achamma to America so that she can sponsor my children to come over here. So Lilly could come here early. I had lived here early in 1984. After my wife returned to India in 1987, we lived together till 1990.

After the death of my wife, my sister was there to live at my house for three years. There was no one to live with me on a regular basis. My eldest daughter Gracy, her younger sisters Jesentha and Valsamma used to come every week without failure to help me and brought some food for me until they left to America. Besides, Avarachan used to come and took care of me and supervised everything.

Though I was alone for 11 years from 1990 to 2001, I had no issues other than a small burglary. Police caught the thief. That was a period of financial hike for me.

Because of the desire of my children and the encouragement of many of my friends, I came here to live in 2001. I arranged a reliable person to live in my house. They are still living there.

Through Jacob, all my children  and their children came to America and they lived together. His wife supported him in all possible ways for that. Later they all bought buildings of their own and live happily.

Though I am living permanent with Jacob, my children Jesentha, Jose and their children, Lilly, Philip and their children who live close by, take care of me and give me gifts on special days. So also, Joseph and Gracy, Kunju and Valsamma and their children also enquire about me and extend their love towards me.

Likewise, all my children in England and Ireland enquire about me and share their love towards me. I am glad that they all live happily. It is difficult for me to say how many children, grand children, and great grandchildren I have. However, if I try, I might do it.

I had no problem walking until four years ago. Later, since I was losing balance, I used
to fall unknowingly. Later a truck hit me and broke by thigh bone and I was hospitalized for

two days. I gratefully remember many people who came to see me there. Though I recovered from it, I can walk only with the support of a walker. When I could not walk at all, my grandson Brian took me out on a wheelchair and traveled me around two miles. With my grand daughter Dina's recommendation a walker was bought for me. So I can walk without much difficulty. With Lilly's recommendation, Philip also bought me recently a new walker.

Chettiath James and Sofi who live nearby and all those related to them come to see me
and enquire about me. James and his wife Annakutty sometimes join us in evening prayers.

Jacob and Valsa take care of all my needs regularly. I am getting enough service from Dr. Mr. Philip Chathapadathil. Jacob and Valsa, and sometimes my other children take me regularly to the doctor's office.

I am glad to know that my relatives, children and grandchildren are coming from Europe and elsewhere to take part in my birthday party.

I had minor accidents during my life in India. Here I fell several places unknowingly because of lack of balance. During those times, people of many faiths including Chinese and Muslims came to lift me up and treat me like Good Samaritans. 

I believe that it might be because I loved and respected my parents to my level best, that I could see them for long time and that I could live 90 years without much difficulty. I am writing this not to flatter, but expecting that this might help someone.