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Final farewells to Milroy
West Herts Crematorium is set in a vast, pastoral and idyllic surrounds
of peripheral London. As the spring is in its height of splendour, the cherry
trees and other flowering trees were in full bloom amid the well-manicured
lawns and flower beds. It was the most enchanting scenery with the bees,
butterflies and warbling birds which were like chants of praise to a worthy
human being. What more can we ask for a decent and a serene send off for a man
who lived for others more than himself. This gift of mighty Nature counterbalanced
the restrictions imposed upon us to limit the funeral gathering to 20 people.
The
family visited the funeral parlour at 8.00 in the morning to say their
private farewells to the human being who looked after us in the most
sensible
and priceless way.
He looked very calm and peaceful as he was in his final slumber and had
a determined look on his face as to say, “do not worry, I am in the right path”
The family paid their private respects as they pleased. My daughter sat on the
floor with hands on her head in worship and recited aloud,
“ Diney patan maa upanna,
Piya vindi duk behe kiyanna,
Dohoth mudun thabaa menna,
Vandimi Piyani pav arinna,
Andana kalata maa nalavaa,
Aadarayen nidi keruvaa,
Ketha kunu magey athagevaa,
Piya thuma oba Budu Vewaa”
All our lachrymal glands went into overdrive and we went on ahead to set
the scene right at the crematorium.
I handed over the part of “pera gaman, pasu gaman” and the care of the
Venerable B. Seelawimala the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Great Britain and Ven
Kassapa Thero of London Buddhist Vihara who graciously conducted the religious
ceremony, to Dr. Upul Wijayawardhane, Milroy’s relation and friend, whom the
only person we invited other than family.
The pallbearers were Anupama putha, Orin and Jey, the grandsons, and
Juha, the son-in-law. Those are whom Milroy wanted the pallbearers to be.
We sent away the Ven. clergy most respectfully, in time for the mid-day
meal to LB Vihara.
Next 40 minutes were for the family farewells. Son Anupama took the lead
with an exceptional eulogy full of emotions.
Nivani and Punya (junior) very elegantly recited an innocent poem they
themselves wrote to thank and venerate their darling Seeya.
Kai the smart 5-year old grandson took the podium to talk on Seeya’s
love for him and little sister Enoka and thanked for all the gifts he showered
on them.
Eldest Grandson Orin ad-libbed his oration very handsomely.
Jey the second Grandson (the Adonis) took the podium to pour in his
sentiments on darling Seeya. Only thing Seeya could not do for him, as he
requested on his last visit was this. When Seeya was distributing money to the
Grandchildren after every visit, he said “Seeya, please don’t die before I go
to the University” in his most youthful language. Now he is on the threshold of
entering the University.
Purnami Duwa’s tribute captured Thathi’s humour, generosity,
benevolence, selflessness, ardour, humanity, humility and the rest.
Juha, the son-in-law, for the first time after his best friend’s death,
got to pour out his heart-felt emotions uncontrollably well.
Finally, Upul summed up the event with an analysis of Milroy’s grasping
of the Buddha Dharma in its most Noble form.
Sadly, we could not gather together, even to have a cup of tea, as covid
the “maaraya” ruthlessly took precedence.
I will sum-up wishing my Milroy, Ajara, Amara, Nirvana Suvaya which he
himself thrived to understand and attain.
Punya.
08.05.2021
| 3:18 PM (2 hours ago) | ||
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