*Dears, This tribute by Lovell Pinto to his beloved Mother was read by Xalen (his youngest brother) on his behalf at the funeral Mass, as he is in States and could not make it for the funeral. Arlette.
* *Tribute to our Mother* * * An old Jewish proverb states “God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers”. How very true this expression holds in the case of my darling mom, Xavita, whose life we are gathered here to celebrate. For her life, her spirit and her very presence were nothing short of a manifestation of the Divine. Although I cannot physically be present here today, over the past several weeks I have been reminiscing about the lasting impressions my mum had on me. One of the first thoughts that come to mind is of her holding my hand and teaching me to cross the street to catch the taxi for kindergarten. Later on, during my academic years I recall she was there for every occasion and milestone in my school life, be it an elocution competition, a sports event, the school concert or the SSC Passing-Out Parade. In short, she was part of every celebration in my career and life. She never hesitated to remind me that I was her “beloved firstborn, the apple of her eye”. Another memory I fondly cherish is that of my mother introducing me to reading at a very early age. Every other month she would accompany me to the St. Paul ’s bookstore in Panjim and allow me to pick one story book. In so doing, I slowly built a little library at home and also acquired reading skills. Mummy would not be outdone in spiritual education either. I know for a fact that she had me memorize all the prayers necessary to receive one’s First Holy Communion by age five. As a strict disciplinarian, she was rigorous in enforcing the rules for our daily prayer life at home, right from a very tender age. She lived by example and was enthusiastic about attending daily Mass early in the morning—for the years her health permitted. Of course, one simply cannot fail to mention one facet of my Mum’s personality--her charming smile, which coupled with her twinkling eyes could brighten anyone’s day. She was extremely magnanimous and kind by any stretch of the imagination. There were instances when strangers would knock at our door asking for a glass of water and my mother would offer them soda instead. An anecdote worth sharing: in Primary School one of my classmates hailed from an underprivileged and broken family. Once a week, Mummy packed an extra box of lunch, which she instructed me to share with this boy. That, incidentally, was the first of several lessons in sharing and giving for me. As I entered adulthood, Mummy’s health began to decline and she could no longer continue doing all the things she enjoyed or pursue some of the hobbies she loved. In the last two decades she has been through tumultuous phases on the health front. Throughout all her experiences—some of which were harrowing, and I would rather use the phrase ‘mental torture’--- she maintained a brave composure and even bore all sufferings with a smile. In recent weeks she was gravely ill but in defiance of all medical odds, continued clinging to life, hanging on to it by literally a very thin thread. Such a determined fighter she could be! Those of you familiar with her most recent condition are aware that she was barely able to talk, walk or do anything much. Yet when questioned as to how she was, pat came the response “I’m OK” or “I’m better”. Never did she utter a word of complaint or wallow in self-pity. Often have we prayed for her agony to end sooner rather than later, simply because we could not bear to see her suffer. Finally she is now at peace, and, we believe, enjoying the eternal reward she so rightly deserves. Raising four kids must certainly not have been easy but my mother adopted a very cheerful approach in the face of any hardships or obstacles she encountered. There have been many adjectives used by friends, colleagues and acquaintances to describe my mum such as “loving mother”, “faithful wife”, “kind and gentle”, “warm-hearted”, “caring neighbor”, “awesome mum”, “God-fearing”, “humble woman”. All of these terms sum up the vibrant personality that my mother was. She treasured the little things of life such as greeting cards, souvenirs, a neighbor’s visit, a friend’s phone call, to name but a few, while living a very modest life devoid of luxury. Her one weakness, (if there ever was one?): declaring to all and sundry how proud she was of her children and how precious they were. Indeed, Warren, Gretchen, Xalen and I have been blessed to have her as our mother more than the other way round. We will always dearly cherish the fond memories we have of our Mummy and impart her values to following generations. It has been said “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. Our dear, beloved mother did not rule our world like a dictator but rather helped shape and mould it to make us the individuals we are today. I would go a step further and borrow this quote from George Washington to honestly proclaim, “All I am I owe to my mother”. It grieves my heart today that owing to circumstances beyond control, I am not able to be in this congregation to partake of Mummy’s final journey here on earth. However, along with my siblings, my wife Lea, daughter Lysandra and little baby Lenny (the grandson my mum never got to touch) I am united in spirit with you all gathered here to celebrate our mum and grandma’s fruitful and rewarding life. We thank the Lord for the precious gift that was Xavita Pinto and reiterate that we will walk guided by her noble precepts. “Mummy, we love you dearly for all you have done and given us. We miss you terribly and will do so for every day of our lives”. *- by Lovell Pinto* -- ARLETTE AZAVEDO Cell no. 9422061766 And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.--