We have just learned from Maggi and Ruben that Father Freddie has left the mortal body, few days back in Haridwar. Father Freddie was a SMTA board member, helping this social work organisation in those early years, with moral and material support. His services, support and help can never be captured in words- much less acknowledged or repaid.
(Pics: he was actively involved with our programs: First pic - Giving award to a SMTA student; Second Pic - attending a public function organised by SMTA - with Devika Chauhan and Ram Sharan Nautiyal and others)
I had had the privilege of knowing him briefly. His huge physical frame often belied his warmth and sensitivity. He had great sense of humor too. Once, I had to clean a coconut and was having difficulty. He saw me struggling and offered to help; He began plucking the coir off the coconut with his bare hands - as if it was dry cotton stuck to the head of a puppet. His big hands were working quickly and effortlessly and the coconut was bare in a few minutes! I smiled and said: Father, I will be very scared to meet you in a dark alley!
We both had a good laugh! He appreciated the joke - silly as it was.
No comments:
Post a Comment