The once bright smile and sparkle in the eyes have long gone. In it’s place is a stoic, distant look, and a monosyllabic, monotone voice. The zest for life now replaced by a sense that Mavis is biding her time, trapped in her own head. Dementia effects people differently. Though the struggles are similar.
Ms. Mavis Samuel, Rohini’s mom, was my kindergarten teacher in one of India’s elite boarding schools. Two things struck a cord with me from my earliest memories of her — how beautiful she was, and how loving and kind she was to all of us children. Rohini’s rock, and ‘Nani’ to our children, she loved on a few generation of students over her 35 year teaching career.
A few years ago, brain surgery re-wired her brain, and she was never ever quite the same. The sadness in her eyes now has gently settled into her soul. It is almost impossible to get her to smile, or engage in a conversation. We talk to her, and see her face, everyday. Our questions change — her answers rarely ever do. My sense is that her mental demons are here to stay. Her glassy eyes peer into the distance, almost as if they look for answers in a far away world.
Now at 81 years young, Mavis spends her time quietly in the hills. We do everything within our power to make her comfortable, and to ensure that all her needs are met. I just wish we could do more for this beautiful soul whose gentle kindness nurtured us in the early years. I hope she finds peace in her own world.
We love you Nani.
About Hemant Rustogi
Oh no. I am tearing up reading this post. Mrs Samuel was my third grade teacher. What a beautiful person she was. I remember her voice, when she taught as well as when she sang. Her beautiful smile, the flower in her hair. She was such a charismatic person full of joy. It is sad what age and sickness an do. My prayers are with my beautiful teacher.
Sorry to hear Rohini! Thinking of you and your family!
Beautiful!
Old age is difficukt to cope with , with failing health , depleting energies and loneliness….old people live in their own thoughts and often go in their own shells…..painful and disturbing for the family who loves and cares for them the same wayas they have always been doing…..probably god’s way of detaching these sweet souls slowly from his enchanting world 😊wish her good health and spirits
So many years of love, she surely feels it in her ❤️. Hugs and love, that is what remains
Wish her the best best. Love you Mrs. Samuel.
Regards, Priti Seth All Saints
Oh wow! So well written .Mrs Samuel was my local guardian in school for 12 yrs.she was like a mother to me ..Loved me ..N took care of all
my needs.very sad to hear of her health.i pray for her good health..As she’s such a beautiful person ..Who loved unconditionally.i spoke to her a few yrs back.
Mrs Samuel was effortlessly pleasantly beautiful. We were her children in class 2. She had a fish pond built for us with three gold fish outside the classroom. She taught us hymns in chapel, took junior school for Saturday walks & we could play in peace when Mrs Samuel was on duty in the evening after tea. I remember her in a pink silk sari & hair done in a French knot. Gosh how much you fit into a day dear Mrs Samuel.
What a beautiful piece for a beloved teacher mother Nani. Thank you Hemant.
How can we ever forget good old Aunty Mavis ….. The Nightingale of Ayarpatta!!
It hurts to hear about her present state …. But, if God has planned it …. Who are we lesser mortals to question?? …..
Aunty …… May you find peace and solace within your quiet …. distant …. thoughts …… & in the World of your own!!
That is a lovely piece on a lovely lady. Tthanks for sharing that.
best to the family
Tamara