An Ode to Emmy

Emmy was our maid for as long as I can remember. Later her niece replaced her as our maid, but she worked in other homes in our colony. Although she lived elsewhere, Emmy always hung around those quarters from dawn until late, a familiar figure, her body the colour of polished teak, her hair held up in a careless, frizzy and unkempt bun and her gap tooth smile showing her rotting teeth. Over the last decade or so, Emmy's spine could not hold her up straight and she walked around hunched over. I don't ever recall Emmy sitting down. Single, she dedicated her life to raising and supporting her brother's family,bringing them all to Chennai and helping them with their education and or securing jobs. With her meagre earnings, she put at least 3 children through University, never wanting her lot of menial housework to befall them. She worked in several homes in that colony, her day jam packed with physical toil. But if you thought she would rest in her spare time, you were wrong. Early each morning, Emmy, a Christian, would pick flowers from the garden for several Hindu families so they could make floral offerings to the Gods. If we were not home, we would find a little recycled plastic bag on the door jamb with flowers. She never took a day off from this chore or any of her other paid duties. Amma often remarked that Emmy had secured a place among the Gods just for this one selfless act. She expected no payment for it. Similarly she swept all 3 floors of each of six buildings everyday. She swept the garden, turned on the motor and did gofor duties. The first word on everyone's lips, when they needed something done, was "Emmy". She loved those buildings and that colony more than any other. She guarded it with pride, maintained it as best as she could and offered unconditional physical help to helped all its denizens. She flitted around it with much pride and propriety. This was her kingdom and she it's humble and devoted servant. Every time we landed in India- Emmy would come running and with all the love in her heart utter the words " neenga ellarum kadavul Asiyoda nallairrukkanum" ( you should all be well with God's grace). Sadly, we are all well but Emmy was ill-treated and left homeless by her family, in her last years. Our families tried to intervene and help, but to not much avail. She passed away yesterday. Emmy, I am well because of your selfless blessings. Thank you for your example - your life was a job well done! Your spirit lives on in our colony in Besant Nagar, Chennai!