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Abraham loved travelling. Naithy did not care much in going to strange places and
meeting strange people. However, she used to accompany her husband on some of his
visits. She went to Goa and Madras in 1953 on pilgrimage. She visited her daughter in
Coimbatore, and flew back by plane - an experience that she did not find disconcerting.
She visited Coonoor a couple of times to see her son. But being an asthmatic patient, she
was adversely affected by altitude. Even during these pleasant trips, her concern and
constant care would be for the well-being of her husband. In any case, all through her
journeys, she would worry about the little ones left back home, her poultry, her cows, her
garden and generally, her household. When she returned, even the cows and the hens, not
to speak of the children and the neighbors, seemed pleased to see her. But she loved
going to Kaduthuruthy. Whether by boat or by road, it was a pleasure travelling with
Naithy to her home. As one neared Kaduthuruthy, she would point out places of interest,
greet people, visit the great church, and be young again After all, it was there that she had
spent the most innocent and carefree years of her life.
Naithy’s preoccupation with household activities did not make her a homebody. Her
neighbors would attest to the fact that she was one of the most helpful persons in
Kaipuzha. She would visit the sick, console the afflicted, help in any emergency, and
encouraged her children to do the same. For a time Naithy joined the local chapter of
Legion of Mary. She was an official - treasurer, appropriately!!- for a few years. Every
Sunday, unfailingly she would attend the meetings of the Legion. She would also find the
time to do the visitation as prescribed by the rules, in between her multifarious activities.
Her constant companion in this and other activities was Kunjannamma Vanchipurackal.
She was her neighbour, her confidante, her greatest supporter. They were like two sisters.
They would meet each other across the fence, or in their homes, for fleeting moments and
longer sessions. Both had children who also grew up together. The bond between the
Kalluvelil and Vanchipurackal families has been strong ever since. The other neighbours
such as other Vanchipurackal families, Klakil, Poovapparambil, Puliamparambil, Kavil,
Manthuruthil, and others looked to Naithy for help and support. The Ezhava families of
Kalluvelil and Vazhyil thought of her as a loving goddess. Not one of them would refuse
to do her bidding, knowing that she would always compensate them generously.
Naithy was the valiant woman of the Gospel. She had a hard life, though she would have
been the first one to deny such an attribute to her life. She did what she considered her
duty on earth. She worshipped the ground on which her husband tread. He was her
everything. Even if she was critical of him, she would brook no criticism of Abraham,
even by her children. Many were the times when she was teased by him, rankled by his
words and behavior, made to feel inadequate and ill-educated. But through it all, she
remained the good and faithful wife. She saw much tragedy in her life. Some of her
children died. She saw much deterioration around her. But she bore it all like her model -
mater dolorosa- the Sorrowful Mary. Her piety was genuine. Her prayers were heartfelt.
Her religion was personal.
After her youngest son left home, her life, and that of Abraham’s, took a down-turn. Her
brother -Kunjeppu- died suddenly in 1975. The news could not be hidden from Naithy.
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