A capable woman

(Images taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/85934826@N00 and http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykaht)

It was thirteen years ago that we lost Mummy. As I write these lines I am amazed that such a long time has gone by. Yet the memories of her face, the sound of her voice, her demeanour, and everything that she did are as fresh as ever.

Daddy always thought that she truly embodied all the characteristics of a sadgunee stree or a virtuous woman as described in verses 10-30 of Proverbs, Chapter 31. Indeed I don't remember Mummy ever complaining in front of us about all her responsibilities. She was always very giving and loving. She made every effort to make our future better.  Her thoughts were always centred on us and not on her own self. She bore all her illnesses with immense strength, will power and patience. Most of all she had tremendous faith in God.

While growing up time and again Daddy would have us two sisters calculate the number of chapatis (see photos) that Mummy cooked for all of us daily. Assuming a rate of 24 per day the total came to a staggering 87,600 for say a period of 10 years. These statistics always helped us realize the kind of hard work she put in and made us instantly appreciate her.

I have to have to admit that I have especially missed her since getting married. There is so much I could have learnt from her "woman to woman". Not having her around, I take refuge these days in the same words of Proverbs when I feel out of depth or get doubts about what should I be doing. Here they are for you to contemplate on:


10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.