Angel de la guardia

Angele Dei,
qui custos est mei,
Me tibi commissum pietate superna;
(Hac nocte, Hodie) illumina, custodi, rege, et guberna.

which translates to:

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom his love commits me here;
Ever this (day, night) be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.

Every individual has a guardian angel it is said. I am not sure of all those who read this, but I did have one. Have. Past tense. It has been a little over a year but somehow, I've never felt she's left. My constant source of inspiration, advice and innumerable discussions. I remember every small detail about her and it wouldn't take me more than a minute to figure out her handwriting in a bundle of hand-written notes.

This goes way back in time, back to 1987 thereabouts, at Lumbini Montessori House of Children. It was at this wonderful institution that I started my first learning. It is hard to call it an institution, for it never was. It was always home, literally and even otherwise.

After my initial years it was time to move to a bigger school. She insisted that I check out the newly opened Chaitanya Vidyalay in the neighborhood. Mom was a little apprehensive, and me, all of 8 years old had no inkling of what was going on. She remained adamant. Not St. Theresa's, not Dwarka School. (I do not wish to hurt the sentiments of alumni of these equally good schools) After a brief discussion with Ms. Barbara Prince, it was decided that I was indeed going to complete the latter part of my schooling at CV.

I hadn't started off too well, but she always backed me. She had always believed in my abilities. Something told me that I had to live upto her expectations. But no matter how well I did, she kept saying I could do better. It was only later that I realized that my target was always moving, and to get to it, I had to keep moving forward.

In her guidance, it is not only academics that I learnt. A number of other 'skills' including, but not limited to gardening, taking care of rabbits and painting chairs. It has always been a learning experience when she was been around.

There is a lot more left unsaid, a lot of which I cannot say on a public blog. This is but a small dedication to you, Mrs Vanitha Bhushan, Directress of Lumbini Montessori House of Children. Those in the Montessori education circle in Hyderabad will instantly recognize this name. A name synonymous with kindness, integrity and intelligence.

You have taught me a lot... you have taught me never to say die and to never go down without a fight. I know the expectations you have from me and I will carry them forward with pride. You were and will always be my guardian angel. Thank you for showing me the way. May your soul RIP.

The Hindu: Metro Plus - Hyderabad: A life of true learning