Tribute to Thatha - Aadhu

 Thatha means something different to each of us, but he is unforgettable to

all. To Amamaa and the second generation of the Vaithoo family, he was a

striking, no-nonsense man — tall, dark, intense, with those iconic sideburns

and a progressive heart. But to us grandchildren, he was something else

entirely — gentle, full of love, calm as a still lake, with eyes that twinkled at

the mention of good food or a good joke.

To me, he was everything. I stood by him blindly, no matter what — even

when he was completely wrong (sorry, Amamaa!). To this day, he remains

the most handsome and kind-hearted man I’ve ever known. I still remember

the first time I saw him dressed and ready for a Sathabhishekam — my eyes

welled up. He looked so regal; truly, the most handsome maapillai of all

time.

Some of my fondest memories are from his and Amamaa’s time in Chennai.

We used to shuttle around the city together — he’d accompany me to

tuitions, and afterward, we’d indulge in the best tiffns across town. Two

minutes into any car ride, Thatha would be fast asleep like a baby — now

you know where Periamma and I get it from! I still smile thinking of how he’d

take autos from Neelankarai to A2B in Injambakkam, buy loads of food,

and come home with arms full and a heart even fuller.

His love showed in the little things, always. In 2022, when Thatha and

Amamaa stayed with us, our evenings were filled with Tamil masala movies.

He would get so into them — throwing imaginary punches along with the

heroes, completely immersed and alive in the moment.

But even more than all of this, Thatha gave me space. He never tried to box

me into a mould. He believed in me, encouraged me to find my own path, to

pursue what I loved, and to give it my all. So much of who I am today — my

values, my discipline, and my ability to push forward even during the lowest

of lows — is because of him and Amamaa.

I’m not going to talk about the last couple of years. Sadly, aging and

health complications are beyond what any of us can control. Yes, I wished

with all my heart that he never had to go through such pain. But more than

that, I want to celebrate him — to remember the light he carried, the 

positivity he radiated, and how he would never want us to sit in grief. He

was beyond his time and age. Wise, progressive, full of fun, and a living

example of everything he stood for. The trendsetter, the favourite uncle, the

fun colleague, and a man who never aged at heart.

Even now, I feel him beside me — his quiet presence, his hand gently

resting on my shoulder, silently guiding me. His strength, courage, and

unwavering determination are gifts he passed on to each of us.

I know you’re resting peacefully now, Thathoo. Not a day passes without me

wishing I could kiss your forehead, hug you tight, and hold your hand just

once more. We love you endlessly. And as a family, we will carry you with us

— and make you proud.

Love,

Vaithoo Fam