Vivid are those memorable times together
The air is cool and crisp, as a sublime breeze blows in from the mountain side. I think of our dear friend Prianca who passed away suddenly on that Monday night. The weekend before we had received an email from him, telling us that he would not be able to be with us for Christmas as he was on the threshold of working on a new venture with a friend.
When our neighbour from Colombo called us with the news, we were stunned. It took us a while to comprehend this news about our good friend. I recalled the first time we met him at Calvary Church with another dear friend Damayanthi Herath, who sadly passed away many years ago in the prime of her life of cancer. Prianca was a solemn greeter in church, impeccably dressed, who took his duty as an usher very dedicatedly.
Even though we left Sri Lanka in 2005, we kept in touch via email and phone. Prianca and Manique became very dear to Hillary and me. I recall the lovely times we spent after church, going to “Carnival” for ice cream, the many dinners and gatherings with our “Calvary friends” in our homes. We enjoyed black cherry cheese cake that our sister-in-law Mano introduced us to at the newly opened Don Stanley’s at that time. We never missed a “Purple Rain”, or a Philharmonic Pops concert. We listened to lobby music at hotels, just enjoying a fun evening together. Prianca loved keyboard music. I would plead with him to treat us to a bit of his piano playing occasionally at his home.
The trips we did with our group of friends, were memorable. It was so much fun. Trips to Welimada, to World’s End, and Habarana, were such a scintillating experiences. I remember most clearly how we ended up at a tourist bungalow in Anuradhapura during one of those suddenly planned long weekend trips. Despite the not so comfortable accomodation, we enjoyed the loud taped music of the Gypsies, while we laughed at each joke or story while we swatted mosquitos and ate every morsel of food that was prepared for us.
Prianca loved God deeply and would not miss hearing ‘His word’ at any given opportunity. It’s hard to talk about the once so happy memories, when our friends are no more. Our minds are the repositories of all those lovely memories of friends who have left us. They will always be vivid and be present in our lives.
Prianca was such a caring brother to Manique. In his quiet unobtrusive way, he did all that he could as a son, and brother, a giving nephew to his aunt, and also to any friend who needed his help. He, as our friend understood all the upheavals Hillary and I were going through regarding our home in Colombo, the home where we spent many a time of togetherness and joy. Prianca would remind me to “be still”, to make those two Bibilical words my affirmation, to have total reliance in God to see us through this trial.
Prianca’s earthly life has ended. He has now passed the moon and the stars. He is with Christ in Heaven. We thank God for the beautiful memories of our times with you Prianca. Goodbye dearest friend. We will see you again. Charmaine Candappa