ALDYTH-A TEACHER OF LIFE, FOR LIFE!

ALDYTH & BIGA

Theo and Aldyth were friends of my sister- in- law Devika, who died in December 2010. Devika and Aldyth became friends in 1970 when Devika went to Edinburgh to study. Theo was Aldyth's husband. Theo was a highly qualified Scholar, having been Senior Lecturer in Ancient History, University of Edinburgh. His Father Cecil John Cadoux was also a Scholar and had been Vice Principal at Mansfield College, Oxford. Cecil had also written a book on "Ancient Smyrna". Smyrna is a place in Turkey where Cecil was born. Theo of course had a number of books to his credit.

MY MOM, RAJA,THEO & CHAITALI

 Aldyth was a teacher, in fact at the age of 84, she is still a teacher. Now she teaches Russian to pupils who come to her magnificent home in Edinburgh, to take lessons. She is also a collector of Embroidery books and has officially been listed as a "Collector of Embroidery books". The vastness of the Book Collection of Theo and Aldyth has to be actually seen to be believed.

ONE LIBRARY

There are two different studies, where the Books have been kept. Both the studies are immaculate. In fact books on any subject that one would like to read, would be available in their Studies. All the books are well read with underlines, noting in the margin, and also news paper cuttings of relevance are dated and kept in the respective books.

NEWSPAPER CUTTING

It is a Library where books were read, understood, marked and properly dated. Theo died on 31st May 2011 at the age of 94. Although he had been moved to a Hospice his memory was excellent and he could recount History as if he had just come out fresh from taking a class. After Theo died we went to meet Aldyth, who had told Chaitali that she wanted to celebrate the life of Theo with Chaitali. Chaitali, my daughter, while  studying for her MBA degree from the Napier University of Edinburgh,  used to walk down from Waverly Station to Aldyth's house for a cup of tea, before catching her flight back to London. Their relationship thus grew, and Aldyth's home became like a second home to Chaitali. Chaitali became the Indian part of Theo and Aldyth's family. Every year Theo would take a train trip to London to meet his old friends and his visit was never complete without visiting Chaitali at her house for an Indian meal.

During the summer vacations of the children it was decided that we would all travel to Edinburgh by train. My joy knew no bounds, as after all those stories about train journeys read since childhood in the books of Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie, I was keen to travel by train in England.

On 6th of August 2011, we reached Euston Station by tube, and ran all the way to catch the Virgin train to Waverly Station, Edinburgh. We crossed a number of stations which were very beautifully maintained.  There were huge pots of flowers, lending colour to the cemented platforms. The major places we crossed were Milton Keynes, Coventry, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Crewe, Preston, Lancaster, Penwrith, Carlisle.

All through the journey, although I had a book open infront of me, my eyes remained glued to the view outside the window. As we went past the area near the Lake District the entire area looked purple with the free growth of beautiful flowers all along the train track. It is actually one of the most common wildflowers, which has a tall stalk with small lavender flowers. They are called London's Pride or Rosebay Willow herb.

ROSEBAY WILLOW

Meeting Aldyth was looking at life from a new angle. Even at the age of 84, she lives alone in a huge house, with a cat called Biga for company. Help comes in the form of Sheela who has been coming for the last 20 years. Sheela comes thrice a week, spruces up the place, and looks after all the needs of Aldyth. Aldyth has three pupils who come to her for taking Russian lessons. Aldyth was a teacher who learned Russian, after her marriage when she moved to Edinburgh. She is a voracious reader. She loves to watch movies and has a great collection of movies. In fact while we were there a DVD collection of "Foyle's wars" arrived and she told me that she loves to see all these series. She knows how to use the Computer and is totally up to date with innovations. She is widely travelled, Egypt, Turkey, Russia being her most favoured places. India too has been visited a number of times.

THEO & ALDYTH-WEDDING DAY

Although Aldyth had just lost her husband, there was no lamenting, no complaining, and no tears. There was just a lot of cheer, bon homie and love surrounding her. We were made to feel at home and a part of her family.

Meeting Aldyth, knowing her, staying with her and understanding life from her angle was a revelation to me. Complaints, anger, frustration, do not exist in the life of Aldyth. Her acceptance of life, happiness at being alive, pleasure to see old friends,taught me a lesson. One must accept life as it comes. Live in the present, be happy for what you have. Rejoice for being alive. Rejoice that you have people who share your today. She looks forward to life, still loves to plan journeys and take trips abroad.

CHAITALI,ALDYTH & VARSHA

It is inspiring to meet people who love life, live life and make the most of what they have. Aldyth had been an only child and had no children, therefore she does not have a real family, yet she was calm, composed, happy and in total control of her life. I wish there were more people like Aldyth around. It would surely make the world a better place, a happier place, a serene, calm and patient place, where there is joy and love and compassion for everyone. Incidentally all her books have already been donated to a Library. It will be a virtual treasure trove!

A LOVELY KITCHEN

TREASURE TROVE