Dynamic & Beautiful Grandma Pothamma : A Legacy of Strength & Love @ V-Infinity

# Remembering Pothamma: A Legacy of Strength and Love

Pothamma, my maternal grandma, was a charming and fair woman from the quaint village of Kondapur. As the eldest daughter in her family, her birth was considered a blessing, attributed to her father’s devotion to Lord Pochamma. She grew up surrounded by her four beautiful sisters and three handsome brothers.

Pothamma's love story was both simple and profound. She fell in love with my grandpa, a tall, dark-skinned businessman. Grandpa was known for his fleet of lorries and his work as a contractor. His bullet bike rides and charitable nature made him a beloved figure in the community. Tragically, financial difficulties struck, and Grandpa succumbed to cancer at a young age, leaving Pothamma to navigate life alone.

In the aftermath of Grandpa's death, his mother, Jeijamma, stepped in to support the family. Jeijamma was a resilient woman, having faced many struggles herself. She engaged in various small businesses to ensure the family’s survival and remained with them after parting ways with her husband. Despite occasional disputes, Pothamma and Jeijamma worked together, ensuring the family stayed strong.

Pothamma, embodying courage and dynamism, started her own business with Jeijamma's support. She began selling sarees to locals, using the income to arrange marriages for her children. Her daily routine was a testament to her dedication: waking up early, cleaning the verandah with cow dung, having tea, collecting money from customers, buying vegetables, cooking, and handling household chores. She was always seen in cotton and Gadwal sarees, her silky white hair a symbol of her enduring grace.

Despite her busy life, Pothamma had a fondness for junk food like masala bajji, groundnuts, and Sarvapindi. She loved dishes like fish and mutton and enjoyed fruits such as mangoes, custard apples, guavas, and papayas. An excellent cook, she was famous for her mango pickle and fish pulusu. Pothamma welcomed guests with warmth, always offering them delicious food.

As a single parent, Pothamma was a beacon of strength and independence, encouraging women to stand strong on their own. She supported her daughters through hardships and ensured her only son received a good education, even in tough times. Her bond with her grandsons was special, and she took care of them whenever she visited Hyderabad, though her preference for boys sometimes caused friction with her granddaughters.

In the 2000s, her son moved to the USA after many struggles. Pothamma visited him several times, enjoying the company of his friends and their families. Despite her son being well-settled, she never asked him for money, always considering his needs first.

In 2018, Pothamma suffered a severe fall, injuring her head and requiring hospitalization. Though she recovered physically, her mental health declined, and she often reminisced about her father and childhood. A maid was hired to care for her, and Pothamma’s humorous scoldings became a regular occurrence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pothamma faced respiratory issues but bounced back. Her health took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with cancer, a battle we couldn't fully engage due to her frailty. We cared for her tenderly, treating her like a baby. She found joy in wearing gold ornaments and listening to devotional songs, even as her memory faded and she occasionally forgot her son.

Pothamma's final days were challenging. A fall led to a fractured waist bone, and on May 30, 2021, she slipped into a deep sleep from which she did not wake properly. Her condition deteriorated, and by evening, we were deeply worried. She was taken to the hospital, where doctors did their best. On the morning of May 31, 2021, Pothamma passed away peacefully.

Her last rites were carried out by my uncle, fulfilling her wishes. Pothamma’s memory remains etched in our hearts. We remember her fondly during festivals and special occasions, honoring the hardworking, gutsy woman who lived a simple life and left an indelible impact on all of us.

Rest in Peace Pothamma

We Love you 💖