Two days back Anna and I received the news of the home cal of Sarah Tharien, from Dr Rainu Raju. We knew Sarah well during out stay in Chennai between 1983 and 1997.
Sarah came across to us as one who made her singing a special way of connecting with people inspite of her limitations in her mobility. She moved about in her three wheeler bike and visited people at their homes, came to St Andrew's church for worship, meetings and to teach at Sunday school, went to her office as usual and lived a normal life. She effused interest in others, cared and affirmed others in different ways.
We got to know her through our association with her at the church. Anna had the privilege of leading the Sunday school during which time she involved herself to play the piano, lead singing and teach at Sunday school. It was that contact which enthused her to visit ASHIRVAD Child Development Centre, at Anna Nagar. We remember her having conversations about the needs of children with Neuro-developmental disorders. When we had an invitation to go for a meeting which was organised by Joni Eareckson Tada in the United States of America, we felt inclined to request Sarah to go for the meeting. Joni following a diving accident had her body paralysed below her neck at the age of 17 years. Since then she was involved in reaching out to people with different abilities. Joni spoke at meetings and sang with an inspirational appeal.
Sarah sang a duet with Joni Eareckson, which was one highlight at the conference she went for. It was following this meeting, Sarah got more involved with children who had developmental needs. We remember how effortful it was for her to walk with elbow crutches as she had scoliosis and weakness of her legs.
None of these limitations discouraged her to give up her social involvements which brought cheer and encouragement to others. Her trustful attitude towards God for her health and wellness amazed us. She had some difficult experiences to cope with, following the passing away of her brother and later her mother. We knew it was to Sarah we ought to speak and hear her sing, when we felt overwhelmed by the demands at work.
We lost regular contact with her when we moved to CMC Vellore in 1997. Her brother Dr Prathap Tharien and his wife Dr Anna Tharien at CMC kept us updated about her during our years there. Since we retired from CMC in 2010 w had infrequent news about Sarah.
We happened to hear that her lung functions were declining due to the scoliosis. It was this which took her away from our midst a few days ago.
Sarah lived her life by bringing cheer to others through her singing. She effused confidence amidst her physical limitations. Anna and I remember her gratefully for her association with ASHIRVAD during out time at Chennai. She was a friend and worshipful singer!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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