The polishing of the woodwork at the front of my house had been delayed for various reasons. Finally, after more than a decade, it was completed today. Polishing protects and preserves the wood and enhances the beauty of its natural artistic grains. This moment also sparked a reflection on the memories tied to it. It’s a reminder to document these cherished moments and honor those who have made meaningful contributions to our journey—before they fade away without being passed on to the next generation.

The front door repolished today, brought back a wave of nostalgia. When the house was built in 1988, the first step in the woodwork process was selecting the logs. Achachen (M S Mathew, Mammoottil) chose the trunk of the Jackfruit tree for this purpose—a tree that I’m sure holds fond memories for all members of my family. It stood in front of our ancestral house, beside the kitchen, with a seating area built around it.

When the carpenter first saw the trunk, he immediately remarked that it would make a beautiful front door. At the time, teak was the preferred choice for front doors, but Achachen’s decision proved exceptional. The carpenter seamlessly assembled and carved intricate floral patterns into the wood, creating a unique masterpiece.

This door is a tribute to Achachen and the skilled carpenter, a lasting monument to the cherished moments we, members of the family shared in its shade.

The railing, repolished today, brought back cherished memories of Kadavil Achachen (K M Antony, Kokkamangalam Kadavil, my father-in-law). When we planned to build the house in 1988, he offered a coconut tree trunk from Kokkamangalam for the woodwork. At the time, few knew that coconut wood could be used in construction, as its trunk is hollow, with only the outer layer suitable for crafting.

Achachen carefully selected the most mature tree and followed the carpenters’ advice to cure it by submerging it in water for a period. The stubs were then shaped on a machine lathe and installed as the portico railing. Many are surprised to learn that it is made from coconut wood, having withstood the test of time and proving its superiority over the prevailing trend of aluminum or steel railings.

This railing serves as a monument to the iconic coconut tree, the namesake of Kerala yet is slowly losing its prominence in agriculture. It also brings back nostalgic memories of Kokkamangalam, where Jayamol spent several years with her grandparents. More than just a piece of woodwork, it stands as a proud tribute to Achachen and his thoughtful contributions.

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