You
are cordially invited to join me in an extraordinary journey through
our family's history over the past 2,000 years. Our family has its
origin in Kerala, Southern India, but within the past few decades its
members are propelled over the oceans and continents to all corners of
earth. I am writing about our family from Chicago, 9,000 miles, and 34
years away from the place of my birth, living on the opposite side of
the globe.
As
I write these lines, I revere the memories of my father Thomas, and
grandfather Varkey, who instilled a pride in me about our ancient
family from my childhood. I could remember many of these things today
because my mother, Kunjamma who had a great ability to remember dates
and facts, and she used to repeat these stories again and again when
I was a child.
Our
family is indebted to Chavidiyil Koshy Kochitty Kuruvila, who about 100
years ago, recorded many things about the Poothicote family and kept it
for the progeny. We are also grateful to Payikandathil George P.
Cherian who collected the data on our present family members.
This is primarily written for my children living in USA, but I hope it will be useful to others also.
Making
a web site for the family is only the beginning and it is an ongoing
process. Additions and corrections will be required as members
contribute more details. So please write to me, your comments,
suggestions, and corrections.
Roy P. Thomas, MD. June 2004
Chicago, USA
