We miss you Ammi

It is 5 years ago today that my mother went to sleep and never woke up. I remember the sense of disbelief that pervaded us as the doctor told us that she had passed away. How was that possible? She had always been there through every moment of our lives taking care of us, loving us unconditionally, supporting us in every task we undertook, encouraging us, protecting us from all the hurt and hypocrisy that existed in the world, opening our eyes to the beauty and joy that surrounded us. She was the glue that held us together. She was the person who showed us what selflessness was and how we too could be good human beings.

Ammi never had an ill word to say about anyone. That ready smile and gentle warm affection with which she welcomed all our friends, made her a favourite with everyone. On being told that someone was coming to visit, she cooked for them, within no time, a spread that was absolutely out of this world. She listened, she comforted, she counselled. She was not only the best mother in the world, she was also our best friend.

Her sense of humour never left her – not even through the worst periods of her illness. Her patience, her ability to bear the worst kind of pain and smile and say she was fine, made us love her all the more. She was an angel sent from heaven to care for us and teach us the meaning of love and sacrifice.

Ammi, we miss you oh so much and yet even though you are physically no longer with us, you live in our hearts and everything you ever said or did, guides us as we go through life. Thank you for being who you were and for making us who we are. We are grateful that we were given the opportunity, all in our own ways, to let you know how much we loved you and how very much you meant to us.