Monday 25 May 2015

Rest in Peace, Amma!

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen"
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

But you did just happen Amma! The most effortlessly beautiful, simplest and yet the strongest person I know. Firm in your faith, yet lavish with your love. Steeped in convention, yet never ever holding us back; in fact, propelling us to embrace the modern while valuing the wisdom of the old. You instilled in us, a love for life that was unparalleled, a thirst for knowledge and a strong sense of independence (and the strong-headedness that comes with it!), as well as a strong will. Amma, what I am is a reflection of your love, nurturing and guidance and I am ever so lucky to have had that, as are all of us who have had the fortune of growing up under your care.
As the circle of life turns, we mourn your loss. A part of me somewhere goes with you; but a part of you, Amma, shall always remain with me. Always. Indelibly.
All the lessons of life learned from you are embedded deep and are my guiding light. Rest in peace, Amma! And though you will no longer be here for me to hear, see or touch, I take solace in the fact that it's been a very beautiful life with you; at 97, you were still young at heart and raring to go, like a mischievous young girl; I hope, I can be at least half of what you were, if not more. In my heart, I know that you'll always be watching over from wherever you are - chiding me when I am wrong and chuckling away at my stupidities.