A tribute to the role model in my life

AT On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2023, I want to pay tribute to the only woman in my life who has been my role model.

A kind of obituary, I am writing this in loving memory of my dear mother who recently passed away at the age of 86.

She was a woman who embodied strength, resilience, and kindness throughout her life.

She faced challenges with unwavering courage and never lost her positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.

Up until her last moments, my mother always beamed with a ready and bright smile that she had for everyone.

Her passion for life was incredible and it was always evident when she paid close attention to how she presented herself.

She would never leave her room without first grooming herself to some extent, and being endowed with natural beauty, she never needed artificial coloring on her face.

She was something of a legend as she stood like a pillar of strength and courage throughout her life in difficult times.

Born in India into a traditional South Indian Hindu Brahmin family, she married and came to Malaysia in 1963 where she raised five children, always emphasizing the importance of education as a gateway to higher life.

She would never stop at the most difficult times and she forbade us, especially her daughters, from crying because of any difficulties.

Crying, she would say, is a sign of weakness and would not solve anything, instead movement should be embraced with steadfastness.

Despite her strict upbringing in a conservative environment, she remained open-minded and accepted the radical ideas of her children and grandchildren.

Her nature was such that she accepted things as they came and never ridiculed anyone or anything that did not agree with her beliefs.

My dear mother breathed her last two weeks ago and I still can’t process the loss.

I was abroad at the time of her death and returned just in time for her funeral and other rights.

Of late her constant desire had been to leave the mortal body without suffering, and God gave her just that.

She suffered a massive heart attack and was only in severe pain for over an hour before calling it a day.

She has lived a full life, but the human weakness in me worries me that maybe I haven’t done enough for her.

We met all of her needs and made her as comfortable as possible, but I wish I had spent more time talking and being with her.

My mother used to be an avid reader and never missed the daily news on TV.

She was considered our family BBC, with information from around the world being shared when I got back from work.

Eating and cooking became her curse towards the end of her life.

She had such high taste and expectations that no one was even half as good.

She still cooked her own meals with the help of a maid and would not settle for less.

She was headstrong in her own way and none of us could stop her from cooking in the kitchen every day.

We feared for her safety as she was wobbly and walked with the frame on wheels, but she didn’t budge or give up.

She was not only a loving wife and mother, but also an active member of our community.

She volunteered her time and resources to numerous events and activities at the organization, always striving to make a positive impact on the world around her.

Her kind and generous spirit touched the lives of everyone she met and she will always be remembered for her selflessness and compassion.

All in all, losing a mother at any age is an incredibly difficult experience and the range of emotions can be overwhelming, ranging from sadness, anger and confusion to guilt.

We all develop coping mechanisms when we’re grieving, I haven’t found mine and the memories of my mother are still fresh.

I can still feel and hear her presence in the house, I don’t want to accept her death, I still live with her without her.

But all said and done, I know she’s in a better place with the angels watching over her.

For those of you lucky enough to have your parents live with you or vice versa, enjoy every moment and treat every day as special.

Her death has left a void in our lives, but we take comfort in knowing that she lived a full and meaningful life.

She was a beacon in our lives and her memory will continue to inspire us to live our lives with the same strength, courage and kindness that she showed us.

Rest in peace, dear mother. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and we will always cherish the memories we shared.

Their love knew no bounds and their spirit never faded. She lived a life of kindness and grace, leaving behind treasured memories and hearts filled with love. Rest in peace dear mother, your legacy will live on forever. Happy International Women’s Day, Amma.

Comments: letters@thesundaily.com