A tribute to Aunty E

About 5 days ago, a life was lost. This person happened the mother of a close buddy of mine, who stuck with me through my difficult times and put up with my less-than-rational behavior at times.

We had fights, quarrels and squabbles, but the friendship was strengthened and stood the test of time. I'm truly appreciative for this godsend.

The proceedings were so surreal. It was so dreamlike, yet going thru the final rites wasnt easy. As a bystander, I was constantly swept by waves of emotions for this lady, a life taken in one fell swoop so suddenly, so unfairly. Despite the fact that I constantly reminded myself to be strong and not to cry, I found myself crying hysterically when the coffin was eventually transported into the furnace.

I felt this raging sense of injustice, of a life prematurely taken away. I felt a personal sense of loss, knowing that I'd never get to see this lady again, shake her hand, or see the smile on her face. I felt the grief, a grief the fraction of my buddy and that of his dad, who were so distraught that they had to be supported.

The least I could do, I felt, was to devote a little section of this space of mine in rememberance of her.

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Dearest Aunty E,

Thank you for being a part of my life. Though our period of acquaintance was brief, I respect you for who you are, the loving mother and strong person you are.

In the few occasions where we met, I sense the nice person you are, always with a smile, a warm countenance, even in times of affliction.

You have earned my deep respect for being a fighter and for your positive outlook in life. Even in your unexpected last days, your thoughts were for the family and on recovering. I trust that you are resting sound and well.

Do rest well, Aunty E. Never forgotten you will be, for you will always live in our hearts.

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In life we regret. Would I want to be guilty of that? How many times I have taken my dear mother for granted. Besides the yearly flowers on V-day, cards on her birthday and passe-stuff, I have yet to hug her, and tell her how much I appreciated her for who she was and all she has done. Perhaps this were never enough. Had my mom been just yearning for me to show her how much I loved her?

I dont want to regret no more.

Uncle S, please be strong for M. Letting go is difficult, but time will erase the hurt and preserve the fond memories.

M, please be strong for your daddy. The road ahead is long, and we will strive to run the race and achieve the goal, cause our eyes are fixed on Jesus! Your mother was a strong woman, no doubt about that. She passed on as a warrior.