Amma, the binding force of our family

It has been three months, since death took my mother away. She was the driving spirit who helped me to stay strong throughout my life.

She was always giving. Her patience, determination and dedication were unbelievable. She was a caring, generous, kind-hearted, simple and down to earth person.

During the 1980s she had to endure hardship as she lost her husband (my father), her mother and brother within a span of 10 years. However, she was able to overcome the pain and agony through sheer willpower and mental strength.

Despite all the challenges she faced, she looked after her family well. She lived a life governed by simple precepts: her unshakable faith, her love for family and her sense of duty and responsibility. The devotion of love she handed out to my father, her beloved children, adored grandchildren, relatives, friends, neighbours and all acquaintances is something that will always be cherished.

She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in some way, but never expected anything in return. Her intentions were always to keep everyone happy. She was so delighted and eager to entertain visitors always.

She was so grateful to everyone who helped her through her life of journey. She used to recall them always. She followed the teachings of Buddhism in all her deeds.

Through her schooldays at Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy and Museaus College, Colombo she had excelled in academics as well as in extracurricular activities like debating. House captain of Higgins House at Musaeus, she was a member of the choir which sang “Sri Lanka Matha” at the very first Independence Day of our country on February 4, 1948. She happily recalled how Fr. Marcelline Jayakody came to her college and handpicked her and some of her friends for this memorable event. She wanted to write an article for our 75th Independence Day which would be celebrated in 2023. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

She was selected to the Faculty of Arts at Peradeniya University and chose teaching as her career. Being a teacher at Hillwood College, Pushpadana College, Kandy and as a Senior Lecturer at Polgolla and Giragama Teachers’ Training Colleges, her work ethic had been exemplary. She was dedicated to her profession and keen to share the gift of knowledge with every student she met.

She balanced all of this while running the household. Though retirement rolled up by the time she turned 60, it never slowed her down, but it did give her time to indulge in various other activities and helping me in looking after my children.

As she was a strict follower of Buddhism,she was incapable of causing harm to anyone not even by a word. She never expressed hatred towards anyone.

Words are inadequate to pay tribute to this wonderful and caring woman whose death has left a void in our lives. Amma, you will forever be the binding force who held our family together. Those we love never pass away they will always remain in our hearts with lots of loving memories.

Amma, may you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana. Till then may you find wise and noble people through Sansara.

With love and gratitude.