Living away from my parents at such a young age was never as hard for me as most might think. I had you by side. You were both my parent and guide; you were there whenever I needed you so much so that I thought I will always have you by my side.
Your loss was something I never imagined would happen. It took me by surprise, you were just down with flu; nobody dies from that. We never seen eye to eye on many things; what can you expect from a kid who thinks all adults want to do is curb her freedom. Of course, I realised much later what a great influence you had been in my life. I am what I am today partly because of you.
I never realised what a great person you must have been until I saw the crowd that turned up for your departure from this world. I’m sorry I never got to tell you how much I respected and admired you. I don't think there is anything you could not do. It’s been thirteen years since you passed but till today I get teared up everytime I speak of you.
- I miss the stories about magical mangoes and wandering spirits.
- I miss all the remedies you make me when I fall sick.
- I miss you teaching me how to make those complicated braids.
- I miss you showing me how to draw parrots with three strokes.
- I miss you berating me for not paying attention when you tried to teach our mother tongue.
- I miss listening to the anecdotes of your childhood.
- And mostly I miss your wisdom.
RIP Mrs LR : Departed 6 Feb 1995
