Susee in Chilukuru, Andhra Pradesh (1981) I had the most pure, loving and beautiful mother. She was my best friend, my shining light, my first love, my baby girl and my hero. Mummy was filled with kindness, laughter, prayer and goodness. She was as fun-loving as she was solemn and wise. She gave everything to my family: kept us healthy, safe, confident and happy. I’ve always appreciated my mother for all these qualities and for so much more. But to lose her prematurely to devastating illnesses forced me into deeper reflection. I’m surprised that such a courageous and loving person ever existed and that she was my mother. She was selflessness and unconditional love personified. From the baby girl born in Narendrapuram to the woman she grew into: Mum always knew who she was. She was unwavering in her faith, lived as humbly as she did honourably and saw the best in everyone. Bullies may have tormented her but she never bowed down to them. She had the courage to face them, f...
Circa 1979, Berrien Springs, Michigan “Trust. Let go. Enjoy the ride” In the days following her passing I dreamed of mom repeatedly. Most of the dreams were of her miraculous return home, where our family would care for her until she was fully healed,—the joy shattered by waking into reality. These dreams haunted me for months, the narratives changing slightly each time adding to my pain and anxiety. The following November, I dreamed that I was in a bookstore in the early evening, the darkness had settled in as I searched for something to pique my curiosity. I was about to pick up a book when I noticed a large window peering out toward a busy intersection. A woman had walked up to cross the street carrying packages of Christmas gifts. When she turned I caught a glimpse of her unmistakable profile. It was mom as she had been when I was five, wearing that dark green winter coat, the coat I would look for as she’d pick me up from kindergarten. I called out “mom” and she turne...