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, forgive them and carry on with her life time and time again. I’m astounded at her discipline, patience and commitment to a life of love, faith, hard work and principle—even when life was unfair, cruel and unrelenting.
My mother taught me to be compassionate, prayerful and hardworking. By example, she showed me how to stand up for what I believe in and to move forward with dignity and decency when people and situations try to pull me down. In her seventy-three plus years, she did what she could to lift up the lives of others. I couldn’t have made it in this world without the grace and love of the woman who raised me.
It’s been seven years since she passed away. There’s an empty chair and waves of indescribable grief but my mother’s legacy lives on through me.
My blessed, unforgettable Mummy: our beloved Susee Mable, we shan’t see her like again.
Posted by: Suhasini
Photo: © Anandaraju Family Archives