I hold onto those precious memories

Gertrude Sunethra De Silva Wijeyeratne (nee Herath), my maternal grandmother, was a remarkable woman. She was a perfect combination of warmth, compassion and love. She was both a sword and a shield.

Su Amma, I wish you were here so I could tell you how much I miss you and it still hurts like the first day you gained your wings. It’s been one year since you left, and everyone said that there is a reason, and that time will heal. Neither time nor reason changed the way I feel.

Su Amma, you had ears that truly listened and arms that always held me. I never fully understood what the words ‘I miss you’ meant until I reached for your hand, and it wasn’t there reaching back. I carry a picture of you in my heart and I close my eyes to see it when the world gets dark. I carry a memory of you in my soul and wrap it close around me when the nights get cold. If anyone asks me how I am, I say I am just fine, but the truth is if you could read my mind not a day goes by that I don’t think of you.

Su Amma your death left a heartache no one can heal but your endless love left me the most precious memory no one can steal. You made me who I am today, and your memories will continue to influence the person I become tomorrow. Every day of my life, your legacy will live on through me.

May you walk on the path to attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!