2008, a symbolic year end : a memorial to a wonderful mother

Today when I looked at my blog (honestly, a little guiltily) I was not surprised to see that the date of my last blog entry was on November 25th 2008. I stared at that date for a bit and got the feeling that I have been swimming underwater for the last month and am just breaking through the surface to the fresh air.

I have been out of touch in the end of 2008 because on Thanksgiving, November 28th 2008, my mom passed away after a long battle with lung disease. My mom was an amazing and loving person who brought joy and laughter to a countless number of people who were lucky enough to know her. It was a life that touched so many people's hearts and blessed them with her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and the way she persevered when she had all odds against her. She constantly surprised and inspired us with her strength, determination, and resiliency. She was a dedicated and supportive mother and our relationship was very strong. She wasn't just a mom, she was a best friend to me.

Being her only daughter, I was often spoiled by her attention. The irony was that being spoiled by her love made me a more grateful and down to earth human being in every facet of my life. My mom’s devotion to me has been unwavering, and her unconditional love has been my greatest source of strength. Her honesty and integrity have been my moral compass along this journey and she has made everything I do possible.

I debated for a while about sharing all this information. After all the sweet and concerned emails and phone calls I have received, I realized that every one of us will go through these major ends and beginnings in our lives. Sharing with each other is truly part of the human experience. Even though this event symbolizes the end of many things, it is also the beginning of many others and I know my mom will still be with me through it all.



“Life isn’t about learning to survive the storm but it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

From 2nd Corinthians 4:8: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.

From Eastern Scripture: “Our soul never dies; only the physical body dies. We neither fear death nor look forward to it, but revere it as a most exalted experience. Life, death and the afterlife are all part of our path to perfect oneness with God.”