Happy Birthday, Mum!

  

Singapore 2011 - Mum was 92 then!

Today (18th July) is Mum's birthday (according to the Chinese calendar) - and she would have been 95!  And a youthful 95 too!  Many of our friends and relatives often marvel at how she managed to look so young despite her age!  When asked, she would simply smile and say "My Swami takes good care of me!"

Mum was an ardent devotee of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and had implicit faith in Him.  She looked forward eagerly to our pilgrimage to India almost every year and her many trips there gave her immense joy and happiness.

In the early stages of her illness, she would ask me when our next trip to India would be - it was a most difficult question for me to answer at that time, knowing that she would probably never be able to make another trip again. I had to resort to empty promises like "We'll go when you're better" or "We'll go later in the year, don't worry".

As it so happened, Swami left His physical body in 2011 and the shock of his sudden departure overtook many of His devotees and for some time the question of going to India did not arise.  But Mum always kept Him in her heart.  I remember when she went for dialysis, I would sit with her and we would together sing bhajans (Swami's devotional songs) or I would give her Swami's magazines to read.  And she always kept a picture of Swami by her pillow.  One day when a standing fan in the hospital nearly fell on top of her bed, I believe it was Swami who saved her from harm.  Despite her illness, she still kept a clear head and I was amazed when she yelled to the doctor that she would sue the hospital for "damages"!  True grit, that was what she was made of! 

This morning we went to the temple to offer prayers.  We had brought birthday noodles, kueh and fruits as offerings and I hope Mum was happy.  She had always liked noodles because of its auspiciousness.

Happy birthday, Mum!  Every one of your birthdays will always bring beautiful memories of your bright smile and your love of life; your generosity, kindness and concern for others!  Wherever you are,  have a happy celebration!