She took us under her caring wing

~ Irene Wijesundere

It is with profound sadness that I write about my father’s younger sister. My mother, Brenda Abeysinghe Weerasekera died when I was only two years old, and my aunt (Nanda) who had a heart full of human sympathy and generous qualities took care of me and my brothers. We remember her with gratitude, how she acted as a mother single handedly, taking us under her wing, and bringing us up after my mother’s death. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude to what we are today.

On June 15, late in the evening I was informed that Nanda’s condition was failing, and immediately rushed to hospital with my wife, where there were several others too around her. A little later Nanda opened her eyes and inquired as to what we were doing without going to our homes.

I waited for a while till the others left, and went close to her and worshipped her. Immediately she responded, “Budu Saranai”. Nanda died on the morning of June 17.

As a mark of respect I promise you Nanda, that I will live life by getting closer to Lord Buddha’s teachings. May this great lady attain Nirvana.

By Dhammika