Appreciations
View(s):Al haj M.H.M. Saeedul Akram
We will do our best to carry on your legacy
He was a gift from God, an irreplaceable blessing, a gem of a person. There aren’t enough words that could describe his kindness and his impact on the lives of so many people. I was blessed enough to call him my beloved grandfather.
He was more than just a grandfather to me, he was a role model, best friend, crying shoulder, teacher and the list could go on. His sudden demise has left all of us shaken because he was the big tree that shaded our whole family and so many others.
It feels as if a part of us has shattered. The weight of his loss lingers heavily upon us.
We take comfort in the fact that he passed away during the blessed month of Ramadan on the very blessed day of ‘Lailathul Kadar’.
Despite the agony we feel at such a great loss, we thank Allah (swt) for not letting him suffer and granting him a good death.
He was a man of unwavering faith in Allah (swt) and a man of simplicity.
He never cared much for material objects in life. He focused on fulfilling his duties towards his family and keeping those around him happy.
He fulfilled all of his obligations in this world to the best of his ability but never forgot to engage in amal (religious activities).
He always advised us that this world is temporary and we should live in such a way that we do not harm a soul and strive to make people happy in any way we can, so when death comes, we will have no regrets.
He always encouraged us to seek thawab (merit) for Akirah (Life after death) because that world is what matters in the end.
He had such strong faith in Allah (swt) and Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).
When he had problems he thanked Allah (swt) for giving him the strength to face them. He never for a minute complained.
He used to tell us about the trials that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) faced and how patient and kind he was throughout them and how small in comparison the challenges we face are.
He was always finding a way to help people. His kind and heartfelt words alone could soothe a person’s heart.
He treated everyone with the same kindness and respect regardless of whether it was a family member, labourer or a stranger.
He never publicly spoke about the charity he did or the families he helped. What mattered to him was that he helped them.
He was the beloved son of late A.R. M. Hamza and late Ummu Halima.
He respected their every word and took care of them in every way he could. He was always pleased to serve his mother, from attending to her daily needs and assisting her with the most basic activities.
His father used to always tell everyone that ‘It is a gift that Saeed, is my eldest son’.
He married my grandmother, Rilaya Qualid at a very young age of just 20. Appa took care of Umma in such a heartwarming manner, especially when she became fragile after her surgery.
He was her pillar and her aid attending to her every need from holding her hand when walking to assisting her with her meals.
When I told him, “Appa you’re taking care of Umma so well” he used to say “it is a blessing and it is my duty because she has done so much for me”.
He treated her like his queen. I was in awe of their relationship and how much they loved and cared for each other. Umma was always the most beautiful woman to Appa and he never stopped making her feel that way.
His love for her was unconditional. He was a self-made man and developed and managed his own business and never retired.
He was a father to six children, three boys and three girls. He made it his responsibility to fulfill all of their needs.
His strong faith in Allah (swt) and wise insight on life was always a pillar of strength for his children as well as grandchildren. He was an inspiration to all twelve of his grandchildren. We could always talk to him as if he was our friend.
Whenever we achieved something, he was the happiest. He was so delighted to see his eldest grandson get married and be there for the birth of his first great grandchild.
It breaks my heart to know that he wouldn’t be there at my wedding.
I write this with a heavy heart and tears knowing that, Appa you are not there with us to guide us anymore. You are by far the best human being I have ever known. We will cherish the memories we have had with you.
Your advice will always be in our hearts and we will try to be better human beings and carry on your legacy. We love you and miss you more than words could ever say.
-Rushdha Ikram
Eshani Ratnayake
You left too soon
A blossoming flower withered
Leaving sweet memories in our hearts
Flowers will blossom again, again and then wither
Though nature of human life, it’s still a nightmare
Just six days after your son was born
You went alone leaving darling husband and sweet prince
I’m sure that from heaven you will sing lullabies for your son
Unstable world, unstable human life
That is the lesson I learned again from your sudden demise.
-Rohana Konara
Chandra Meehitiya Jayasinghe
Her simple lessons in life will always be remembered
You raised me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raised me up to more than I can be. (With apologies to Josh Groban)
If you ask me of the saddest day of my life, it was the day my mother passed away.
She was a truly courageous woman, so instead of grieving, I dedicate my words to celebrating her eventful life. She was a rock solid personality who inspired us to do well, and her life was an exemplary one.
Born in Ratnapura as the eldest daughter of seven children to a landed-proprietor, she studied at Batugedara Maha Vidyalaya and Ferguson High School, and in the latter was Games Captain of the Amethyst House.
She chose teaching as a career and completed 35 years in government service, teaching at Baptist College Ratnapura and Siddhartha Vidyalaya Thalapathpitya, Nugegoda.
In the latter she was instrumental in introducing uniforms, forming the Eastern band, training netballers, promoting guiding and scouting, and spending long hours after school helping underprivileged children gain entry in scholarship exams.
We never complained of her long absences but waited eagerly till she arrived home with her happy smile and a sweet treat.
Amma educated us by setting the example that hard work would lead to success. Her oft quoted, “The roots of the tree of prosperity are bitter but the fruits so delicious,” inspired me greatly.
Our education started with her story-telling at dinner time where we were entertained with extracts from classics. She instilled responsibility in us by being happy at our successes and being a pillar of strength in times of failures.
Before she breathed her last, her advice to us was to live in peace, harmony and happiness.
I have fond memories of Amma teaching me simple lessons while attending to day-to-day chores. From the earliest days she imprinted in me that, “something is better than nothing” or “too much of anything is good for nothing”.
She would also say: “Don’t trouble troubles unless troubles trouble you” sparing many stresses in life. Her knowledge helped me immensely in my career and she took pride in grooming me to be a teacher of repute.
Amma had charisma which commanded respect. All our friends were her beloved children. During the last few years she took immense happiness in treating those who visited her.
She was a book of history, a keen follower of current affairs and a staunch supporter of the Sri Lankan cricket team. She left us with the idea that one doesn’t have to brood in old age but be useful till the end.
In the words of the Chief Priest of Pangyodarama, Rev. Madihe Sugathasiri Thero: “Jayasinghe nona did her share of duty and never tried to be prominent. She was not one for gossip and kept to herself. She had her own way of doing charity and donated generously whenever the need arose in our temple.”
Amma helped the children of her relatives in their education. Our house from time to time had a close or distant relative staying with us.
Her style of helping the needy was unique. She employed the lowly and the shunned to pluck coconuts or to do carpentry, masonry or painting in the never ending refurbishments of her house which helped them in their sustenance.
Amma had a special love for each of her five children who had a beautiful bond with her and joyful experiences are forever etched in our memories. We shared news on a daily basis and had long meaningful chats and hearty laughter.
Her seven grandchildren were fortunate to have her as she took time off from other commitments to be with them, giving special care, time and effort. She was the centre of our little universe.
Her final request to us was to look after the loved ones and to continue to help the needy by establishing an organisation in the premises that belonged to her.
We are determined to do her proud and will gift this establishment in the memory of a precious gem of the soil of Ratnapura.
To her homeland she was devoted, shunning all requests of her children to live in Australia permanently after our father died six years ago.
I still feel Amma is around, smiling, clad in her simple yet elegant style, calling us with her special terms of endearment, advising us where necessary, quoting stories and anecdotes, etc.
She was a true inspiration and her love sustained not only her children but many others. Her demise proved that some people never leave our life. Her loving memory fills the vacuum so beautifully.
But as your children, we all miss you dearest Amma, and long to hear your cheerful voice. Your life was such a fulfilling one and your memory a lingering fragrance.
Dearest Amma, may you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana at the end of this mindless samsara!
-Savithri Jayasinghe Cooray