Appreciations

Dear mother had you lived another few months you could have enjoyed your 86th birthday on November 13, together with your two sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, not forgetting your neighbours, loved and dear ones. However God had his own plans, He took you away from us. Bereft of the love, affection, guidance and everything you gave us, we are now left in darkness.

I can only imagine the pain you would have undergone to bring me and my brother Tyrone to this world. This pain did not stop there because as far as I remember, you single handedly brought us up as most of the time my father the late Thomas Newton Johnson was away doing service to our country and the Sri Lanka Army (Ceylon Engineers) as a Regimental Sergeant Major. With deep gratitude we thank you for making us what we are today.

Although sorrowful let’s not forget those happy birthdays you had, surrounded by your husband, children and loved ones. What wonderful days they were. Making you and everyone happy and joyful was our father who himself was a wonderful personality. All those gifts you received on your birthdays are still preserved by us re-kindling treasured memories.

When our father left you and all of us to God’s heavenly kingdom on July 6, 1997, how much we and your loved ones consoled you. As days and months passed, you reverted to your day-to-day life to make us happy. But we all knew it was only an outward act, as deep inside you felt the loss of your dearest one with whom you had spent over 50 years together.

As the days and years passed you frequently fell ill and got weaker. It gave us strength and determination to give you the same care and love you always gave us by trying to extend your life on earth day by day.

But God took you to eternal rest on June 28, this year. This day was undoubtedly the saddest in our lives. But we all know you are happy to be together with your husband in heaven. This thought brings us solace as we all know that some day we will be together. Till we meet again, dear mother, happy birthday and good bye!