By Umendra Singh: Editor, The Asian Star
I never imagined this day would ever come. It is a day like no other.
But here it is – Mother’s Day without my mother.
This Sunday would be my very first Mother’s Day which I will not spend with my mother or, at least, speak to her.
My mother passed away last November 7 after a brief illness. And life has not been the same for me or my family since then.
She was a rock like support for me for as long as I can remember – and supported me in all my ventures, business, political and social.
She was the number one fan of The Asian Star, every Saturday going through of each edition of the newspaper diligently and questioning me about stories and headlines that piqued her interest.
I always imagined my mother to be with me. That is impractical as no one is in the world forever but whoever thinks that one day one will have to go on with life without our mother (s)?
Well, that day has come for me – unexpectedly and suddenly.
Her favorite sofa where she used to sit is now empty. The dining chair occupied by her is empty. Her bedroom is empty. She is no longer cooking in the kitchen. Her favorite radio station is silent. She no longer waves at me as she went for her daily walk around the neighborhood.
My years-long routine of driving my mother to her local temple is broken. I never thought I would miss driving her to the mall every weekend – but I do miss those trips now.
And Saturday mornings, she no longer asks for a copy of the Asian Star to scrutinize.
And this is my first Mother’s Day without my mother. My life will never be the same again.
I would urge those of you who are fortunate enough to have your mother with you to please hold them close this Sunday and every day.
For there will come a day that the rocking chair your mother occupies now will be empty.
