A Woman of Faith

My mother died on the 29^th of May, 2009 at 8 A.M.

She was many things to many people - A fast friend, a confidant, a counselor, a completely devoted wife and mother, and a person so full of life it is almost impossible to imagine her gone. She had a wonderful loving childhood, a youth blessed with strong friendship, romance, three children she was very proud of, the tragic passing of the love of her life, romance anew, a gorgeous grandchild, and lots of travel. She was always devoted to the people in her life – new acquaintances and old friends in equal measure. The one constant through all the trials and tribulations in her life was her faith, and the grace that came with that faith was what drew people to her wherever she went. She always insisted that anyone who calls themselves Christian must have an experience of Christ. There is a deep sense of loss for all of us today, but the strength of her faith should inspire us to call on her whenever we want in the future.

A couple of days ago when I was traveling to Mumbai to receive my brother, I thought of something that I need to share with all of you. In today’s world it is not possible for us to live in close proximity to all the people we love – but the people we would like to spend all our time with, come alive to us when we think of them, wherever we are in the world. My mother was someone who had an immediate effect on all the people she encountered in her life. And we should take comfort from the fact that because she was so boisterous and full of ideas and opinions, we will inevitably think of her often – all we will miss is her physical presence. She is as alive today as she ever was and she will always be alive to us when we think of her. We need to gain strength from her strong faith – it will be the ultimate tribute to my dear mother, Caroline.

As St. Paul says in the 1^st letter to the Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 11 to 13:

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.

Now I know in part, then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.

So faith, hope, love abide – these three.

But the greatest of these is love."