5 October 2019 12:00 am Views - 356
It is the first death anniversary of our dear friend Prianca Perera. His sister Manique finds his sudden passing still like a dream. She cannot imagine how swiftly he slipped from life on that fateful day when she had just returned home late in the evening from work. Today, we wish to remember Prianca, as our thoughts meander back to him, and the beautiful time we spent as friends. We keep in touch with Manique, as we know the emptiness that has been left behind, in the home that was once filled with Prianca’s presence. So much of unfinished business they both put on hold, as death was something that was not impending so early in his life. We reach for words and hope they are the right ones to say to her. Yet, they would mean inadequate or inappropriate to fill the void in her life.
What matters is that we hold on to that friendship with Manique despite Prianca’s absence. The memories will always remain intact in our hearts and minds. Now the intense reality of Manique’s loss sits beside her day and night. Yet, God in His sustaining presence is the re-assuring comfort in her home. In life, we are accustomed to knowing and seeing certain people, that we forget how unpredictable life can be when they aren’t there anymore. We think of life’s fragility, whether it’s with people close to us, and with those who inhabit our lives on a more causal basis. Prianca’s sudden passing was so unbelievable. It stunned all his friends and family. He had communicated with us only a few days earlier, that he looked forward to the holidays. We talked about him visiting us, never realising death would be over his shoulder in a few days after our conversation. We think of our own mortality, the unpredictability of life, and the moments when we graced the life of a person who is now gone. We focus on those moments when life has touched us a little sweeter, a little deeper, and left an imprint in our hearts and in our minds of such a caring and giving human being.
We talked about him visiting us, never realising death would be over his shoulder in a few days after our conversation. We think of our own mortality, the unpredictability of life, and the moments when we graced the life of a person who is now gone
We honour Prianca’s life on this first anniversary of his passing. To Manique who has lost her beloved brother, her narrow band of friends will always be there to help her across any rough terrain. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Noble Prize winner said: “Nobody will know your secret thoughts, ask the Lord for wisdom and strength to express them, and you will feel His presence embracing you and keeping you safe.”
Manique’s unshakable faith in God will help her throughout life. Life is always teaching us, so is death. The lesson is the same. Slow down and pay attention to each and every precious moment of life.
Charmaine and Hillary