Third month Death Anniversary Sonia de Silva was a true friend to me

The news that Sonia de Silva (Aunty Soni) had passed away three months ago on October 17, 2023 came as a shock to me. I had spoken to her only a week ago and I never thought that it would be the last time I would talk to her. She was someone I was close to and we shared a strong bond and friendship despite the fact that she was a few years older to my late mum.
I first got to know Aunty Soni- this is how I called her- when we were roommates in the same home. Although I moved out around seven months after I initially met her in July 2021 and our friendship continued when we used to have telephone conversations for hours on end!
One of the earliest memories I have of Aunty Soni was that on September 20, 2021- three months after my mum had passed away- I dreamt of her and started calling out for my mum in my sleep. Later I was emotional and in tears. She comforted me, felt sad for me and was there for me.
We used to chat on numerous topics – about our families, religion, politics...the list goes on and we enjoyed each other’s company immensely. 
Aunty Soni came from a very united and closely-knit family and nothing gave her more joy than to talk about her family. Her late parents  Bennett  and Pearl de Silva her late sister Aunty Chrystal her other two sisters Aunty Riomal who is in Australia and Aunty Genevieve (Jenny) and her brother Uncle Louis in Sweden  her nieces  and nephew especially Diruni, Debika and Kisan who showered much love and care on her and her grandnieces and grandnephews.
I remember how she used to eagerly await telephone calls from all of them; especially Aunty Riomal and Uncle Louis from overseas.    Aunty Soni often asked me about my experiences as a Journalist and I used to share them with her. She was truly happy for me when I got back to my writing after a few years and was keen on reading my articles.
Aunty Soni was a person who I was fond of and someone who was always there for me. The little space here afforded to me does not permit me to write them all down. My memories of her will live on. 
However, I find comfort in the knowledge that she is now at rest with her Heavenly Father.
May her soul Rest in Peace
Kshaini Nonis