We soared above the garden of clouds
With a prayer and on wings of faith
To be near where the angels crowd.

Wuan took that photograph on our way to Penang from KLIA. We were flying somewhere over Perak. As the plane emerged from under the clouds, a carpet of feathery white greeted us. We could almost feel the fluff under our feet, white and cottony as far as our eyes could see. The cerulean ceiling stretched into infinity, infusing in us a sense of interminable tranquillity.

�We are in heaven,� Wuan remarked.

Indeed, for a moment it felt as if we were, and I wondered if I could see Mum up there. That was only the week after I had interred Mum�s ashes. The grief was still very intense then. As I looked out the window, I really wished I could see Mum somewhere out there amongst the clouds for just one more time.

Gently rest beloved Mother
And listen to the angels sing
They came and took you hither
Where you�ll be eternally rejoicing.

One hundred days have passed. My tears may have stopped flowing but the beautiful memories of you shall live on. How can I forget such a wonderful person like you? You had touched my life in more ways than one. You were a mother, a confidant, a friend and more. You are the epitome of motherhood. You had coloured my life with the hues of altruistic love and compassion. I shall miss you dearly. Gently Rest Beloved Mother.

Gnawing emptiness eating away
Healing wounds bleeding again
Silently grieving day after day
Painful memories still remain.

Today marks the twelfth week of Mum’s demise. It is hard to believe that Mum has been gone that many weeks. Whenever I looked at photographs of Mum, it felt as if she was still here a short while ago only. I miss those familiar features of Mum’s face. I miss those familiar sounds of Mum going about her daily chores. I miss being in Mum’s presence.