My Joon Joon-a small tribute

I have begun this a thousand times, but the emotions overwhelm me and I stop. Exactly a year ago, I was at my Joon Joon’s side holding her hand as she left this life to lead an eternal one. As painful as it was to watch her leave, I knew she was going to a place where she would be reunited with her husband, and two children.

What can I say about my Joon Joon? I have had the privilege of spending my entire life with her. She was the epitome of grace and perfection. I remember her saying one time that “please make sure my eyebrows look good when I die.” She always carried herself with so much dignity, no matter what life threw at her, right up till the end. She knew how to say the right things, had immense love for her family no matter what, and was an amazing cook. Her love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren was something. She missed the ones in India and longed every day to see them. She loved her son in law so much, and her daughter, who both did so much to make her comfortable. She always told me about how she was privileged in having them in her life.

I miss her stories of her life which she used to share with so much passion. I miss just listening to her open her heart to me about the way life has changed for her. I miss watching her reactions to her TV shows where she would mutter under her breath on bad behavior. But most of all I miss being able to just pick up the phone and just listen to her sweet voice so much. That voice that used to sing to me when I was a baby, and that used to teach me about life as I grew older. I miss sharing all the things that are happening in my life now.

So here is to a woman who survived World War2 and managed to escape her home in Singapore when she was a little girl, to making a new life in India, and then restarting her life again in her late 60s in America. You have served your life to others, you have brought joy and love to so many around you without even knowing it. You have always been kind to people of all ages, and when you left us, that really showed as we buried you. The people surrounding you were of all ages. They don’t make women like you anymore.

Thank you for all the stories, the hugs, the songs, and mostly the love you have given me all my life. Thank you for giving me the privilege of holding your hand as you passed on. Thank you for giving me the privilege as I lay you on your kaffan, and saw you being prepared for your final journey. Thank you for being you my Joon Joon. I love you so much and miss you even more. This void will never be filled. So till we meet again…may you look over us everyday.

Btw, we made sure your eyebrows looked good.