Ma / Ama

The last few months have been rough for the family.

My mother-in-law got sick and passed away from cancer. It’s hit me harder than I was expecting. Cancer is brutal.

We didn’t know each other that well, but she was always kind to me. That’s what really counts in life – how you treat others. I will always remember her kindness.

I just can’t get over how brutal and unfair it all is. For such a kind and loved person to get cancer, for it to go into remission for years, and then to come back everywhere is just devastating. I’m glad the family had enough time to say what they really needed to say – to tell her they love her before it was too late. I’m glad we had that chance.

After she went into ICU (also brutal due to restricted numbers of visitors and visiting times), she was able to go into a general ward for what turned out to be the rest of her life. We managed to see her around that time, but unfortunately, we couldn’t stay in the country for most of her remaining weeks. We were able to see her and say what mattered, but ultimately my study and visa requirements meant we all ended up going back.

We found out she had less than two days to live, so my wife bought a flight ticket the same day and went with my child, but sadly, she passed away when we were all together at the airport, as I was about to say goodbye to my wife and child.

I can’t attend the funeral tomorrow due to my study / visa requirements, which makes it so much harder. I’ve missed my child’s birthday, and I’m not with my wife on our wedding anniversary. I’m not there to be there for my wife as she grieves, or my son as he navigates his first experience of death and the loss of his grandmother. I can’t be there to comfort anyone, but at least lots of family are together, going through this together.

She’s at peace now – no more pain. The world has lost a truly good person.

We love you Ma / Ama.