In the 24 years that you have not been here, you have missed a lot.
My sister and I both qualified in our different fields. She went as far as getting a PhD, and she too is a Dr. Wijesekera, like you.
We started to work. She worked in Kandy, in Colombo and then in Houston and now, Austin. I stayed put in Colombo because I thought mother would be alone if I went too. I've changed careers multiple times; where each experience has enriched me. I learnt to drive, and can drive anything from a tiny car to a passenger bus. She's happy zipping around in a sedan.
We shifted house a couple of times. It's not been easy to leave behind the things you've touched. But what point is there in the material goods?
I'm a hot tempered mom to a little girl who carries your name. My sister is a devoted aunt (God knows why, but these are not things to question). I have had two dogs that you didn't meet, the latter especially, was the epitome of all those good qualities you spoke about. And, like you once said about how the best people die young, he went too soon.
Mother went on to become one of the most illustrous personalities in this country. You would have been proud of her.
Sitting next to your brother a few days back, we spoke about you. He looked thoughtfully at my little girl and said "she missed out". She really did.
I am grateful for the short time I had with you, and for the incredible influence you are even today.
You are sadly, fondly, desperately missed.
But you will remain forever young. Happy birthday.
