Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, more popularly known simply as Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, Hanafi faqih, Islamic scholar, Maturidi theologian and Sufi mystic, once declared “I learned that every mortal would taste death. But only some will taste life.” Those words would epitomise the life of my late wife Dr Sarojini Perera. In a world where some things often feel ephemeral, certain mortals leave an indelible mark upon the deepest parts of our souls, transcending the boundaries of time and space. My late wife was a sparkling example of just that.

I pen this heartfelt tribute with bittersweet memories of and profound reverence for, a lady who departed from our earthly realm four years ago on the 6th of December 2019. She is one whose love, wisdom, and radiant smile continue to resonate within our souls; forever cherished and deeply missed.

Oh…, how her love enveloped our lives, like a gentle wind that knew no bounds. Her love was an ethereal tapestry woven with threads of tenderness, compassion, and unwavering devotion. It transcended the ordinary, radiating with a warmth that made even the darkest corners of our existence glow with hope. In her love, we found solace, strength, and a sanctuary where we could unburden our souls. It was a love that transcended the limitations of mortality, touching our lives with a profound grace that only she possessed. As for us, she was, and still is, the very personification of the saying that a beautiful heart can give you the most wonderful things that money can never even hope to buy.

Her wisdom was a beacon of light, guiding us through the labyrinthine pathways of life with profound insight and unwavering clarity. She possessed a depth of understanding that surpassed mere knowledge, for her wisdom flowed from the wellspring of her heart. Her words resonated with a timeless perception that stirred our spirits, inviting us to embrace life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Through her understanding of the many vagaries of life, she imparted to us the tools to navigate the tempestuous seas of existence, instilling in us a sense of purpose, self-discovery, and the courage to walk our unique paths.

But her radiant smile will forever be etched in the deepest crevices of our souls. That dazzling smile was a luminous beacon of joy that could dispel the shadows of sorrow and bring forth the sunniest of days. Her smile was a symphony of happiness, a testament to the beauty that lay within her human spirit. It touched the lives of all who had the privilege of coming into contact with her while being witnesses to it, spreading like wildfire, igniting the spark of joy in even the most desolate of hearts. In the presence of her smile, we were reminded of the power of positivity and the profound impact just one soul can have on the world. That very same sparkle and warmth of her smile was also the ultimate and eternal solace to her patients who sought her care.

Though she has departed from this earthly plane, her presence lingers on; interwoven into the core of our lives. Her legacy transcends the boundaries of time, casting a radiant glow upon our memories and infusing our hearts with an eternal longing. We carry her love, wisdom, and smile within us, treasuring the moments we shared, and drawing strength from the indomitable spirit that she embodied. She was well known for an attitude of gratitude for everything and everyone. It has been said that to be irreplaceable, one had to be unique. That is so true of Sarojini; they have thrown away the mould in which she was made by the almighty.

As we navigate the complexities of life without her physical presence, we honour her memory by embracing the lessons she taught us, cherishing the love she bestowed upon us, and sharing her radiant smile with the world. We do try ever so hard to find solace in the knowledge that her love and wisdom continue to guide us, even in her absence, and that her spirit lives on in the hearts of all those touched by her beaming elegance. All of us know for sure that every time she unveiled that charming smile, every loving word that she professed, and every action that she undertook, were wonderful reflections of the beauty of her heart and soul. How great was it that the very same God who made mountains, oceans, and galaxies, looked down and felt that the world needed you, and acted accordingly, 76 years ago?

To my beloved wife, who left this world four years ago, we offer our deepest gratitude for her profound impact on our lives. We hold her memory dear, carrying her love, wisdom, and radiant smile as precious treasures, forever etched in the embroidery of our souls. May her spirit find eternal peace, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the blessing of having known and loved such an extraordinary woman. I miss you so much, my love; I miss your smile, your laugh, and your touch. I miss talking to you about anything and everything. I miss your love and support. But most of all, I dearly miss the lack of your physical presence in my life.

Yet for all that, from a personal discernment, her incredible love lifted me higher than I could ever have been lifted before. All I wanted from her was just a heart full of love and she gave me the biggest heart of that kind that I could ever have wished for. She decorated my life like a dazzling light for over four decades. Even after her demise, working tirelessly from her heavenly abode, she has not allowed me to fall from that lofty dais to which she had raised me during her sojourn on Mother Earth.

“What Am I Living For” is a song written by Fred Jay and Art Harris and performed by Chuck Willis featuring the Reggie Obrecht Orchestra and Chorus. It was released in March 1958. If I could be allowed to paraphrase the lyrics of the song, it would be as:-

What did I live for, if not for you,

What did I live for, if not for you,

What did I live for, if not for you,

Oh…, nobody else…, nobody else will do.

Darling Sara, God’s hands never slip, nor will he ever loosen his grip on you. You are in safe hands my lovely Queen; today and forever more.

Dr B. J. C. Perera

Specialist Consultant Paediatrician