Forever in my heart ...

A Beautiful soul

Some people walk into our lives and quietly leave a piece of themselves in our hearts forever. Beracah was one of those rare souls.

She was one of the very few people I got acquainted with during my early years in Madurai, and I still remember the day we met as though it were yesterday.

While it was my first time meeting her, she already knew so much about me. She began talking about my college days at The American College, where her mother was the warden of our ladies' hostel and her dad was a chaplain and a Professor there. She told me she would often accompany her mother during hostel visits and had known me long before I knew her.

Then she shared something about another encounter.  She had seen me walk out of the Jubilee Chapel after my wedding, and she told me that from that very moment she had dreamed of getting married in the same chapel one day. That was the beginning of countless conversations, laughter and memories. From that day on, there was never really a pause in our friendship, until last month, when she could no longer use her phone.

Beracah had the kind of heart that made everyone around her feel lighter. She was full of life, endlessly cheerful, incredibly thoughtful, and always ready to help. She carried a warmth that made people feel seen and loved. To me, she was not just a friend; she was a little sister.

We may not have met often, but every single meeting was filled with joy, warmth, and genuine love. She had a beautiful gift of making people feel special, and I was blessed to be one of them.

When I heard she was unwell, I was praying and hoping she will come out of it . Even in the midst of pain, she remained hopeful. She endured so much, yet she fought with incredible courage and unwavering faith. She truly fought a good fight.

Today, Maya Angelou's words echo in my heart:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

That is exactly who Beracah was. Years from now, I may forget many conversations, but I will never forget how she made me feel -loved, valued, encouraged, and deeply cared for.

It is still so difficult to accept that she is no longer with us. My heart aches every time I think of her. Yet, in the midst of this pain, I find comfort in knowing that she is finally free from the suffering she endured and is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

My dear Beracah, thank you for your love, your kindness, your laughter, and for every time you called me "Akka." Those memories will stay with me forever.

You lived beautifully. You loved generously. You fought courageously.

Until we meet again, you will remain forever in my heart—my dear sister, my precious friend.

Rest in eternal peace.