In loving memory of my Ammi, Chanthra Balasingam Dourado 2 April 1968 - 5 October 2021 This Tuesday would mark 6 months since my Ammi left us. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her, wishing that she could've had more years to spend here on earth. My Ammi showered us with selfless and unconditional love, more than you could ever imagine. So, let me tell you a story. When my Ammi was pregnant with me, she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). As my mum was about to start going on steroids, lil Carlos decided to come out in August 1995, a month earlier than expected. Just before Deepavali 1995, she experienced high blood pressure, leading to a brain hemorrhage, resulting in a blood clot in her brain. Doctors operated on her, and put her in a self-induced coma for 3 days. However, the hemorrhage affected a part of her brain, resulting in a partial loss of eyesight in her right eye. With lupus, she was advised not to have any more children, but in 1999, my brother was brought safely into this world. There are many details that I've left out, and she continued to suffer from lupus since then, but she always found it in herself to provide the best upbringing for her children. Both she & my dad worked hard to give us an education, put clothes on our backs & food on the table each day. She was a lecturer of almost 30 years, loving every part of her job. In July 2021, she was diagnosed with an advanced stage of colon cancer, with no prior symptoms, and that's where things went downhill. She would've turned 54 today. I'd give anything to have one more conversation with her - to argue with her about the most nonsensical things, have her scold me in Tamil and not understand 80% of it, and for her to nag me about losing weight. If you've read this far, I humbly ask that you spare a prayer for my Ammi. Grief makes you question why your loved ones are taken away from you, but the Lord knows better - He ended her suffering and welcomed her into an eternal life with Him. Happy Birthday, Ammi. I miss you. Love always, your not-so-little baby boy. ❤️