Dear Vasantheny
I never thought that I would say goodbye to you so soon. Since hearing of the news, although attending to my daily responsibilities, my thoughts have been of you, our life events, how we became friends, our times together and our telephone conversations; realising that you are not at the other end of the phone anymore and regretting the lost opportunities.  During our telephone conversations about family and life, and everything and nothing, you would immediately notice even if I was to cough a little and ask after my health.
               Although I was a boarder and you were a day student when I joined in Prep science in 1968, I became friends with you easily, attracted by your mischievous and witty nature, always bubbly and full of life. Four of us: you, Angela, Jenita and myself, gelled together as a ‘click’, hanging around together, enjoying life in simple ways. You made us giggle a lot, inside class and outside. Later on, Doreen and Casilda joined our click through your friendship. During school days you admired and encouraged me in everything I did, my studies, drawing skills, and I remember even making shapes of animals with playdough with you watching on. Then I learnt that when you came to the UK, you were an excellent gardener, stitched your daughter’s and your own clothes, and even started to do knitting for your grandchildren. You became an expert in these areas. Not failing to mention your cooking and baking skills, from what I hear from your children.
               I admired your talents in elocution/speeches, singing and music.  You were one of Margaret teacher, the English teacher’s, favourite. I remember the times we spent in singing groups. I know that you continued to sing and play guitar even during your days at work in the UK. We studied together up to A/L class and then you left school. We all went our own ways after A/L and lost touch for some time.  You came to the UK where you took up nursing. The next decade was spent in building up our profession and families. I got married and left for Zambia after completing my MBBS in Peradeniya medical faculty in 1980. Angela was around for my wedding in Jaffna before I left, but you had left Sri Lanka by then and Jenita was in Colombo. I am sorry that I was not around for you during your most difficult times, but I am consoled to know that Angela has been a good friend to you, and been there for you through thick and thin.
               We were reunited when I moved to the UK in 1986. We had had our children by then and were busy with our own lives with work and family. I always wished for our children to get to know each other, and my wishes were fulfilled when later as teenagers they spent time together through Alumnae reunions and became friends. I hope that they will keep in touch even after our times. I would like that. Both Nimesh and Nilantheny are like my own. You have been blessed with two beautiful, responsible, thoughtful and intelligent children, with equally beautiful and clever daughter-in-law Shana and son-in-law Brahman, giving you four grandchildren who were lucky to know you well enough to remember you. They will carry your torch.
               We thank the Lord for your life, for the guidance, strength and protection He gave you throughout your life, and all the blessings He showered on you. May you rest in peace in Heaven with the Lord. Your children should be assured that from there you are watching over them and their families and praying for them for guidance, protection and support.
               Goodbye my dear friend till we meet again.            

Friends for ever Sybilla