Losing a parent is especially devastating when it’s an untimely event. Sasithra, a 24-year-old Centennial College student, lost her mother to breast cancer 14 months ago. Her mother fought hard, but cancer was the one battle her mom wasn’t able to win.

Q. What has the last year been like for you?

A. It can’t be summed up easily. The word tumultuous comes to mind.

Q. I can imagine. Let’s go back then: What was your immediate reaction when you found out about your mom’s passing?

A. I knew it would happen. I thought she would live longer, but we can’t anticipate things. I felt almost relieved, to be honest. Her suffering ended. She longed to pass away and be with God. There was a bit of joy and there was a bit sadness because she was gone, physically.

Q. Moving past that day, what are the circumstances you found yourself in?

A. My responsibilities became much greater. I became the sole provider and my sister kind of depended on me at that time and she looked to me as a mother figure. To this day, a lot of people say I just need to look in the mirror to see my mom.

Q. What was your lowest point after your mom’s passing?

A. A few months after her passing. I take a long time to process my emotions and I’m not a person that’s able to cry easily. I couldn’t even cry at my mom’s funeral. Now I know it’s important to deal with grief when it’s there. I’ve been going to grief counselling. Emotions are those things that we have in life, unfortunately. I need to be able to handle my emotions down the road.

Q. Emotions can be tricky. Speaking of emotions, you were emotionally connected to your mother. What’s something you’ll always remember about her?

A. She had the tenacity to keep going. She knew that her story wouldn’t end with her being depressed. I never understood how she survived in this country with no husband, barely any resources and with very little help. She struggled just to pay the bills but she was still such a generous woman because she was willing to relentlessly pursue what God wanted.

Q. Do you have some words for people who have lost loved ones?

A. Cry if you have to cry. Sometimes, a tear is worth more than a prayer or an eloquent psalm or a profound word. God is very close to the broken-hearted. Also, don’t shut yourself in; let people in. Just share your sadness with people who are there for you.