But the one memory of her I remember the most was on Philosophy class. She taught the meaning of her life poem Desiderata to all of us, and the room was filled shortly after with waterworks (mostly from me). She would come to hug me tight, and another one as she left the room. I was unsure of what I was doing then.
The thought of having to write some sort of advanced obituary for her is rather strange for me. Through her actions, however, it became a story of kindness, happiness, and the greatest showings of a mother's love. The obituary became a story. The story became a book. The book became a world. The world became hers.
"When someone passes on, for those around him, it was as if a character was simply removed from the story. But for the deceased, their entire world has gone away. However, even for other people, Mr. Iwata's presence was too great to simply call him a character in the story of life. Mr. Iwata is gone, leaving a massive impression around him. Yet, even so, our world continues." - Masahiro Sakurai on Satoru Iwata's death
Indeed, she was more than a character in many people's lives, myself included. She is a burning force of passion, a force too great to ignore. Yet it is a story where everyone comes and goes. Everyone has to move forward.
Of course, I'll miss frequenting her house even when I'm bored. I'll miss the engaging Philosophy classes. I'll miss her amazing singing voice. I'll miss her food. I'll miss her hugs. I'll miss her wisdom. I'll miss her friendship. I'll miss everything I love about her. But in the end, she lived her life on her own terms. She lived with burning passion for the academic profession. She lived touching the lives of everyone she meets. She is fully aware of the fact that one day, we'll not be in this world anymore, might as well live it to the fullest.
Rest in peace, my forever Mami. What a life well-lived.