My Mother — Page 156
156 was the home of the Promised Messiah and was favoured with divine light and divine mercy. Her body would soon be commit- ted to its earthly resting place at the feet of her life companion. Her soul was ready to enter the palanquin that would transport it to the Elysian fields. Her arrival at Qadian having become known in Daska, rela- tives and friends in large numbers continued to arrive through the latter part of the day. As the hours passed her breathing became slower, but her face took on a glow. Bashir Ahmad pointed this out to Ijaz Ahmad and recited a Punjabi verse: ‘A saint may be known by the play of divine light on the countenance. ’ Night came, and what a palpably blessed night! The descent of angels could be perceived. Mian Jumman who had served as family steward since my grandfather’s time, had accompanied my parents on pilgrimage and been a loyal and faithful friend begged to be permitted to pay her his last respects. She had been uncon- scious for some time. On his identifying himself and uttering his greetings, her eyelids fluttered in response. About 3:00 a. m. she had become completely unconscious. Her almost imperceptible breathing was the only indication of life. Her long journey done, she had passed into the beyond. At 8:00 a. m. Ghulam Nabi came in and intimated that break- fast was ready but no one could be persuaded to eat. I told him, ‘Bring me a glass of milk. When the guests know I am eating they may overcome their reluctance to eat. ’ At this my wife looked up in surprise. I reminded her of Mother’s dream: ‘After the children have taken their breakfast. ’ An hour later Ghulam Nabi reported, ‘Every one has breakfasted. ’ Her breathing stopped.