For my Grandfather, he met his Maker

I’ve always been ambivalent towards coincidences, having not experienced many to be a true believer, yet reluctant to dismiss the few incidents that happen to strut along so… coincidentally…

On the same morning that my uncle passed away, we received news that my grandfather had a stroke. In the hospital, scans revealed that there was bleeding in his brain, and it would be dangerous to have anything done due to his age.

Early Saturday morning, we drove to Johor Bahru for my uncle’s funeral and burial. It was a bit emotional for me, as my uncle and my Dad looked alike, and I could see my Dad lying still in a coffin…

Later that evening in Batu Pahat, we went to the hospital to visit Grandfather. We had parked and were walking to the ward; less than 2 minutes away when my uncle, who was with Grandfather, broadcasted in our family chat group that Grandfather had left us.

Until today, I find it difficult to come to grips that it was all over so soon. The last time I saw him was earlier that same week. It was still Chinese New Year, it was Monday, and I had gone to see my grandparents before returning to KL that afternoon.

We went for the best breakfast in the village. I drove him to the road bearing his name (again), and implored him to have a photo taken. He exclaimed, “Take for what?? Take so many times already!!” but gamely got out from the car and posed for his persistent grandchild (me).

At that same time, the garbage collection truck slowly went past us. Two affable garbage collector workers yelled out to Grandfather, “ATUK, BUAT MACAM INI ATUK!”, while making the peace sign.

Lim Kheng Siang and Jalan Lim Kheng Siang, Sri Gading in February 2015

We went back to the house that he built more than 50 years ago, and had my third uncle take a photo of us.

Suanie and Grandfather Chinese New Year 2015

It was also the first and last time that I kissed Grandfather on the cheek. You see, he was a rather imposing figure in my life. It was a long time before I dared to touch or hug him. Later I grew to be comfortable enough to hold him, and to take his hand to lead him anywhere.

But that day, I didn’t have a premonition that it would be the last time I’d see Grandfather alive. Nothing like that. As I was leaving the house, I was overcome with this enormous love in my heart for Grandfather, and mustered the courage to kiss his cheek.

In the same manner while facing Grandfather’s body just minutes after his death, I touched his hand and told him amidst uncontrollable tears, “Ah Gong, man man zhou. Wo men hui zhai jian..”

(Grandfather, safe journey. We’ll see each other again.)

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Comments

  1. My condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
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  2. My deepest condolences. I can feel the love you have for your loved ones and I am sure they knew that too. I am tears as I am reminded of my loved ones who have departed, I hope they knew that they were loved too. Cherish the memories you have with him and pass on his stories to your children/nieces/nephews. I’m sure he will never be forgotten.

  3. My condolences Suanie, and and thank you for your reflective posts.

  4. sorry to hear sweetie. We were very close to gma and gpa too.. so feel your loss… take care

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