Leaving for Heaven
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Four days. Grandma's wake (ceremony) lasted for four days -
Thursday to Sunday. The funeral was on Monday. It was mentally and physically
exhausting for my family. The mother whom they loved, the grandmother whom we
all loved, she has left for eternity. We all missed her dearly. Throughout the
days of the wake service, we had people coming in and out of the house to pay
their respect to grandma. Countless of beautifully arranged sympathy standing
sprays from our family friends and companies were sent.
Neighbours and
grandma's friends from church came over and shared fond memories of the dearly
departed. I didn't know so many people loved her so much. They adored her. Many
of them wept as they recount experiences with her over the microphone,
describing her kindness and stating that she was the loveliest old lady they've
come to know. They said she was cute, and quiet, and that she has always been
really diligent at studying the Bible. I didn't know grandma only studied
until primary three and that she wasn't really good at reading words until they
told me. I am truly proud of her for being able to read the Bible at the age of
74, and the fact that she's still wanting to learn at that age. It's so
admirable.
"She'll
never fail to not turn up to our cell group. She's always learning to pray and
attending Bible study three times a week. She really loves God." One
sister from church told us.
The second one
voiced out, "I'm already missing her. She's like a mother to all of us."
"She's
would always wait for us to fetch her to church without letting us wait. Even
when it's late and she's tired, she wouldn't say anything because she didn't
want to trouble us. She would always bring us fruits and bakes she made with
her family, to share with us" Another brother said.
One after
another, words of goodness flow out of everyone's lips. And lastly, mom went up
with my aunties and uncle. Tears were streaming down mom's eyes and it
broke my heart at the sight of that. My family members told everyone about
grandma, and then they all held hands, bowed and thanked everyone
for taking care of their precious mother.
I thought it was
too soon for her to leave. I questioned God why he didn't allow us to celebrate
David's wedding day next month with her. Why couldn't he just allow her to stay
with us a little longer?
My youngest aunt
consoled me, "His ways are higher than our ways. God has his own
purpose."
I believe.
"We'll all meet in Heaven one day. Let's stay strong."
Mom x David with Grandma at Disneyland - 1991
David's birthday x Sam at McDonalds - 1993
Grand's Birthday - 1999
Family at our Home - 1999
Grand's Birthday - 2015
Thank you God
for allowing me to return to Penang this year on her birthday, and for allowing
me to be with not only her, but also my family this time around. I would really
feel guilty for not being present, and instead was still in Singapore. Thank
you God.
Thank you for
everything, grandma. Thank you for your love, care, patience and understanding.
Your existence is the greatest gift to us all. You'll always be remembered. We
love you.
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