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A Tribute to my Grandma

My grandma passed away last night around 8.30pm. Or so the doctor declared…

When we finished dinner, my mum received the news that my grandma was gone. We were all shocked. I didn’t even get to see the last of her…..

When we arrived at her place, she was laid on her bed. Looking pale and frail but peaceful. It was as if she was just sleeping and having a long nice dream. My aunt told us that it was during dinner that they felt something amiss. She was not exactly eating and sweating quite profusely. Then she gave a big sigh, as thou a sigh of relief….and that was her last breathe.

Looking at her body, I could not believe that she was dead…..

My grandma was a great woman. She was a woman of great determination, intellect and character. She’s always been seemed to me as a very strong woman who will protect her family at all costs. My mum would always tell me stories of how my grandma took her stand to make sure that her family was unharmed.

As a kid, I would always be very fascinated as to why she reads the newspaper out loud, emphasizing each word (in hokkien, because she can only understand hokkien) and often a short pause between each word. When I was old enough to understand, my mum told me that she was a really enthusiastic learner. Although she had never gone to school, she learnt how to read the newspapers from her children, word by word. And the amazing thing is, she could remember them all and eventually finishing the entire newspaper. Amazing woman isn't she?

Her birthday and mine were actually 3 days apart, we were all somewhat hoping we could celebrate her 94th birthday this coming September, but….I guess her body was wearing out.

Before she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, I used to enjoy talking to her whenever she stayed over. Once, she took out a tiny gold ring from her finger and gave it to me. I didn’t want it but she insisted I kept it. I still have it today, it’s the only memory I have of her now….

She is now re-united with my grandpa in heaven….

When my grandpa died, she was devastated, but she kept on a strong front so as to keep everybody together. My mum said she saw my grandma weeping alone at a small corner. It’s must have been hard on her….

I was really young then but I remember that my grandfather was suffering. He had lung and liver cancer, the lethal outcome of cigarettes smokes and extensive drinking. He was in bad shape and a lot of pain. Until today, I can’t forget how he looked lying in the bed. Everyone was more or less anticipating his death and was somewhat relieved when it ended. He was clearly suffering so much being alive at that point in time. Although young, I could remember clearly how my grandfather looked upon his deathbed. His condition was so bad until the doctors refuse to keep him in the hospital. They thought he was better off at home. That is why to this date, I never ever like the idea of drinking and smoking and I would never ever encourage the people whom I really care about to smoke. The pain and suffering that comes after is just too much. If not for yourself, think about those you love around you, looking at you suffering and yet they could not do anything.

Life is indeed never long enough depending on how you live you life. Life is precious as much as it is fragile. Live your life to the max but at the same time, don’t forget your loved ones by your side. You never know when is the last time you’ll ever spend time together again. Never take them for granted.

Rest in peace grandma….you will always have a place in my heart….

Blabbered by KaiRiNu at 10:15 AM