0520hrs on 10 Oct 2009,
Grandma passed away leaving behind 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
It's never easy raising 1 or 2 kids, but my grandma has done her job well raising 7 by selling chickens at Whampoa Market along with my late grandad. Though I never had the chance to go(only at Toa Payoh Market, do I recall), I believe she worked hard to support her 7 children, making sure they grew up well. Plus she has a really kind soul and is by far the most understanding person I know. Even when she knew she had a half son, she took him in, acknowledge him as her son and include him in our family gathering. And has never once treated anyone unfairly. No matter how mischievous her grandchildrens were, she tolerated with us and taught us to behave properly. Thinking back, I didn't really talk with her much cause she spoke to me in dialect which i am not comfortable with. But I understand what she said to me and respect her whatever she says. Every chinese festival be it major or not, she would always ask us all down to her place where she will cook our favourite food for us with no complaint. Remembering our likes and dislikes, she make sure everyone had nothing but the best to eat. The most wonderful food i really loved was grandma's curry chicken, which i believe all cousins will agree. She has many wonderful recipes that leaves everyone craving for more. Pork chop, Pig stomach soup, Bo Bo Char Char and many others were all her best dishes.
9 weeks ago, she suffered a stroke and was admitted to TTSH. That time, I was in camp when my mum told me the news. I felt the pain then, not knowing if she was alright. Ever since then, every book out will be straight to vist her. She knew I was there but couldn't say anything in her normal voice. As days went by, she got weaker and weaker. One of her last wishes was to go back to her home. Not wanting to dissapoint her, her 7 children agreed to let her go home. We could all feel how happy she was to be back. Gradually, her response became slower. Initially, she could still speak in bits and pieces but we understood her words. Then her physical movements was getting minimal day by day. Last Fri, after book out I went straight to her place, she looked frail and could barely move. Her only movements was her eyes, as I called her, she shifted her sight towards me and I know she could still hear me. When I went home that night, I prayed that my grandma would at least wait till Cousin Alvina in Shanghai to return back. But my grandma couldn't wait that long. Cousin Belia, who flew back from Australia, was by her side throughout the night. Then, grandma was still breathing but very slowly. Her 7 kids were all there, and she still held on when either one was by her side. Aunt Susan was the last to see grandma. All she did was went to the kitchen for less than 5 mins, by the time she came back, my grandma had breathe her last.
My biggest regret was that i was unable to attend my grandma's 78th birthday earlier tis year due to national duty. When my parents told her why i couldn't come, she didn't complain, but instead she understand and told me to do my job properly.
It really saddens me when I think how I can no longer have my grandma to nag at me to go and eat. She would ensure that I have my dinner. Even if I was not feeling hungry, she would want me to have some soup.
Now she has gone to a better place without having to suffer the pain anymore and to be with Ah Gong to watch over us which she has always does....and she knows our whole family will miss her deeply....Rest in peace Ah Ma, we will all miss and love you!!
Below is her favorite song 我问天 from 爱. Grandma, this song is for you. It keeps memories of you when i heard this song.