Departure

As I lie on my back nursing a backache that was caused by my stupidity, I am thinking about the news that was conveyed to me by my father about half an hour ago. My uncle in Ipoh (my mother's younger brother) has passed away. Although we meet only once a year during Chinese New Year, it saddens me that he will be leaving behind 2 sons who are still in school - 1, I think doing SPM(O levels) and the other in lower secondary school. It saddens me that my grandma who is still active and working hard to do house chores and maintain her dilapidated house will have to attend the funeral of another child - the main breadwinner of the family. I am reminded about how much she wept at my mother's funeral and how sad it will be for her in the coming days. Life is often cruel to some and it seems like my maternal grandma was not spared the pain of sending away 2 of her children. My heart goes out to her and my aunt who will be without a husband.

Death is inevitable for all of us. I pray for my uncle's family that they will not be overwhelmed with sadness and find the strength to move on. I pray for those who has been dealt harsh hands in life that they might find a glimmer of hope in their everyday lives. I am reminded that life is fleeting and to live it to the full. It is my reminder to be more grateful for the friends and family around.