Sue's Grandma was called to be with the Lord this morning, 2 Dec 2006, at 11.08am. She went peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family, just the way she probably would have wanted it to be. Looking back at the past weeks' events, I can only say that the timing of Mama's departure couldn't have been better - her dearest youngest son only managed to fly back from Canada yesterday at 6pm, because he was delayed by an unusual snowstorm back home.
The short six months that I've known Mama have been most memorable. From the first day I met her I was greeted by a feisty old lady who seemed to love me so much - her smile was so warm and her touch so loving - something that has no doubt rubbed off on her family. I felt truly blessed by the warmth with which Mama accepted me and loved me - on more than one occasion she had asked about me even through I was not there. She also showered me with gifts - chocolate - and on one occasion tried to give me an extra big ang pow even though there was no special reason.
Mama had a deep love for food - something also close to my
heart. Up till her last week she had still verbalised her cravings for
root beer, ice blended mocha and durian puffs. And she shocked her whole family on more than one instance - asking about my Ah Kong - and even offering to marry him!
I spent last night stringing together a series of photos to be used during her funeral service tomorrow. The pictures told the story of a regal lady who had confidently brought up six children in the best way she could. Up till today the family still meets every Sunday at her place, and even though she had been bedridden for more than ten years, she had still maintained a quiet sense of optimism which was contagious among her family members. Indeed one of Sue's cousins wrote on her blog that although she felt she had been "commanded" to go to Mama's place when she was young, as she grew older the routine became more natural, and it gradually served as a chilling out time among the family.
I feel the greatest legacy Mama has left behind for the family was her love for God. It was most beautiful that the family had gathered together to pray for her at her death bed. I have seen no other family as close as Sue's family - and it indeed brings joy to my heart to see a family that is so loving and caring - and so accepting in every foreseeable way...
As one of Sue's aunts commented to me one evening, she was caught in a dilemma between wanting Mama to remain here on earth, but at the same time knowing that there is a better place for her in Heaven. This morning it was especially meaningful because another aunt was praying that Mama would rise on wings of eagles. It was then that she uttered her final gasp and departed to be with the Lord.
The family intends tomorrow's funeral service to be a celebration of the life Mama had lived, and a thanksgiving unto the Lord for all He has provided for them and for Mama. I know Mama would have it no other way. The legacy she has left behind resonates strongly in every member of her family - and it is indeed a joy that I would one day become part of this family.
