Bye, Ah Gong

My maternal grandpa has just passed away last Sunday 18May08 leaving behind 11 children and 20+ grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

We received a call from my Aunt on Sunday morning saying that grandpa might not make it. Mum rushed down the minute she has heard this news. I went down slightly later.

When i arrive, his eyes werent fully open, he looked as though he is looking for something. We couldnt figure out his needs as he was not able to speak already that day and we teared. He was lying at his bed. He lost a lot of weight, his limbs were cold.

We took turns to talk to him and took rest at the living room. Just at 5+pm, aunt beth came out of the room exclaiming that grandpa is not breathing already. We knew he is gone. Our tears flowed.

Then came the preparation for the wake. There was the doctor to call, to certify his death, there was the undertaker to call, needed to book the void deck for the wake, photos, his favourite stuff and other arrangement. This is the first time im experiencing the whole process and there is really a lot to learn. Of course, the aunties and uncles were quick tempered, i was tasked to do stuff, and questions asked are often replied hastily or at a not nice tone. I do understanding the mood. But im upset to issit it? Who cares about me?

Anyway, the few days were spent with the many preparations and frustration could always be seen. This is the time where the whole family needs to stick together, and brave through the pain together.

Today, we gathered at the void deck for his departure to the Church for mass and cremation. The ambience was tense, more frustration seen, i've gotten more "whatever" and i was tasked to stay back to look after Grandma. I really would like to send Grandpa off. But i know someone has to stay back to look after grandma.
I saw as they walked ah gong to a distance and headed off to the church.

Goodbye ah gong, please take care. We will look after ah ma and all the aunties and uncles.

Bye....

Thanks to all who has contributed bak kim and pay your last respect at ah gong's wake.

p.s Im glad Aunt Margaret make it in tie to see ah gong off....