Live: A Funeral

I attended a funeral yesterday. A good friend's father passed away at 71 years old from stroke. The family did not see it coming. The stroke left him only 5 days, unconscious. The family was not around when he passed. They had left the hospital to get some rest when the hospital called them. Although all tried to rush to the hospital at once, they were 5 minutes late. My friend said that her father had always been a carefree person. That was his way of saying goodbye, avoiding the heart breaking moment. He left peacefully.

I was there to pay respect and express my condolences, as the friend is like a sister to me. She is 10 years older than me, but we clicked as friends and she's a superb teammate.

I never knew her father, so I did not expect any teary eyes. When I saw my friend's mother, she was a picture of sadness and pain. Imagine losing the love of your life, your life long soul mate. She remembered me. I did not know what to say. I feared that I would trigger her sadness and tears.

After paying respect to the deceased, we sat down with my friend. My friend started telling us about the last moments of her father, and how all happened in a sudden. She also recalled many sweet memories of her and her father. He was a loving father, husband, and an incredibly caring grandfather to the family. She spoke of him in awe and utmost respect. He will be missed sorely, I am sure.

As I watched and listened, my eyes became teary. All these made me think of my parents and grandparents. I fear that day. I have never lost a close relative before. When my grandfather passed away, I was in the US and only found out about it a week after. I was sad, but the impact was not unbearable.

I visited my grandfather's grave for the first time 2 years ago with my grandmother. I remember seeing her talking to my grandfather's grave. She brought his favorite Fried Meehun and 'Kopi-Ice'. Even several years after my grandfather left, she was still in tears. I could tell that she missed him so much, and it was a sight that I would never forget.

As for my parents, seeing them getting older by the year is scary. I know it is part of life. Therefore, I try to spend more time with them, and give them whatever I could offer. I have a pair of parents who had worked so hard to give us the best upbringing and life. They deserve every bit of my attention and love. I could not ask for better parents.

Now, I am really looking forward to the Phuket trip with my parents. I want to take many pictures and give them the experience that they never had.

“樹欲靜而風不止，子欲養而親不在。”