We had a memorial service for Papa and the grandparents yesterday (March 22, 2008) in our house. It was beautiful and very meaningful. We sang 5 songs - “Give Thanks”, “What a Friend we Have in Jesus”, “Blessed Assurance”, “In the Sweet by and by” and “Still”. Some of Papa’s friends came too and we got to share our memories of Papa and also of Ah Poh and Ah Kung. The Pastor Teoh who prayed for Papa the weekend before Papa passed away came to give a little sermon and I think he’s quite nice. All in all, it was a really nice, cozy gathering. We got it on video so I might post it up when I have time.

In the mean time, here’s what I said yesterday:-

The last 5 and ¾ months have been different and difficult. In the beginning, eating dinner was hard because I sit opposite Papa at the table and I could imagine him sitting there, looking at himself in the mirror, talking to us. He used to finish way ahead of us. He used to sing a song while passing out vitamins at dinner, “One for you, one for me… “
The house is a lot quieter now too. One of the things I miss most is hearing Papa’s slippers in the house. He had a distinct walk and it was very slow… from the kitchen to the living room… to the kitchen again where he’d sit and play spider solitaire. I still believe Papa should be awarded the “Played the most Spider Solitaire Award”.

I miss watching breaking news with Papa. I miss asking him mindless questions about golf, like “where’s Sergio Garcia?” and “what’s a birdie?”

You know, he loved and was concerned about all of us. I remember one instance how he dashed out of the house when he heard Apple screaming from the gate that she’d been robbed. I was sitting in the living room and the next thing I heard the door slam. I had to ask Carmen, “What happened and where’d Papa go?” ‘cos he had run from the kitchen where he was playing computer to the front door in a few seconds. Then when uncle CS got a stroke, even though Papa was sick, tired and weak, he still drove Uncle CS all the way to the hospital himself.

One of the things I never realized is how much Papa taught without saying anything. He taught family values, that family was always important. He loved us all in his way. He was always happy when the family was together. I remember last year in August, Papa was so happy when we, Carmen and I, followed him and Mama to Singapore. He was chirpy even though it was early in the morning and in the van, he was calling me his “little pig”. That trip was one of the better trips because Papa was feeling quite well and he’d even driven us to Newton Circle to eat. We did quite a lot of things that trip – watched a movie in the cinema (something he’s never done) and it was also funny because Papa made fun of Mama’s singing.

Papa left a lot of good memories. The weekend before Papa passed away, he was at home resting and requested to watch Evan Almighty. So I went out to buy it and bought Amazing Grace too. We watched both movies with him that weekend, something we never did either, and they are both very meaningful and faith-based movies. I’m really glad Carmen and I got to watch these two movies with Papa.

Papa was very brave. Although he didn’t like rollercoasters, he was brave when it mattered most. When he fought for his life, he fought for us. I am very proud to be his daughter. He went through so much and not many of us can go through that with our head held high and with our faith intact.

Easter is so significant. It is because of what Christ suffered on that cross for us, we have eternal life. I can’t help but thank God because our memorial service falls on Easter weekend. To know that Papa accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour means so much because first, I believe that Papa is in a better place and second, I know I will see him again.

I find today significant because this time last year, Papa’s blood counts started to rise. It had stayed at 0 for over two months. It was like a beacon of light shining through the dark. It was hope. I remember how happy and joyous we were. Papa was so happy to hear this that when the nurse came to tell him his blood counts had gone up that day, they hugged each other because it was good news. The next week, March 28, 2007, Papa came home after staying at the hospital for two months.

In April last year, we celebrated Papa’s homecoming after his long and harrowing 2 month hospital stay. It was also Easter weekend. We had a mini party and we were thankful to God for allowing Papa to come home and for bringing him through that time.

I don’t think it is a coincidence that we are celebrating Papa’s life this Easter weekend. Just like how it was not a coincidence last Easter when we celebrated Papa’s homecoming. I see it as a reassurance and reminder from God that He is with us and that Papa is safe. Like the song, “Because He Lives,”

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict’ry,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!