Grandpa left us on Sunday at 5 minutes before noon. The whole experience seems so strange & unreal as I stood there staring at Grandpa lying on the hospital bed motionless without any response. I soon realised that he was gone & I was one of the few who didn't have the chance to say goodbye to him. If I hadn't gone back home with Grandma & the rest, we'd be able to be by his side until he drew his last breath. But it's too late to cry over spilled milk.
The next thing was a whirlwind of events as we prepared for the wake which lasted for 2 days. It was an exhausting process - praying & chanting at intervals of 20 minutes or so. Apart from that, we were required to fold paper money which is to be burnt for Grandpa. All these rituals kept us occupied & focused on completing what was necessary instead of sitting at a corner weeping uncontrollably.
Little did we expect that time passed by so quickly. Along came the 3rd day; the last day for us to see his body before we sent him off to the cemetery for burial. Each of us took turns to bid him farewell. As I approached his casket, I could no longer hold back my tears. All I could utter silently that I'll be forever grateful for whatever he did for me all these years & wishing him a safe "journey" to where ever he is heading to. I touched his forehead gently & held there for a few seconds, then left for the next person in line to do his/her deed.
At 10am, we departed to the cemetery with the hearse leading 2 vehicles & a bus I was in with my sister, cousins, close friend & relatives. The burial plot where Grandpa lay to rest overlooks a small hill & the scenery is a picturesque view of a quiet town with peace & tranquility. Hopefully Grandpa loves his new home as this is the best we can provide to show our filial piety & respect.
Dear Grandpa, where ever you are, don't worry as we'll take good care of Grandma. Thanks for being such a great person in our lives. Have a safe "journey" & rest in peace. We'll miss you dearly...
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