I thought about you today. Though it is nothing new as I often thought about you in silence and whenever I see the beautiful plants and colourful flowers at the nursery near my home.
I remember those times we sat and talked. Talking to you was always a treat.
We once talked about life and death. You told me that one day you will die and I said, “Aunt, please don’t say that.” But you said, “It’s a fact we must all accept.” You then showed me a beautiful photo of yourself and said it will be the photo of your final journey.
Not too long after that you told me that you had trouble sleeping and you were getting quite forgetful. I did not feel anything amiss at that time cos I was rather forgetful myself too.
I feel sad and helpless when you told me you could no longer drive or do your own shopping. I know how much you loved to be independent. You said you would never want to be a burden to your family.
Also, you often spoke about your two loving daughters, both have made you felt really loved and blessed as a mother. And how much you loved and enjoyed being a grandma to your two wonderful grandsons.
I thought about my visit to your home with Sydelle and Shaye in November 2016. You said you felt very tired. Though you did not say much on that day, you looked at Sydelle and Shaye and uttered “They are very beautiful”. Something you often said about the girls when we meet. I’m thankful that we visited you that day. But I never thought that would be our last goodbye.
Today, I will light a candle for you to let you know,
I miss your smile
I miss your voice
I miss your wit and your wisdom.
Rest in peace, Aunt Ying!
I shall see you one day on the other side of the stars.
The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where Who knows when But I’m strong Strong enough to carry him He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother
So on we go His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We’ll get there For I know He would not encumber me He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother
If I’m laden at all I’m laden with sadness That everyone’s heart Isn’t filled with the gladness Of love for one another
It’s a long, long road From which there is no return While we’re on the way to there Why not share And the load Doesn’t weigh me down at all He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother