I think i might have developed a phobia for unpleasant events to happen whenever i have exams.


The first was the passing of my grandma durin A levels.

And the second, the recent departure of my grandpa two days ago on Wednesday, 20th may, a day before my corporate finance killer paper.

It was pretty sudden, but peaceful.

On the 19th, i overheard that he was admitted to the hospital. With breathing difficulties and difficulties to stand.

So there and then,

when i was showering, a thought came to my mind.

If anything was to happen at the time when i'm overseas, and i cannot be around, i'll write a note dedicated to him, a note that shall be read through my family on my behalf.

Today, i've penned down my thoughts.


"Such is the circle of life. The beginning always fascinating, the midst, always exciting, and its end, sometimes depressing, other times, a commemoration for a life well-fulfilled. Our beloved Ah Gong, belongs to the latter.

Recently, I've seen an advertisement on TV about the facet of being beautifully imperfect. My Ah Gong may be stubborn at times, but being beautifully imperfect unveils his incredibly strong will to be independent, his will to survive the first stroke, his will to quit smoking, and his will to live through the day for the embrace of his children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren.

I'm probably not the best grandchild standing here today for the tribute. Typical as i was, i regret saying that i had spent little time bonding with him, meeting him only for occasions and festivities. However, i'm not speaking on behalf of my other cousins, who in their own journeys of growing up with him, have witnessed his quirks and laughter. It was through Orrapint, that i found out his favorite desert was ice cream and his adorable teasing to cheer her up. It was through Lorraine, that i found out how he went to MacDonald and bought a packet of shaker fries specially for her. And it was through our Da Jie (my big aunt) that his favourite seafood was fish, which he uses his kungfu to skillfully savor every corner possible. Growing up, My memories of him always include his nodding, and his cute toothy smile. Always asking us to "eat more eat more", he is teaching us to enjoy more, and to laugh more. One lesson that i have learnt from him, is to always be optimistic, and to take a step back to enjoy the simplicities of life.

The circle of life. A famous quote once said, that 'every man dies, but not every man lives'. Ah Gong's journey is, but the beginning of an end. He had completed one cycle of life on earth, and i believe he is enjoying another, a more special one, with Ah Ma in Heaven right now."


Goodbye grandpa.

You are dearly missed. :)