My grandma passed away on Monday. I got a call from my sister at 6am (UK) to inform me that my grandma has just passed away. Its sad news indeed, as I am so far away and cannot even get to see her before she left.
My grandma and I have never really been closed, as I speak english, mandarin and cantonese and my grandma speaks teow chew. Communications aside, I only see her for a short while every week, as she stayed in the Sierra home. She had to stay there due to her medical conditions. Mind you, she certainly tried to learn mandarin and english, but it was still limited, and I never really thought of talking to her more, as we grew up.
Grandma certainly always liked having me around her, as I am the grandson whom she sees most often as we stay in Singapore. Even when she was staying with us in Yishun, I never minded having her around. There were issues of conflict between grandma and Mum, dad and sis, but she and I got along just fine, basically because we kept out of each other's way. I think its mainly because I am busy with my life, NS and university.
Grandma has a knack for cooking. I loved her ang ku kueh (best in the world), and her sun kuehs. She even sold them on the street for a living. Its unfortunate that I don't get much chance to eat them more often, or learnt how to make them like she does. Perhaps the skills run in the family, cause auntie angie and dad could cook, without guidance or training, really well.
Grandma has a tough life, and from what I gathered (cause she doesn't like to talk about the past or about grandpa who passed away before I was born, plus I don't really understand teow chew...sigh). It is by God's grace that she became a catholic, and she brought dad to Singapore. She baptised dad and auntie angie, so in turn I was also baptised as a baby. See how the grace of God flows through the generations. Grandpa died early, and grandma has to bring up dad and his 2 elder sister. She made the right choice in putting dad at boy's town, so dad got to study in english.
Grandma is really smart. Even though she doen't speak english. she could figure out lots of stuff. She could even teach me how to use the microwave, though its not because I don't know how to use it...;)
I could never get a recent photo of grandma, as dad says that grandma don't like to be photographed. Auntie Angie do have one of her hanging on the wall.
Its just sad that I couldn't get to go back or spend more time with her, due to work and family committments. Just before we left in Aug, we were so busy packing and visiting families, we didn't even have time to meet our friends. In fact, we were still packing on the last day. There was lots to prepare for leaving my job and going to UK< and Rebecca was just born, and we had to settle so much details, plus my car got smashed and its really difficult to go around.
Dad told me that grandma passed away peacefully at the hospital. the family visited her on Sunday and she even got to play with Randal. When they left, she was smiling. I am comforted by the fact that she is now with the Lord and in a happier place. I will certainly see her when its my turn.
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