If I am
allowed to deliver a eulogy for my grandfather, this is probably what I will
like to say.
It came as a
piece of news too sudden for us. One that not even one of us would have
expected that he would conclude his life that way. Maybe it was fated to be.
Having lived to a ripe old age, with good bunch of children, grandchildren, and
many more future generations to come.
I would have
safely said, that he has no more regrets. He has fulfilled his wishes, of
having travelled, having handed over his career to his future generations.
Thanks to the
many people who came and gave condolences. He was a known figure in Balik Pulau;
being one of the eldest in the community, almost everybody and anybody has seen
him around on a bike, or on foot. He’s also well known for his plantation,
which specialises in our favourite fruit – durians.
Started from
humble beginnings, he was the sole breadwinner for a family of 8; including 4 daughters
and 2 sons. It was an empire built from scratch, single-handedly brought the
plantation to what it is today, taken over by the 2 brothers. There is no doubt
that he has done a fabulous job at that. The piece of land was even picked as a
hot spot recently for potential development into a tourist attraction, offering
scenic views of Pulau Pinang from various parts of the plantation. Grandpa has
the foresight to appreciate the value of this piece of hand, and the will and commitment
to make sure the land doesn’t land onto any outsider’s hands, now and in the
future I believe.
The
discipline to hold on to this piece of land for over 70 years, was no small
feat. And to nurture it over this amount of time, selflessly giving his all to
create fruits of his labour for future generations to enjoy, he embraced this
arduous journey without a single word of complaint. What he has gifted to us,
either genetically, morally, or by example, is the art of perseverance,
commitment and the determination. I am grateful for this virtue given to me.
How has he
impacted my life? Well, to let you in on a fact, he was with me on the first
time I met my dear wife. Yes, I’m referring to the airplane trip with him and
her to Penang. If not for him, I would not be having her as my wife today. For
that, I thank him, for being my best wingman.
I have heard
from my mum and the aunts that he has been eagerly waiting for the arrival of
my newborn. He had been asking when it is due, when can I come and look at her,
etc. It’s gonna be his one of his first few great-grandchildren (I think third),
and I was, and still am, proud to be able to show her to him when she arrives
in this world. It’s okay grandpa, you will be able to see her from above. She
may not be able to see you anymore, but she will definitely hear of your
stories, like how much you liked Sarsi, how you can down a whole plate of clams
in Vietnam, how he sat like a village chief in the one of the village buildings
in Xiamen, how you made the whole tour group walk up the hill with you just because
you wanted to walk, … and so much more…
We, the bunch
of grandchildren, and his children, had durians the night before the funeral on
Thursday. While it’s one of our favourite pastimes eating durians together, we
are also reminded of this icon that defines and brought the whole big family
together. For all of these, we will remember by heart.
Rest in
peace, grandpa. 一路走好。