Rest In Peace Grandpa

Wednesday 15th July,
When I was in the middle of work in my mom’s office, I’ve got news from my mom that my grandpa was in a critical condition. So, we rushed back home. My mom thought of going back to taiping alone with my auntie. However, news came that he left 1 day life. The doctor said that something had caused his blood contaminated and weakened/damaged his main organs in the body. So, the whole family went to taiping. Except for my grandma, she’s physically weak to handle the shock. We reached there about 7 or 8 evening. We were allowed to enter and visit him in the ICU one person at a time. When it was my turn, as I was standing by his bed side, I have no idea why, tears began to well up my eyes. He was already in coma. As if he was in a deep sleep.

Thursday 16th July,
After our breakfast, we went and visited him. I held his hand. I felt his hand’s muscle reacted, as if he was holding mine. His closed eyes moved a little at the same time. Somewhat, I felt that he knew my presence.
At noon, the doctor asked whether to take the risk for surgery or wait for his death. So, the elders in my family decided to take on the risk eventhough it just less than 10% chance.
The surgery was successful. The cause of the problem has been removed. He was saved but there’s still need to wait to overcome the critical time.
Everyone was happy and glad. However, this temporary relief had lead to further disappointment.

Friday 17th July,
After breakfast, we’ve received call from the hospital that the whole family needs to be there. The doctor said that his heart was getting weaker and anytime(less than 1 day) he can pass on. About 1.25pm he passed. My aunties told us that before he passed, they told him that he can peacefully move on and they will take care of my grandmother well. That’s when around that time he had passed.
Some were left behind to take care of hospital business and some went off to prepare for funeral procedures and ceremonies, newspaper publishes, tomb, etc.
I was one of those that stayed behind. We followed my deceased grandpa to the mortuary and then to my uncle’s home for funeral.
About evening, my grandma arrived. Initially, she looked calm. But as she was asked to see the deceased, she broke down to tears. It was a heart aching sight. All her children including my mother were crying and embracing her. Step by step she moved towards to coffin. At one point, before she reached the coffin, she was so scared that she dared not move towards it. Eventually, she came face to face with the deceased. Everyone was in tears. Truly a grieving scene. 
Later on, everyone calmed down and continue the funeral ceremonies. The ceremony will be held for 3days 2nights.

Saturday 18th July,
The ceremony continues. Many people were lack of sleep and looked tired.

Sunday 19th July,
The day of entombment. 
Everyone went and sent him off, except for grandma; she’s too weak to go.
The deceased will be having fire burial.
Most of us went back (KL) on the same day, including me. But I had to stay at grandma’s house for the night due to transportation convenience.
My mom and uncle stayed back to collect the deceased’s ash and handled a few minor funeral procedures the next day.

Monday 20th July,
My mom came and picked me up from grandma’s place, then sent my uncle back to Singapore.
Reached home about 9.30pm.


I’ve learnt a lot from this experience. Everything has a purpose in this life. I’ve gained many respects for the elders through this experience; I’ve learnt about funeral ceremonies; Learnt about letting go; Learnt about being true to one-self; Learnt about strength to move on; Learnt about religion and spiritual strength; and many more.

May my grandfather rest in peace.