A Passing

Just read a message from my mom less than 10 minutes ago. Great grandmother passed away yesterday night. I really wish that I am in Malaysia right now to pay her my last respect.

Ever so I can remember, almost 4 times a year I visit great grandmother when my grandmother was still around. At that time, I truly admire her health and spirit for such an elderly person. As years passed, my own grandmother left us when I was 11 of age. This is when I visit great grandmother about once a year, sometimes two depending whether I have the time for it. Great grandmother used to say in some funny Chinese dialect that is so alien to me, “I want to die but cannot die.” (Say it in Cantonese)

Every Chinese New Year, it is compulsory to pay her a visit during the 1st day of the Lunar New Year. It will be a disobedient act if we do not do so. Gathering at her house was very noisy because most of the people I see every year were there. Chatting, drinking and of course ang paus creates a big commotion. Gosh, I am going to miss those days.

‘Ah Tai Poh’, though you might not remember me of which you used to call me ‘Leong Chai’ or ‘Ah Sim Tai Chai’, I wish that you would be happy no matter where are you now. May peace be with you always.

One thing I hate about the people who she stayed with was her own son; granduncle. You see, his eldest son is older than me by no more than 5 years. And best part is as far as I could recall, I have never seen his face, not even during Chinese New Year; knowing the fact that people; brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grand nieces would come to your house for a visit, at least have come courteous to be at home. We do not owe you anything for the matter of fact.

Dear granduncle, I know you do not celebrate Chinese New Year because of your religion. To make the record straight, you and your family are Chinese and nothing to do with your religion. If you renounce your race, then do not go for holidays during these period and stay in your office and work.