Goodbye Gramps

My 88-year-old grandpa was admitted into the hospital under critical conditions yesterday morning. Last night, he passed away peacefully around 11-ish at night and we were contacted and informed at around 1-ish this morning.

Exactly a year ago, grandpa had a fall. Granny said that he fell on the 1st day of the 7th month in the Chinese lunar calendar (which is the start of the Ghost Month). And tomorrow is the 1st day of the 7th month. At this ripe old age, granny said that grandpa is better off in heaven. "Lungs full of germs," she continued. "Better let him go and end his suffering."

We paid our last respects at HUKM's morgue today. Grandpa had a nice cream coloured suit on, with a reddish tie, ready to be transported to the crematorium. I laid my hands lightly on his. Felt cold to my touch. Mum asked us to say a few words to grandpa. "He'll hear us," she said. "His soul is still around. C'mon...last few words," mum persuaded lightly.

Do not be saddened. It is probably better off this way where there is no more suffering. He's now off to a better place, most probably engaging in his favourite pastime, pok kiau (means gambling in hokkien). *giggle*


I don't have many photos with grandpa. This was taken 2 years ago. He is always cheerful and funny, makes me laugh in his clumsy ways.

Rest in peace, kong kong. I love you and will miss you.

And those were the last words I whispered to him.



9 flowers for this post
my condolences.
michaelooi | Homepage | 31.07.08 - 5:59 pm | #

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U take care now, K
chiki | 31.07.08 - 6:08 pm | #

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I am so sorry for your lost..! may you and yours find comfort that he is in a better place..! you take good care.. Princess..*hugs*
mama bok | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 6:20 am | #

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My condolences Fran. Your Granny is right, at his age, it's better to end his suffering. He actually reached his prime. Lucky you, you were able to be with him for so many years more. I lost my grandparents early.

I'm sure he'll be in your heart...forever.
Lene | 02.08.08 - 5:43 pm | #

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Thank you all for your wishes. {{hugs}}
Primrose | Homepage | 2.08.08 - 11:48 pm | #

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*huggies* . . . .at least u know him . . . i . .. er. . . .my grandpa passed away way b4 i was born and my grandma died when I was 15.

Cherish ur time with him . .sis
foodcrazee | 06.08.08 - 11:15 pm | #

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Condolences about your grandpa. But he did live till 88, lots of people aren't so lucky.
James | Homepage | 08.08.08 - 1:03 am | #

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My heartiest condolences. He's in a better place now. Chin up and be strong . *hugz*
titoki | Homepage | 08.08.08 - 6:40 pm | #

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Sorry for reading this very late. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Frances. *hug*
fish fish | Homepage | 24.08.08 - 12:46 am | #

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