Tinktoomuch Speech #2: My Late Grandfather

Good evening to all. As some of you know that my grandfather has passed on last Saturday evening, 260909, due complications arising form diabetes, heart and cardiac disease.

He was 80 years old.

I wouldn't say that I'm very close to my Grandfather. Since he seldom spoke much. But through his few words I could sense his care and concern for his family. And no doubt i would miss the regular doses of these few words.

I usually met him on Saturday evenings. My maternal extended family will always meet up at my grandfather's place on Saturday evenings, which explains why i usually detest going out on Sat evenings.

Of course the gathering consists of the get-together dinner. The children (under age 35) are banished form the main table to the smaller "kids" table in the living room. We enjoyed this -- it gave us the best possible view of the television. Dinner, was great, for as long as I can remember. My grandmother was a great chef, and together with family warmth, it tasted better than anything SFI can whip up. Pity that my Grandfather couldn't enjoy a few dishes of hers during his last days, due to his health.

After dinner we would retreat into my grandparents' very large bedroom to enjoys the joys of the air-conditioner. I used to sleep in that room before I entered primary school. It was usually quiet, save for the sounds of the television, but on Saturdays the room will come to life. This is mainly due to my grandma, my aunt and my mum. Put 2 sisters and a mom together and they can talk like they haven't meet in years.

My Grandfather would sit firmly in his arm chair, ignoring the surrounding noise and concentrate on the TV. I would too be trying to ignore the noise, but i have to admit I'm not yet as capable as him. My brother and my cousin would do the same. This was how we spent time together. Just staring at the TV.

Last Saturday, I went back to visit my Grandmother. As my Grandfather was a man of few words the noise level in the house pretty much stayed the same. But the house felt emptier. There was 1 less person the have dinner with, 1 less person to stare at the TV with, 1 less person to bid goodbye to.

Now I would have to visit my Grandfather at e Kong Ming Shan Crematorium. I do miss my late Grandfather, and I'll pray for his departure. But most importantly, I'll pray for my family to have the courage to accept his death, especially my mum. And I'll definitely do my best in my future studies and help take care of my family members.

Rest in peace, Grandpa.