Grandma's Legacy

Ah Ma's funeral was this afternoon. Again many people showed up. Because of CNY many who have left home were back. Even some of our own friends came. But because of CNY too, many of those who would have come could not come because they were away. But given the short notice, the attendance was really an encouragement. There weren't enough seats for all!

I had the opportunity to talk to a couple around my age. I noticed that they seemed to be hanging around the house for quite some time. Curiosity got to me, hence my conversation with them. You see, a good 60 years or more separate Grandma and them. Turned out she used to preach to them in their youth group. They were on their way home to JB. They heard and came to pay their last respects. Said Grandma was a lady who lived her life for God. And that she was a woman true to her faith.

And during yesterday's Wake, I had a better glimpse into her past. She was a godly lady. Everyone acknowledged that, even the non-Christians. She lived her life with her eyes fixed to Heaven and as such her life was a testimony to that. Never one to complain, she always had something good to say about those around her. Come to think of it, I've never heard her complaining of anything either. If anything, she always asked us whether we were going to church, how we were coping... and she always had reasons to give thanks or encourage us.

I remember when she was getting rather forgetful, she would always ask us whether she could make us a cup of Milo, on our visits home... and she'd keep repeating that. My father-in-law used to tell her to stop, thinking that I would be irritated but I always thought it was kinda sweet of her. That was her.... always looking out for others' well-being. And at one stage even when she could not recognize us, she would still pray for us for our well-being and also each time before we were to begin our journey home. And God always seemed to answer her prayers.

One of my first conversations with her... she told me her life in China, of the 4 seasons and how they had to change the type of clothing for each season. She said, she was blessed to come to Malaya. It's a land of sun and shine.... to her this is the best place for her and she is thankful to God for bringing her here.

This morning too, we expected less people but again many were left standing...

I can only think of her passing on.. the timing couldn't have been better. We actually hardly get to be under the same roof at the same time. Yet because it was CNY, all of us were around. The great grandkids were around too. And she went, with her great grandkids playing around her and the rest of the family watching on. Her other son had come just a couple of hours before that. Just before she left, when her breathing became shallower, we called for her church members. And they came, gathered around her, prayed for her and sang her favourite hymns and songs.

We got to celebrate CNY too... saw some friends and all that. And I even met so many of my teachers whom I've not seen for so many years. They came to pay their last respects. Awesome! We were planning to leave on the 3rd day. But on the 2nd day, she left us. Arrangements were quickly made. In moving on, God's grace continued to be with us through her. As in when family members gather, opportunities are created for bridges to be strengthened. She continued to bless us even in passing...

And I was looking at the sky this morning... the last few days had been scorchingly hot. Yet, as we held the service the clouds gathered. It was warm but not uncomfortable for us. The sun came out again when we were at the cemetery, hot but not scorchingly so. And in the afternoon, after the coffin had been cemented, it rained. Healing from the rain, showers of blessings.... and that would be so her. 8)

I think the blessings that come the way of our lives, it's God's grace through her faithfulness. I know she prayed for all of us, everyday of her life. I know she loved God first and foremost. He was always first in her life. And I know she kept going strong for God until her last legs. And God remained faithful to her... that's her legacy.

Update 19/02/10: Found this piece written by Ing. And what she wrote is what was echoed a lot during the Wake.