We are what we are as we have lived our lives.
Our experiences dictate our characters.
Yet we are what we will be as we choose to be.
For our today is our experience of tomorrow.
“Grandma is here!” thought a tween. The motherly smile, the deeply etched wrinkles, peaceful gaze, the exuberant being.
Our experiences dictate our characters.
Yet we are what we will be as we choose to be.
For our today is our experience of tomorrow.
“Grandma is here!” thought a tween. The motherly smile, the deeply etched wrinkles, peaceful gaze, the exuberant being.
Every now and then, as the child grows older, he discovered a pattern of his grandmother’s travels; every fortnight or so, she would visit all her 5 children and their children. She was very connected to her family and never before has the child seen a healthier, more mobile, independent 70 year old woman. She was even the leader of a Qigong group.
The young teen never did thought of her being frail but yet…
In another decade, all that pink of health gives way to the toxins of modern science for the sustenance of life. As one ages, the body system breaks down slowly.
In another decade, all modern science has to succumb to nature.
At least she did see him get married. In her feeble years, he hoped that she was aware that she had additional 2 great grandsons.
That is what I remember as I write.
For the grand old dame was my dear, dear grandmother.
She was not a great teacher as I cannot remember her teaching me any life lessons, but I do remember her warmth. She did not live with our household yet I did not miss her as she would always be visiting and be with us. I was not close to her yet I did not reject her nor did I resent her: for she was the mother of my mother- the virtues of my mother must be passed down from her. I did not love her deeply yet I do sorely miss her when she departed... forever.
Her demise began as a fall and fractured her hips. She was then warded at NUH. Operation was risky given her advance age, diabetes, high blood pressure and the like. Natural healing was the better option.
The plan should be simple: put her in cast, and she should heal in a year.
She died.
The Buddhist rites were carried out and in my heart; she would get a better life or Nirvana. My eyes were wet when I hear the monks chant. Deep down inside, it was a thunderstorm. At least she had lived a full life, leaving behind 50 or so children, grand children and great grandchildren.
For I am what I was,
LIFE will go on.
