My paternal grandfather:
He is a fish merchant whom had his own business a few decades back. When I was young, I would look forward to spending weekends with him and grandma. He doesn't express himself with words but he always have this sweet smile plastered on his face. Whenever I spent the night over, he would have my favourite dishes on the dinner table.
He spent his life loving his job, having little sleep just to make sure work is done properly. I've never seen him flare his tempers before.
I brought along husband and son to visit him on the 1st day of Chinese New Year, & I almost couldn't go over to his place. As usual, the smile never left his face. He looked all well & healthy.
On the 4th day, I received a phone call from Daddy.. I couldn't tell that he was sobbing and choking his words, then he got over himself and he said grandfather may not make it and is in a critical condition at Mount Alvernia. At that point of time, I was with my maternal grandfather.. Husband & I quickly rushed down. When we reached the car park, Daddy called again and said maybe there's only 10 minutes left. We ran all the way to the ICU.
10 minutes passed, doctor came out and pronounced his death. I couldn't believe it! Yes no one could. It was all too sudden. This is the first time I lost someone so close due to heart attack. I still told him I would come visit him a few days after the 1st of CNY.
He dote me so much and I didn't spend enough time with him yet. I still had plans for dinner with him.
His funeral lasted for 7 days and we sent him off to cremate on the 17th February.
My Maternal grandfather:
Last year, he was diagnosed with last stage pancreatic cancer. He complained of pains & I'm sure it is those extreme pain as he was a strong headed man. He still look ok when we celebrated his birthday in October last year.
He always have his stern looking face but he would always smile when carrying Jarius :')
Then we celebrated Christmas, he's already getting weak in just a span of 2 months.
Look at how skinny he has become, his face aged and looked so different...
Slowly, he deteriorate.. Couldn't take in much food or even drinks, couldn't sleep, couldn't walk too much, couldn't bath. He was taking morphine to control the pain. He was being stubborn and didn't allowed people to help. In the end, we sent him to the hospice as he requested.
Being there, he allowed the nurses to help him with everything. We all took turns to visit him everyday. Small aunt took leave a week before CNY to be there for him everyday.
For the first time ever, our lunar reunion dinner was held outside of grandpa's place. I'm just really thankful that everyone is still united as one.
On the 1st day of CNY around noon time, aunt Carol called & ask me to go down to the hospice immediately. My heart paused as I never thought it would be so soon.
Husband drove us down. The hospice even transferred grandpa to one-bedded room.
I tried to hold my tears after hanging aunt Carol's call but when I reached the room, everyone had tears in their eyes and nose red from crying. I couldn't bring myself to step in.
Grandpa's face looked soul-less, it's like he's not there. Everyone kept calling him and talking to him, saying prosper words & hoping he would answer back.
He didn't respond. Until husband carried Jarius to grandpa's face. He suddenly raised his hands and touched Jarius. Everybody was elated!
Then my paternal grandfather left us on the 4th day of CNY due to heart attack, hence I was unable to be there for my maternal grandfather last days...
