the GRAND. :D
when my dad drove me home from kovan, i was greeted by white tents and lights so bright they pierced your eyes. speculated by my father this morning, my neighbour for as long as i stayed in my current house for, grace ling, passed away at the tender age of 24.
we believed in 'love thy neighbour', and bonds were fostered over the years we knew them. my sister and i would constantly go over to their house to play, and they would come over to ours to cycle. and sometimes before dinner, valarie and cindy, grace's sisters, would climb on the ledge of the common wall we both shared, and i would climb on the table tht was propped up against it, just so we could talk.
as children, we were all immature one way or another. there was this particular incident when i was playing with cindy and valarie in their house, and cindy wanted something done her way. i wasnt at all happy, so i slapped cindy on the face. i dont remember it really being a slap, but at tht age, any hand-to-face contact was considered a slap. i was pissed at her and vice versa, so i stomped back home. knowing they would call to find out exactly what was going on, i blasted the speakers of the tv to the only available programme, robinson crusoe. even thought i resented that show, i only watched it so i could drown out the more and more obvious cries to summon me out over the fence, and the phone ringing off the hook. at last, i couldnt take it, and answered the phone. and i distinctly remember grace calling and asking me:"why did you slap my sister?"
another time we definately have fond memories of was during the lanturn festival. every year, my family would invite our distant cousins and their children to watch the moon while enjoying a hot cup of tea and mooncakes. the Lings would do the same, only theirs was not so much of a gathering, only more of a party. we would often switch lanturns with each other and help each light it. oh the fun times.
when we all grew up, we became more and more distant, and we eventually lost contact. however, we still knew grace went to australia for further studies, and would occassionaly come back and visit. we would see her drive her mother's BMW when her mother was out on a buisness trip, and we know she drived it because of the position of the car after she parked it. soon after, we heard that she suffered from cancer, and we were all quite worried for her. following that, we also heard talk about her gng overseas to seek treatment. when she came back in late 2006, we all thought you were better, looking bubbly as ever, though seemingly having difficulty walking. we were all feeling happy for you.
but suddenly, in a blink of an eye, we welcomed 2007. but soon after tradegy stuck. on the 5th of february 2007, you passed away.
when i saw her for the last time in her white coffin, she was embalmed, and looked as good as if she was alive again. tears were meant to flow down your cheeks like water down the stream, but this time, the tears were so heavy, they refused to drop. with my tears stuffed in my eyes, my vision was blurred as i waved to valarie and cindy when they were standing next to the coffin. my sister hugged the both of them, while sobbing away. and my mum hugging Mrs Ling, with Mrs Ling crying uncontrobally on my mum's shoulder.
this was when i realised that the bonds between our families were 're-found'. or rather, it was never lost.
before i went back into my house, my sister, mother and i went to see grace one last time. this time, tears flowed easily, like someone turned on the tap in my eyes. while looking, i saw valarie standing by grace's coffin, not looking like she was visibly shaken, speaking to her dearest sister in prayer. with her lips in sync with what she was praying, we all know she is and will always miss her.
who wouldnt?
we as neighbours alrdy feel hurt and pain when she left this world. imagine how much more painful it would be for her friends and family?
but we all know, grace will rest in peace, where ever she is.
before i end this post, i'll say a little prayer for her. and i hope YOU reading this, will say as well. just so she knows her creator is waiting to recieve her.
our father in heaven
holy be your name
your kingdom come
your will be done as it is in heaven
give us today our daily bread
forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us
do not bring us to the test
but deliver us from evil.
AMEN.
we'll all miss you, grace.
9:53:00 pm
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