Last night as I was leaving my apartment, I heard the security guard hum, 'What a Friend we have in Jesus,' and my immediately my thoughts were led to you. For some reason, I seem to believe that this is your favourite hymn. And last night I was thinking, what do I know? Why would I think this is your fav hymn? You went to heaven when I was barely 10 and still this thought resided in you.
So grandpa, how's heaven like? It is really what it's been described? I'm sure it's even better. Well, grandma is kinda fine, I guess. She's lost some of her short term memory. We tell her stuff and in 2 mins, she can't remember what she said. However, she has lots of happy memories from the past. She told me how you and her holidayed in England and she showed me photos. Those photos were beautiful by the way. On, before I forget, we're going to try to bring grandma back to Singapore. Although I'm in Hong Kong, mummy doesn't feel too happy about grandma living by herself in China. Don't get mummy wrong. The relatives are great. They love grandma and they take great care of her but mummy would much rather have grandma with her.
Grandpa, you'll be glad to know that all of your grandkids are graduates. We've kinda done you proud. I remember when I was in NIE and I would wonder where was your office? At that time, NIE was in the old campus of NUS at Bukit Timah. Well, Joanne and Alwin graduated from NUS but the rest of us went away to study. Out of your 5 grandkids, 4 are teachers but don't worry, Alwin works for Temasek. He works for the government. I know that you love Spore's government and yes, hopefully, you're really proud of us.
By the way, did you know that Joanne has a daughter. Her name is Jo Claire. So in other words, you're a great grandpa now. Joanne, mum and Jacqui have brought JC to see grandma twice and they are planning the next trip over Chinese New Year. JC is a great kid. And someday, we'll tell her stories of you and your legacy. Importantly, we want her to know that you and grandma did a wonderful job of adopting and therefore there's us. And we're always grateful for it.
On the topic of adoption, grandpa, in many ways, I'm led to believe that a huge reason why we're adopting is because of you. You love mum enough to adopt her and to love her and in turn you loved us heaps too. I want to say thanks. A couple of months ago, we were in Katong have pernanrakan lunch with mum, dad, uncle Larry and Aunty Amy when mum reminded us of our heritage. I was reminded that you're a baba. I wish you're still around to share more of your heritage to us.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Grandpa, I want to say thanks. Thanks for loving us. I do wish you're still around. But God had a reason why it was time for you to head home and I respect that. I'll see you soon, someday.
And this song is for you.
What a Friend we have in Jesus
- What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer! - Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer. - Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there. - Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
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