My grandmother (we called her "Yeay") passed away last night. She was 92 years old. It was not unexpected, but it still saddens me regardless. Because we had a language barrier and then she had difficulty hearing, we couldn't communicate much--only hand gestures and smiles. But I loved, appreciated and respected her nonetheless. She was the only grandparent I knew; she outlived the others by almost 30 years. Most importantly, if it wasn't for her, my mother and aunt wouldn't be alive, nor my brothers, sisters and cousins, nor my nephews and nieces, nor I. Yeay gave us life. In fact, she continues to live in all of us. I inherited her hairline and her stubbornness (some see it as determination :).
I will always remember how she smiled every time she saw me, and pulled me to her side or held my hand. She was a strong woman and always very kind to her grandchildren (9) and great-grand kids (10). She never asked anything from us but yet was so generous to us. She would always force money on me if she knew I was going away on a trip. I remember some of her favourite foods was Tim Horton's iced cappuccino and pizza; I tried to get her some whenever I could. She is at peace now, free from any suffering or fear. It gives me comfort to know that she is reunited with her family, those who have gone before her. But her death also makes me think of my own mortality (more on that another time)... it makes me so much more grateful for the life I was given, and the wonderful family that I have.
But life, as does all things, will eventually come to an end. And this weekend, we will remember my grandmother's life. With much love and gratitude Yeay, I wish you eternal peace. Know that you made a difference, that you are loved and will be missed, and someday, hopefully many decades later, we will see each other again.
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