R.I.P. Beloved Granpa

My beloved grandfather passed away peacefully on Saturday morning 7th February 2009 at 9.40am in RIPAS hospital. He died of an old age at 100 years old.
I received the devastating news at 9.45am from my cousin who text me saying that our grandfather had left. Wanting to understand the message more clearly I called her and asked what she meant and she told me that our grandfather had passed away that morning. I was speechless and in shock. The news of his death haven’t sunk in yet. And then my dad called me and told me the news again. At that time I was in the church office, as usual on Saturdays I prepare the Sunday church newsletter. I break the news to the auntie who works there and she offered her condolences. I felt so numb and the sadness crept on me slowly. I still continue to work on the announcements for the newsletter and our parish priest came in the office and ask me about my grandfather’s passing. He asked me if my grandfather was a catholic and what are we going to do next. I told him he was a free-thinker and I didn’t know what are we going to do next. And after saying all that, I burst into tears. I went back home still crying. The pain of losing him hit me hard and tears kept on flowing.
My grandfather’s body was brought back to the house that morning from the hospital. Some people was already there at the house to prepare for the funeral. My uncle arranged the coffin and transportation from Seria. At first, I felt afraid to see my grandfather’s body but I told myself this will be the last time I will see him. I’m glad I chose the decision to see him, he look as though he was sleeping and knowing that he died in peace gave me and the family a lot of comfort.
The day went by quickly. As part of our tradition, someone must accompany the coffin throughout the night (wake) and to make sure the candles continues to burn until day breaks. Having gone through this funeral ritual during my grandmother’s passing (my mom’s mom), I’ve some knowledge on it though I don’t fully practice it (as I’ve my own religion). I was one of the 5 people who kept vigil by my grandfather’s coffin. We took turns and at the same time helped my aunties to prepare the food for the next day. I was peeling garlics at 3am!!! My grandparents' house was packed with my relatives that day. Most of them stayed overnight because of the long journey back. (we have to use another way to get to my kpg because the other way was badly flooded). By 5.30am, I went to sleep but it was more of a nap. As day breaks, we were busy again preparing the food for the day. Friends and relatives came and offered their condolences. The funeral was held at 1pm on Sunday, 8^th February. After lunch, we make our way to the cemetery on a nearby hill for the burial. We had one last look of our grandfather before his coffin was finally sealed. We offered our prayers and burn candles on his grave. Coming back home was a blur. Most of us end up taking a nap that afternoon because we were exhausted. Friends and relatives continue to come by the house in the evening and we busied ourselves preparing for dinner.
I stayed at my grans' place for a couple days as I was on compassionate leave from work. We are still adjusting ourselves to the situation of not having our grandfather around anymore. The first few days was difficult and often we shed tears even just by looking at his photos. We have to be strong for our grandmother now and take care of her just like we did for our grandfather with tender loving care.

Gone but not forgotten. Forever missed.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.


Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers.