Mama, Did You Know?

• 13th January 2013
• 1

Mama, did you know that we picked out a handsome coffin for you?

Mama, did you know that the make-up artist made you look so beautiful and serene; that you could almost pass off as being asleep except you weren’t snoring?

Mama, did you know that alongside you, we put all your favourite things like that face cream and those wide-rimmed glasses you always wore?

Mama, did you know that I also put in those pair of shoes I bought you last Chinese New Year that you never had the heart to wear?

Mama, did you know that we stood vigil and burnt incense night and day?

Mama, did you know that upon your altar, we put your favourite Kopi O and Coca-Cola?

Mama, did you know that we burnt you a house, a car, two slaves, an Astro decoder and enough hell money to make the other souls green with envy?

Mama, did you know that so many of your friends and relatives showed up that we ran out of places to sit?

Mama, did you know that despite all these years of education and public speaking training, I did not have the right words to bid you goodbye?

Mama, did you know that for the first time since all of this happened, Daddy cried?

Mama, did you know that Yeye sang you your favourite song?

Mama, did you know that when we spoke of you; it’s never about how you suffered or your death? Rather, we spoke of your life and how you touched ours.

Mama, did you know that we all walked barefoot in the punishing sun to your burial ground?

Mama, did you know that your wish of seeing all your children and grandchildren come together in harmony finally came true?

Mama, did you know that though it’s only been three days, your presence is already missed?

Mama,

I hope that wherever you are, you are finally free from suffering and pain. I hope that wherever you are, there is infinite joy and rest, for you deserve it. I hope that wherever you are, there will always be your favourite food and a place for you to buy number.  I know that wherever you are, you are watching over us. And I don’t want you to worry. We will work and study hard. We will take care of Yeye, our parents, and each other. It has been a privilege, Mama to be your granddaughter. To love and be loved by you. I can never thank you enough.

Mama, you are so loved.

But I think you already know that.