Nainai

Hey Champ,
It warms my heart learning about your concern for Nainai’s condition.

A few months back I cried learning that Nainai has stage four cancer. The tumors have since spread to her bones and lungs. Today I cry because of your compassion and your show of love. It is the tears of joy knowing that our family is full of love and we care for each other. I rejoice at the DNA of hard work, honesty and compassion that Nainai has infused in us.

Nainai has always led a dignified life. She came to Penang at the age of four, survived the Second World War, endured an unhappy marriage and brought up seven children in an upright manner. We were poor but always honorable. Each member of the family was always prepared to sacrifice for the good of the rest. You have heard my stories many times before :)

I did a day trip to Penang on Wednesday, she was happy to see me. She looked no different from when we last saw her during Chinese New Year, always cheerful and upbeat. I was able to detect an occasional discomfort but she put on a brave face. They drain a liter of fluid from each of her lungs. I called yesterday and this evening, she was her usual cheerful self. I asked when can she go home and she said she will leave it to the doctor. She has no desire. No desire to stay, no desire to go home. She is just enjoying every moment at hand, the visitors, the flowers and all the fuss over her. When she can sleep, she sleeps. When she cannot sleep, she meditates.

Nainai understands the way of life. The journey of birth, old age, sickness and death is the path all must travel. It does not matter if one is a poor peasant or the mighty king. Death is not sometimes to be feared because she has lived well. When she passes on we will of cause be saddened because we will never see Nainai again but let’s celebrate her life. How long will Nainai survive is not important, what is important is the quality of her life from now on and the lessons Nainai teaches us. Treasure life now, make the best of it, put in the right effort, be good, be generous and be up right. When it’s time to go, there is no need to cling on, just like Nainai.



Do take care of yourself in Pulau Tekong,
May you be well and happy,
Dad
190211.