The Walk of Life

On 8th June 2007, our beloved sister-in-law Ah Hoong passed away from a Haemorregic Stroke. She was 59 years old, that's considered young and my brother was inconsolable. I have never seen him crying this way before. They are a very loving couple married for 40 plus years. The photo was taken in 2006 during my daughter's Pre-nuptial Dinner.

She could not survive her second stroke. Our families traveled to Ipoh to be there for Fook Hoong my elder brother during such painful moments in life. Their family which is quite small really, comprising of a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild. We come from a line of small family units. My brother is a very good husband, taking care of her faithfully for many years after my sis-in-law's first stroke. I thank God for giving us close family ties and long lasting loving marriages in the family. Having peace and harmony among family members is a tremendous blessing and I can hardly recall any siblings fights through the years.

The photo below shows my elder brother, his daughter by his side and the nephew and niece; children of my younger brother Albert. His eyes looked swollen from the crying. I am sure he misses his beloved wife very much and it will be a difficult few days or perhaps weeks before acceptance settles in.

Ah Hoong was cremated at Sam Poh Tong ( Three Precious Caves) in Ipoh which comprises of Limestone Hills with inter-connected caves which was used as Buddhist and Taoist Temples.

Here are the three brothers and behind us the cremation cabins. Surprisingly they still used rubber wood whereas most cremation centers already using gas. He was not dressed in black by virtue of his senior position in the family according to Chinese customs, moreover he is already in his mid-seventies. I would say he looks very good for a man in his mid-seventies. To the far left is the youngest Albert and that white towel is for his tears? or perhaps wiping sweat from this forehead.

Here the friends, relatives came to bade a final farewell before the actual cremation. The back drop of this place is beautiful, set among and within limestone hills and the caves. It gives you a peaceful, serene environment. Sam Poh Tong is also one of the main tourist site.

At our age, it does not come as a surprise that anyone of us checks out. For some dying at age 59 is considered too young but philosophically speaking, it is not the years that we live counts but how our lives are lived out that matters!

Farewell to our beloved sister-in-law and you will always be remembered for all the years of joy, service and sweet memories that you leave within our hearts.