Chai Peishan creates a slideshow dedicated to her grandma, sharing with us all the times they spent together.

“A Dedication to my Beloved Grandma – Lee Ah Lin (???)”

Dear Grandma,

It has been more than a year since you passed,
You are dearly missed by all of us;
I hope that you are on your way to find peace.

You are the pillar of our family,
And tower of strength,
Providing warmth, emotional support and unconditional love to us all,
Nurturing your ten children, and sixteen grandchildren
In all seasons and chapters of our lives.

In my heart, I have warmth and vivid memories of you,
Especially during my growing up years,
When you took care of my sister and I.

I enjoy the times and cozy moments spent with you,
At York Hill, sister and I always like to watch ?? or Mdm Fong’s cooking programmes in the afternoons with you. (The Hong Kong lady who used to host cooking shows in Singapore in the 80s);
During the stay-overs during school holidays, and many Sundays.
Chatting about TV shows, and Cantonese opera with you in the afternoons.
While watching Hong Kong drama or variety shows together,
You often patiently translate the meaning and story of the shows to me,
That’s how I learn Cantonese (??? – Kuang Fu ) and converse with you,
Laughing at my own silliness, while I tried the tongue-twisting Cantonese.

There are times in the evenings, when sister and I enjoyed watching you prepare for dinner time, while you whipped up a storm in the kitchen, and prepared a dinner spread for the whole family, and other festive occasions, like?? (Dong Zhi, Winter Sonata).

There are times where you chased after us, naughty grandchildren at the corridor.
As we grew older, we realized the hardships, and challenges that you faced,
While running this big household and bring this family together.

Grandma, or affectionately, known as Ma Ma (in Cantonese – ??)
I have experienced the warmth of?(family),
One that is filled with laughter, and tears,

I remember fondly, the times where we spent time together,
At chalets, family celebrations and gatherings,
Holding your hand as we walked up the steep slopes,
Massaging you at home when you shared stories and intriguing life experiences.

I also remember those sweet kisses and hugs – kissing you ‘Good-Bye’ each time we part at on Sundays, and each family gathering, You will secretly passed me pocket money for school.
Grandma, it is you who dotes on us most,
Celebrating our birthdays with parties every year,
Insisting that each of us have a huge chicken or duck drumstick, and birthday cake,
Remembering each and every one of our birthdays, and interests.

These are the memorable times where we bonded with you, and learn about our family’s heritage, and traditions, like offerings to the Gods, and filial piety.

Life’s challenges has taken a toil on your health,
The visits to the hospitals, frequent check-ups, needles and medication.
You have the relentless fighting spirit of a heroine,
Represents a woman’s courage and resilience.You never cringe with fear or allow us to worry about you.
To me, you are a brave warrior.
Your courage in battling old age sickness and cancer,
and resilience in overcoming life’s struggles,
At times, suffering in silence, to avoid worrying us.
In my eyes, you are a true warrior,
Inspiring me, to have courage and grit,
Riding a stormy journey with confidence and faith,
Holding true to one’s beliefs, and be true to oneself.

???????, (My dearest grandma)
I will always remember you as the warrior, caring and big-hearted grandmother,
One who holds wealth of emotions, And shares with us your invaluable generosity of love.

I will always remember you and your legacy that you have left behind,
With plenty of heart-warming stories, and rich family traditions,
to be handed down, for generations to remember and live.

Love always,
Peishan
Your grand-daughter