Grandpa and Grandma,

Have I ever told you how much I appreciate your unfaltering confidence in me in everything that I undertake?

Or how grateful I am to you for looking after me so that my parents can concentrate on their careers? In a nutshell, have I ever told you how wonderful it is to have the both of you in my life?

Because it truly is.

I can still remember that when I was a child, my parents used to travel overseas frequently for business purposes. As a result, they were seldom around to celebrate my birthdays and other festive seasons.

Initially, I was rather disappointed with their absence because even as a child, I was aware that the significance of special occasions lies in the fact that it is a time for a family get-together.

However, my disappointment soon gave way to understanding as you constantly explained that my parents were working hard to support the family.

In addition, you never failed to celebrate my birthdays for me and were always around to spend the other occasions with me too.

Because of your sensitivity towards my feelings, I did not feel any tinge of bitterness even as I witnessed how children my age were shopping happily with their parents on Christmas because I was as contented having the company of the both of you on this special occasion.

I am also glad that there is no language barrier to hinder communication between us because growing up in your care has allowed me to converse fluently in the Hokkien dialect – something that used to amaze people when I was much younger since it was rather rare to see a child rattling off sentence after sentence in Hokkien!

Through the years as I began to busy myself with a multitude of other commitments, I have to admit that our opportunities for face-to-face interactions become significantly lesser as compared to when I was still in your care.

Yet, my love for the both of you will never diminish. I am indeed happy that we are still keeping in close contact through frequent phone conversations and I am greatly warmed by the familiar smiles that greet me whenever I visit.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the both of you for everything that you have done for me and my parents throughout these twenty one years.

Below is a poem that I have written to express my gratitude and I would like to end this letter by saying, “Ah Gong and Ah Ma, I Love You!”

Through the years I have come to see,
How you are always here for me.
And advices I once thought were naggy,
Now strikes me as words of beauty.
Keeping me going strong and steady,
Your support overcomes all adversity.
On this very day, I thank you sincerely for your
Unconditional care and love for me.