Dear Grandma,

Is it age that sets us apart with the so-called ‘generation gap’ or has that gap brought forth more acceptance, forgiveness and encouragement?

The cane in Mum’s hand never, and I really mean never, managed to hit me when you were around.

See that? That’s her in the picture. One look and I know that the make-up artist does not know her well.

Pink was never her colour. Give her purple and I am sure she could carry it better than anyone I know.

‘Only girls like pink!’ And that’s practically why it was not her colour. She was never girlish though she is a female.

She is tough! At the age of 22, she went to Malaysia all alone from China. I never thought how she actually managed to raise enough money to travel such a great distance.

Unlike traditional women who stood behind men, she subsequently even owned a farm.

Grandma, if I were to ask you to count the number of uncles, aunts, cousins and nephews I have, would you be able to do it? I believed that it would be an impossible task to pack us all up into a 42-seater bus.

Grandma, sometimes I thought you were like a queen in this big family. You always held your head up high in pride no matter what problems you faced.

I always thought: ‘If only I were like you’.

Sitting high up in that position must have been really cool but at the same time, had it also brought isolation?

Today, we sent her off. Indeed, one bus was not enough.

Most of us were like her – strong. We battled our tears and held back the scream within us especially when the fire blaze into burning flames.

It burnt away the physical her but left behind her good genes – strong and proud, wise and independent.

Ah Ma, have a safe journey. I will miss you.