My grandmother is in the background of the picture. This picture was taken when I was a year old.

My maternal grandmother was kind and loving. She died 3 years ago.

She was a teacher at secondary school in the Philippines. She only retired at the age of 50.

I spent my early childhood years with her. My Mum and I stayed at her home while my father was earning money in another city.

I would always run to my grandmother whenever I got scolded by my mum. My grandmother would be by my side and comfort me.

She would always worry about me especially when I was confined in the hospital. I did not like staying in a hospital. My grandmother would buy toys for me to play with at my hospital room to cheer me up.

When I was 5 years old, my grandmother had to go to Germany to stay with my aunt and cousin. I cried when we brought her to the airport. I missed her a lot.

My grandmother and aunt would often send huge boxes full of sweets, chocolates, toys and clothes.

My aunt’s husband was part of the USA military air force and he had to travel to different parts of the world. Then, my grandmother and my aunt’s family moved to North America. We had little communication.

I was 9 years old when I went to Singapore. My mum contacted my grandmother once a month to see how she was. My grandmother visited Singapore and it was just like my childhood days. She went back to the United States of America shortly.

I was very shocked and sad when I received a phone call about the death of my dear grandmother. She died in a hospital in Arizona.

She was taken there in an ambulance as she had a severe stomachache. She could not take it. She suddenly died in her room in the hospital and later, we found out there was something wrong with her pancreas.

My mother and I were greatly affected by her loss. She was the closest grandparent to me.

I was quite envious of my cousins who spent time with her. I never really got to show how much I cared for my grandmother.

I have only said the words “I love you” to her a few times over the phone. I wish I could have spent more time with her.

I want to thank her for all the love she has given to both her children and grandchildren. I will never forget her and all the times she spent with me. She will always stay in my heart.