My grandmother was born at a time when the Japanese had invaded Singapore. At that time, girls were considered liabilities, whereas boys were deemed to be economic assets as they brought in more money than girls.

Under such a circumstance, my grandmother went against the odds to educate herself whilst still supporting her family. Through her hardships, she learned to be a strong-willed and determined person.

Determination, perseverance and self-confidence are three very important values that she lived out.

She had terminal cancer when I was 16 years old. I watched my grandmother get progressively weaker, not wanting to believe the doctor’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and the prediction that she would live only for another year.

I silently hoped that a miracle would happen, that she would live longer.

My grandfather had very simple, basic needs, which was his secret to longevity. He was a person with humble beginnings who placed a great value on education and friendship.

He knew how to cook as he worked as a cook to earn a living during his teenage days. This ability that he had, contributed much to his family, because at the time he got married to my grandmother, Singapore was suffering from famine.

He was the one, then, who appeased everyone’s hunger.

Just from his daily walks, he had gotten to know everyone in the neighbourhood and this is how he influenced me - his friendliness. He died at the age of 92 of old age.

I would like to ask my grandfather, “Are there any other secrets to longevity?” This is because I know that living with simple and basic needs these days are rather impossible. “How can you be so friendly, despite the stress levels that you had?” I knew that it was not easy being friendly given the fact that he had to support his family.

If I had a chance to ask my grandmother something, I would have asked, “How did you manage to handle the whole family, including my Dad, and also cope with your education?” I really can’t take stress and I wonder what it took my grandmother to cope with family, education and work at the same time!

“Was life after you got your disease difficult?” I have heard from people that it is not easy but I really don’t know how true it is. “How did you manage to agree to such a relationship between my parents, one a Catholic and the other a Hindu?”

I knew that at that time, you would be known as an out-caste if you had married a person of a different religion.

Such a life that my grandparents have lived is not possible without courage, perseverance and determination. I hope I can live up to what they have achieved and bring it down to the following generations.