Firstly, a big thank you for all grandparents for their unconditional love showered to their grandchildren and family. I’m heartened by all entries for each shows how deeply we loved our grandparents.

To my grandparents, I want to express my appreciation to both of them. I’m very grateful that they loved all 16 grandchildren equally.

Recollecting how Ah Ma had personally taken care of me for 14 years since birth and during my school days while my parents were at work, she never fails to cook hot meals for the family, remembers our favourite dishes and ensures everyone’s well-taken care off.

Her culinary skills are superb. She also takes initiative to cook light dishes if any family member falls ill. I know it’s hard for her to raise so many children and grandchildren, doing house chores, getting minimal rest. Yet, she never complains and sacrifices for us.

This is how she puts others before herself. Even to her neighbours and friends, she’s looked upon as a kind, generous and thoughtful person.

She believes strongly in helping, sharing and doing charity in everyday life. From her, I learnt to give, treat others with respect and sincerity.

As for Ah Gong, he played a significant role in nurturing me with moral values.

He’s my mentor; someone who taught me the importance of kinship and imparts wisdom to me.

Whenever I sulk, he would comfort, encourage and give me good advice.

He’s also an incredible handyman; he builds majority of furniture at home and repairs faulty home appliances.

After meal times, I often chat with him, listen to his stories of old kampong days, Singapore’s history and how the family faced adversity together when there’s little food to feed a table of eleven.

I’m also amazed that my grandparents can speak simple English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew & Malay.

Because of them, I’m able to converse in different dialects. Whenever I think of them, I know how blessed and fortunate I am.

They’ve painted many beautiful, happy memories that I’ll remember this lifetime. Their tender, loving and care is the greatest priceless gift to me.

I’ll always treasure our time together for I’m very lucky they are still around me. I pledged to cherish, adore and love them dearly. I prayed for them to have good health.

Ah Ma and Ah Gong, thanks for taking good care of me all these years!

Thanks for cultivating me into an open-minded and contented person in life. Nothing can express my gratitude towards you. I LOVE YOU!

Love lots,
Ah Lian