My Grandmother

Sunlight filtered through the clouds as I was having my afternoon walk. When I passed a childcare centre, I could hear children wailing for their parents. Pictures of my childhood flashed through my mind as I remembered my cries of “ I want my Nanna!”.

It was my first day at kindergarten. It was painful for me to part with my grandmother as she had taken care of me since I was born. As both my parents were working, I was under the care of my loving grandmother.

She took care of my every need and was also my best friend. We played imaginary games. For instance, she would build a castle out of huge building blocks for me to reign as queen for the day. There were moments when  both of us would set off into my grandmother’s garden armed with our gardening spades and hats.

She would intrigue me with the insects found in her garden. I would stand there with bated breath. My grandmother taught me about the fascinating world of insects through these experiences. She was indeed a great teacher.

I still remember the times when she relentlessly took care of me when I was sick. Sometimes she would burn the midnight oil and stay up by my side to comfort me when I was feeling blue, down and out.

My grandmother is a selfless person who derives joy from giving love to all around her. With her tender loving care, she has touched the hearts of many around her, including those of my siblings, my cousins and me. My grandmother’s childhood had been a sad experience for her. Losing her mother at a tender age of two and being given  to an unkind family during the Japanese occupation by her father had made her a stronger person. Through her hard times she had learned the importance of love which she never had in her growing years. My grandmother never liked to talk about her past as she did not want to upset us. I admire my grandmother as she symbolises true love.

Over the years my grandmother’s appearance has changed greatly. Her skin is wrinkled, her walk has slowed down and her black streak hair has turned silver-grey, but my grandmother is still young at heart. Now that I am no longer living with her, my family and I visit her during the weekends. I look forward every week excitedly for this special visit. She would have whip up a succulent meal with her culinary expertise. We were always awed by her art of cooking. Sometimes we would watch her favourite programme Mr. Bean. We would laugh till our sides ache. At times we would play board games. We would usually close an eye to let her win. Occasionally we would help our grandmother with the gardening. My grandmother has green fingers as her garden blooms with an array of flowers.

I will cherish the love my grandmother has showered upon me. Indeed I am truly fortunate to have a compassionate grandmother and will never forget what she has taught me all these years.