My Father Showed Me The Way.

On 1 March, 2012, I drove my Ma back from her hometown in Kulai. On the way, she shared with me a story that touched my heart.

My Ma told me about the special friendship between Papa and her brother. It was a relationship that I never knew about, a bond that few have ever experienced in their lifetime.

I have to say that their friendship was all very strange to me.

Two men with different upbringings, living in two different countries; I could not comprehend how they could be so close to one another. They hardly even have the chance to meet one another.

All I could remember was that on the rare occasions when Uncle dropped into my home, Papa would welcome him with an affection that was beyond me.

They would usually go to Papa’s favourite Bak Kut Teh stall and order a steaming bowl of soup. Then, they would pour their hearts out to one another.

Their laughter still rings in my ears.

On 17 March 1990, Pa passed away suddenly.

He had a heart attack and collapsed at the Changi Airport to the shock of many airline passengers who, like Pa, was returning from overseas.

My Uncle came for the wake, crying literally like a baby.

My family had to watch over him throughout the funeral rituals for fear he would do something untowards to himself.

After returning to his home, my Uncle continued to be in deep grief. He missed Papa so much that he was virtually in a daze throughout the day.

He tried to drown his sorrows through alcoholic drinks but his mind would give him no relief from thoughts of Papa.

The intimacy and affection that they shared overwhelmed the healing power of Time, or perhaps I should say that my Uncle never gave Time a chance…

Two weeks later, my Uncle passed away.

…..

If you have been reading my blog, you would know that my father had many friends. He was a friendly man and a person whom many could count upon for help.

When I thought over this story, I couldn’t help but be touched by the friendship between my Uncle and Pa.

I am proud of this legacy that my Pa left behind, an inspiration to cultivate more friends and to strengthen friendships throughout my life.

Once again, thank you Papa.

When the sun rises tomorrow, I will continue your legacy.

I will reach out my hand of friendship to those around me.

Please express your deepest gratitude and love towards your father on Father’s Day. Make him feel like a king and appreciated for the rest of your life.

Go4It!

I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com

Visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com

Please read them and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!