eulogy : Hard, tough and brave man

To my dearest dad,

My dad never really told us about his story. He kept most of it to himself. The few that he shared was very heart-wrenching. I can remember distinctly he shared over dinner once, how he survived through form 6 in St Michael Institute, Ipoh. He opted to stay in a temple, because it is free, and survived on daily staple of bread and water. This, he only revealed two years ago.

There are other precious story of himself which he shared here and there, it makes me understand him better. And, there many more which we will never have the chance of knowing on this side of heaven.

Maybe he intended it this way. He does not put himself as the focus. He provided, cared and loved for us unreservedly, maybe to the extend we are spoiled.

Dad never asked anything back from us. All he wants is for his children to be successful. He also taught us that being successful is not just in monetary terms through the way he live out his life.

Dad thinks (and worries a lot) and care for others. He urges us to be just and brave, to stand for the weak and poor, not with words, but by doing it, even to the extend of risking his own life.

I can remember distinctly, Dad revealed one of his precious story over our family customary steam boat dinner. I can’t remember whether it was Chinese New Year or Christmas, it was when I was still in university.

He retold how he and his friends was having time of their life, jumping from the railway bridge into the river in Tapah. While they were enjoying themselves, an old lady was crossing the railway bridge, pushing a bicycle. A train raced towards the bridge, the old lady panic and freeze in her tracks. He and his friends raced towards the old lady and pulled her and the bicycle to a safe spot on the bridge.

There are many memories of dad. I pray to God, to help me never forget. My dad is not a perfect man, he loves us in his own ways. A sacrificial love.

I love you, dad. I’m sorry I never said it to you. I pray to God that you knew that I love you. Just as we know you love us.

Wake Service 8pm – 7th April 2007 – Segamat.