The phone rang, just before time for me to get up for Monday work.
Auntie was on the other end, be on her way to pick us up to see Grandfather in NUH. Ah Gong is leaving, informed the hospital. We rushed to get to his deathbed.
I want to see him, for the last time.
No room for regret.
Grandfather passed away peacefully at 8:14am.
After acknowledging us all.
We said our final thank you and asked him to go with a light heart.
With all heaviness, we received him from the morgue... this was not the way we had wished him to leave the hospital by.
It was then a long day setting up the Wake at the void deck of Grandmom's house. Many decision making for my heavy-headed Aunties and Uncles. My usefulness is limited.
When we reach home in the night, seating by our little garden, i sighted my
Promagrate Plant, 红花 (in pictured) flowering!
I then recalled, this had been Grandfather's favourite house plant. I remembered his silhouette, watering the plant every evening, when i was very young.
This is the first time this plant is flowering; it's been almost 10 years since it last blossomed...
The 5 days of mourning takes its toll on us.
Plenty of planning, decision making, responsibilities and duties to be perform. Leading to arguments dues to fatigue and differences in ideas and principles of the individual family members.
Still, it wasn't too bad.
I enjoyed bonding with my extended family. Getting to know my younger Cousins; travelling, lunching with Aunts & Uncles. Sharing food and tidbits. Chatting, teasing one another while we busied with the funeral arrangements. It was a rare chance of 5-day long get together.
On Day 5 morning, it was heartbreaking as we send Grandfather off, leaving his 40 years residence to the Mandai Crematorium...
Sadness looms in as our weariness wears off...
"Ah Gong, thank you for the loving memories.
However little, i've kept them close to heart.
Goodbye and i pray i sees you again in Heaven."
Coconut 6-pack Buns ($1.40)
In search for a quick lunch at Redhill Lane Food Centre. Of the many popular food stalls here, this Lor Duck stall is one of them. Queue...
Duck Noodle ($2.50)
Were served bowlful of herbal tasting soup. And was pleasantly surprised that the seemingly tough-looking Duck meat to be actually succulent!
"Itadakimasu!" This is delicious!
Our lunch ($14.50, includes 2 bowl Yam Rice not in picture)
Not forgetting its Pork Belly and Pork Rib!
Its specially aromatic and flavorful black Braised Sauce in these dishes is something the Cook can be proud of.
Only old traditional stalls like theirs could offer you these unique essences of faithful cooking. Agree?
When we reach home in the night, seating by our little garden, i sighted my Promagrate Plant, 红花 (in pictured) flowering!
This porridge joint was recently featured in our local drama "The Illusionist" - 人间有奇迹 where the main cast James (by Thomas Ong) & Irene (by Quan Yi Fong) had their romantic late night Supper.
With 3 bowls of warm porridge, we polished off the followings:
Steam Cuttlefish with Sweet Orange Sauce.
Cabbages with Glass Noodle.
Teochew Fish Cake (dip these into the salty Bean Paste Sauce provided)!
Cai Poh Omelet.
Braised Duck Gizzard, 鸭胗!
Seafood Hot Pot Congee ($9.90++)
Pork Chop Baked Rice ($9.90++)