Granny Ee
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
My granny passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday (6/3/2011). She was 90 years old.
As I met her friends and visitors over the past few days and listened to their many stories about how she had touched and influenced their lives - how they have been inspired by her life and actions, I am confronted by the overwhelming reality that she was indeed a wonderful and great light.
Before I say more, I would like to thank all of those who have shared their many experiences with my grandmother with us. They have been a real blessing to our hearts.
While I have sadly not had nearly as many experiences with her as some of them, my earliest and fondest memory of my grandmother was accompanying her during Christmas time to pack and deliver "white gifts" (some food hampers) to residents in 1-room flats in amk and Indus Road.
Not only did she visit these people, giving them money and necessities, she bathed some who couldn't bathe themselves and taught others how to cook and clean for themselves.
This was something that she did for many years and was very close to her heart. In fact, I understand that she was the one who started the Befriending Outreach Programme (BOP) at Wesley church. She used to spend her time visiting the poor and I had the privilege of accompanying her on a few occasions when I was young. I was very touched that some of those she cared for came to pay their final respects. I was told that many others wanted to come but were physically unable to.
Apart from serving others she loved to read her bible and was a very devoted wife. The picture above (my fav picture of her) was taken by my cousin in her home a few years ago. It depicts her reading her bible (how most people would probably remember her) with a picture of my late grandfather in the background. Even in her last few days with us - she was listening to her audio bible (as she found it difficult to read).
I also discovered that she used to go down to Chinatown every week after church to talk to people about Jesus. Someone referred to her as a "great Bible woman" (someone who loved to talk to people about Jesus). When I was in the UK, I too used to go to the city centre in Birmingham to talk to the homeless on the street. I would buy them food, sit and talk to them. While I only just found out about this aspect of my granny's work - I would like to think that she had something to do with this.
She has been a source of inspiration to me of what it means to serve others. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to tell her this some time ago - and again recently when she was in hospital - I think it made her proud. I am thankful that I was able to feed her a few times at the hospital and do something that she has done for so many others. While I am nowhere near as giving and dedicated as she was, I hope that one day I would have the opportunity to carry on her work and contribute to her legacy.
Goodbye Ma.. We all miss you but we know we will see you again.. =)
- Posted using my iPhone
My granny passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday (6/3/2011). She was 90 years old.
As I met her friends and visitors over the past few days and listened to their many stories about how she had touched and influenced their lives - how they have been inspired by her life and actions, I am confronted by the overwhelming reality that she was indeed a wonderful and great light.
Before I say more, I would like to thank all of those who have shared their many experiences with my grandmother with us. They have been a real blessing to our hearts.
While I have sadly not had nearly as many experiences with her as some of them, my earliest and fondest memory of my grandmother was accompanying her during Christmas time to pack and deliver "white gifts" (some food hampers) to residents in 1-room flats in amk and Indus Road.
Not only did she visit these people, giving them money and necessities, she bathed some who couldn't bathe themselves and taught others how to cook and clean for themselves.
This was something that she did for many years and was very close to her heart. In fact, I understand that she was the one who started the Befriending Outreach Programme (BOP) at Wesley church. She used to spend her time visiting the poor and I had the privilege of accompanying her on a few occasions when I was young. I was very touched that some of those she cared for came to pay their final respects. I was told that many others wanted to come but were physically unable to.
Apart from serving others she loved to read her bible and was a very devoted wife. The picture above (my fav picture of her) was taken by my cousin in her home a few years ago. It depicts her reading her bible (how most people would probably remember her) with a picture of my late grandfather in the background. Even in her last few days with us - she was listening to her audio bible (as she found it difficult to read).
I also discovered that she used to go down to Chinatown every week after church to talk to people about Jesus. Someone referred to her as a "great Bible woman" (someone who loved to talk to people about Jesus). When I was in the UK, I too used to go to the city centre in Birmingham to talk to the homeless on the street. I would buy them food, sit and talk to them. While I only just found out about this aspect of my granny's work - I would like to think that she had something to do with this.
She has been a source of inspiration to me of what it means to serve others. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to tell her this some time ago - and again recently when she was in hospital - I think it made her proud. I am thankful that I was able to feed her a few times at the hospital and do something that she has done for so many others. While I am nowhere near as giving and dedicated as she was, I hope that one day I would have the opportunity to carry on her work and contribute to her legacy.
Goodbye Ma.. We all miss you but we know we will see you again.. =)
- Posted using my iPhone
posted by Clem | 7:00 PM
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