In memory of my beloved Grandma
Friday, May 15, 2009
By: Benjamin Ho

We have lost a life but not a soul. Cancer has taken a family member away but has strengthened the bond between our family. Afte rall, we can't live in the past, but we can learn from it and live for the future, life goes on ...

In June 2007, Hing See Tam passed away after a 2 months in a coma. It wasn't until then that I discovered how fragile a life is. Colon cancer, a successful surgery, an expected recovery, then comes an unexpected complication which eventually took away the life of my beloved grandmother.

It was sad because I have lost a loved one, a loved one who committed all her life for the sake of her family. In her mind, family ALWAYS come first, there was never a moment where she has sacrificed family for her own selfishness. The song she sings, the lecture she gives on life, sounded all so tedious and repetitive and boring... but she meant it and she meant it for our wellness and happiness... and her songs and words lives in our minds now ...

I still remember grandma's wish... a simple wish that she didn't live long enough to see. She always said that she wanted to be in my graduation ceremony, as simple as that, but I have done that and I know that she blessed my way through...

It was a sad story to think back. It was awful not to have grandma around for so much longer, but we have definitely learned a lot. She taught us how important family is. She taught us to cherish every moment you get to spend with your loved ones because none can be around forever. She taught us to be good to ourselves and watch out for our health because your wellness means the happiness of your loved ones, and she taught us so much more than what I could describe in words.

We have lost a life but not a soul. Cancer has taken a family member away but has strengthened the bond between our family. After all, we can't live in the past, but we can learn from it and live for the future, life goes on.

In memory of Hing-See, Tam, rest in peace