Wednesday, August 08, 2007

There's a hole here where you left...


My uncle passed away last night. He was 63, and had recently been diagnosed with cancer in May. He leaves behind his wife, four sons, one daughter, one daughter-in-law, two daughters-in-law to be, four grandchildren and other close relatives. The wake will be held over the next two days, and the burial on Friday.

I'll always remember my uncle to be a man of few words (all my uncles are like that, except for one. Heh). He was a very principled man, some times to the point of obstinate stubbornness and proud. Oh yes he was. Yet he could be the most humble of men at other times, and a good father to his children. He was not afraid of hard work, and worked to give his family a better life - they are not rich, but they are comfortable.

My favorite memories of him are during Chinese New Year gatherings, when he would belt out his favorite oldies songs, the ones which required a great deal of expression, in his deep voice with lots of vibrato. Impossible Dream, Love Story, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, House of the Rising Sun... all his favorites. His signature song? My Way. No one in the family sang it better than him. But I think this song is best to remember him by today - he sang it a few times and I can hear it in my mind right now...

Born Free

Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart

Live free and beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star

Stay free, where no walls divide you
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide

Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'cause you're born free

Stay free, where no walls divide you
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide

Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'cause you're born free

Rest in peace, uncle. I'll see you up there in heaven.

15 spins:

rainbow angeles said...

Sorry to hear about this.. may he rest in peace...

*hugs*

cutiepie said...

condolences to you and your family member .. *hugs rinnah tight tight*

Simple American said...

My condolences to you and your family. My God bless you all in this sad time and may his grace strengthen your hearts.

Make sure you introduce me when we are all in heaven. :)

*hugs*

narrowband said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family, Rinnah.

:)

Ehon said...

my condolences to you and your family.. may he rest in peace. hugs

may said...

I know it would sound odd saying this, but don't see him too soon in heaven, yes? we'd like to have you here on earth a little longer... :)

my deepest condolences to his loved ones, and to you.

Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your uncle is in very safe hands now :)
Take care.

chartao said...

sad to hear about your uncle, hope he rest in peace.

sengkor said...

my condolences to u and ur family.. take care ya..

zewt said...

my deepest condolences. losing a family member is always tough. diagnosed in may and moved on in aug.. that's pretty quick. but i am sure he is save in God's hand now.

a^ben said...

sorry for your lost`

take care :)

mistipurple said...

my deepest condolences.

rinnah said...

everyone: Thank you for your hugs and condolences. We (the family) are glad that he is no longer suffering but is in a better place now. *hugs everyone back*

darlene said...

my heart is with you, for your loss, god bless

Winn said...

my condolence.

ya we mus appreciate family :)