Dear Dr Zee Ying Kiat (NUH),
Thank you for the excellent care you have given our dad from May 07 to Mar 09. Your words of encouragement meant so much to dad and the family, especially after each unsuccessful treatment. We felt your empathy throughout and your genuine disappointment each time. Thanks for being so sincere and always putting in your best. Here's what dad said about you, in his own words: "Dr Zee heng hao, shi ge hao yi sheng. Heng jin ze you xi xin." Thanks for always making our dad feel good and comforted to have a doctor like you.
During your one year of studies, where Dr Wong took over, she always tell our dad to take good care of himself and wait for your return. Our dad did, albeit for a short while. Thanks for visiting him everyday during his last days in NUH, allowing him to bid farewell to you. Am sure he appreciated that much.
Our dad is indeed fortunate to know you and have you as his doctor. Am sure dad will bless you and your family.
************************************************************************************
Dear Dr Wong Chiung Ing (NUH),
We would like to express our thanks for the wonderful care you have rendered to our father for the past one year plus (Mar 09 to Jun 10). Thanks for constantly finding new treatments and never giving up on him. Just want you to know that dad always praise you for your professionalism and speedy response. In his words: "Dr Wong zhuo shi heng kuai, yao zuo scan, blood test, mei ci do shi li ke de, bu yong deng." He was impressed with you, no doubt about that.
Because of your care and efforts in making special arrangements, he was able to witness both his children's weddings and the birth of his grandson. Am sure he was very appreciative.
It was a pity that he could not try the trial drug this time, but he was fortunate to have you as his doctor, visiting him everyday during his last days. Thank you, Dr Wong. Wherever dad is, we are sure he will bless you!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
An Ode to Father
Father succumbed to his battle with colorectal cancer today. He was 60.
It was slightly over 3 years ago when he was first diagnosed with the disease. Back then, it was a huge blow to all of us in the family - after all, there was nary any symptoms and he had been fit as a fiddle over the past few years. As a close-knitted family, it was a difficult pill to swallow, but we knew all of us had to fight the impending battle together.
Operations followed, including one to remove the cancerous growth and another on his back. Much as it was physically painful for him, it hurt us emotionally as well to see Father having to undergo all these at his age. Yet he remained positive and active as much as he could. Before the back operation hampered his lower limb mobility, he would wake up early and go for morning walks along the track near Chinese Gardens, believing that the fresh air and daily exercises would do him good. He also made changes to his diet and adapted to to a healthier menu. His mantra was simple - the odds may be stacked against me, but I ain't going down without a fight.
Throughout this initial period, he rarely complained about the ill-effects that were ravaging within his body. By putting up a stoic front, we knew he was trying to ease our worries and alleviate any pain he knew all of us were feeling. This had always been his trait - putting the family before self, as Qi Qi and her family can bear testament to. For so many years, he had worked tirelessly for the family, to sufficiently provide for his loved ones and to give his children the best he could possibly afford. Now that he was unwell, we knew that he was concealing his pain from all of us, just so as to lessen the family's worries.
If there were any silver lining to the entire episode, it was the fact that the family drew closer in the face of adversity. We spent time travelling whenever we could afford to, spending quality family time, enjoying our favourite foods together, even doing a photo shoot for both him & Mother on V-Day last year. On another note, I could see that both Qi Qi and her brother had matured so much over the past couple of years, as they stepped up to take on more active roles in the family.
Qi Qi and I were really glad that Father was fit enough to be the witness to our solemnization in September last year. Having him and my Dad sign on our marriage certificate was the best solemnization gift we could hope for, and the event also presented us with a great opportunity to tell him and the rest of our families how we felt towards them. Father was visibly moved by what he heard, yet it was absolutely essential that he knew how much the efforts he put in for the family over the years had not gone unnoticed.
The birth of his grandson, Javen, brought great joy to him as well. He doted on him, as I remember fondly the numerous trips he made to the baby cot just to look at Javen, and to hopefully coax a response out of the little one. By this time, he had grown much weaker, yet little Javen's actions never failed to bring a smile to his face.
I have to admit that we were gravely concerned 4 weeks prior to our wedding day, as the doctors explained to us that the cancer cells had spread to his brain. His blood platelets count plunged to dangerously low levels, and we even contemplated the possibility of bringing forward our tea ceremony. Yet Father provided us with the assurance, that having persevered so far, he would definitely hang in there for June the 9th.
Our big day arrived, and we managed to proceed with the tea ceremony, even if Father wasn't in the best of shape when we returned in the morning. Yet it represented a triumph of sorts for all of us, for we managed to fulfill another of his wishes - to see Qi Qi and I getting married. Even during the dinner, whereby he was visibly exhausted, he still kept his presence for almost the entire night. This amazing display of resilience touched me greatly, as I managed to give him my word that I would take care of the family in front of everyone present.
To our dearest Father, thank you for all that you have contributed to the family over the past years. You have undoubtedly played your part in bringing up your children well, instilling in them excellent morals and values. Your resilience, determination, and courage during this difficult period was the greatest act of love you have shown to us.
May you rest in peace, and always remember that you will forever be a part of us.
It was slightly over 3 years ago when he was first diagnosed with the disease. Back then, it was a huge blow to all of us in the family - after all, there was nary any symptoms and he had been fit as a fiddle over the past few years. As a close-knitted family, it was a difficult pill to swallow, but we knew all of us had to fight the impending battle together.
Operations followed, including one to remove the cancerous growth and another on his back. Much as it was physically painful for him, it hurt us emotionally as well to see Father having to undergo all these at his age. Yet he remained positive and active as much as he could. Before the back operation hampered his lower limb mobility, he would wake up early and go for morning walks along the track near Chinese Gardens, believing that the fresh air and daily exercises would do him good. He also made changes to his diet and adapted to to a healthier menu. His mantra was simple - the odds may be stacked against me, but I ain't going down without a fight.
Throughout this initial period, he rarely complained about the ill-effects that were ravaging within his body. By putting up a stoic front, we knew he was trying to ease our worries and alleviate any pain he knew all of us were feeling. This had always been his trait - putting the family before self, as Qi Qi and her family can bear testament to. For so many years, he had worked tirelessly for the family, to sufficiently provide for his loved ones and to give his children the best he could possibly afford. Now that he was unwell, we knew that he was concealing his pain from all of us, just so as to lessen the family's worries.
If there were any silver lining to the entire episode, it was the fact that the family drew closer in the face of adversity. We spent time travelling whenever we could afford to, spending quality family time, enjoying our favourite foods together, even doing a photo shoot for both him & Mother on V-Day last year. On another note, I could see that both Qi Qi and her brother had matured so much over the past couple of years, as they stepped up to take on more active roles in the family.
Qi Qi and I were really glad that Father was fit enough to be the witness to our solemnization in September last year. Having him and my Dad sign on our marriage certificate was the best solemnization gift we could hope for, and the event also presented us with a great opportunity to tell him and the rest of our families how we felt towards them. Father was visibly moved by what he heard, yet it was absolutely essential that he knew how much the efforts he put in for the family over the years had not gone unnoticed.
The birth of his grandson, Javen, brought great joy to him as well. He doted on him, as I remember fondly the numerous trips he made to the baby cot just to look at Javen, and to hopefully coax a response out of the little one. By this time, he had grown much weaker, yet little Javen's actions never failed to bring a smile to his face.
I have to admit that we were gravely concerned 4 weeks prior to our wedding day, as the doctors explained to us that the cancer cells had spread to his brain. His blood platelets count plunged to dangerously low levels, and we even contemplated the possibility of bringing forward our tea ceremony. Yet Father provided us with the assurance, that having persevered so far, he would definitely hang in there for June the 9th.
Our big day arrived, and we managed to proceed with the tea ceremony, even if Father wasn't in the best of shape when we returned in the morning. Yet it represented a triumph of sorts for all of us, for we managed to fulfill another of his wishes - to see Qi Qi and I getting married. Even during the dinner, whereby he was visibly exhausted, he still kept his presence for almost the entire night. This amazing display of resilience touched me greatly, as I managed to give him my word that I would take care of the family in front of everyone present.
To our dearest Father, thank you for all that you have contributed to the family over the past years. You have undoubtedly played your part in bringing up your children well, instilling in them excellent morals and values. Your resilience, determination, and courage during this difficult period was the greatest act of love you have shown to us.
May you rest in peace, and always remember that you will forever be a part of us.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Operation YMH
After months of preparation and anticipation, Qi Qi and I were glad that our evening turned out splendidly and smoothly. This was in no small part thanks to all the help and unwaivering support rendered by our family, relatives and close friends, all of whom we extend our earnest appreciation to.
On a personal level, the highlight of my evening was the successful completion of Operation YMH. It was a plan which was initiated 3 months ago and which was set to be unveiled on the night.
I recall Qi Qi and I reviewing my 2009 resolutions at the start of this year. Written somewhere near the bottom of the list was "to pick up playing the digital piano", one of 3 other resolutions which remained unfulfilled. Having recalled how adamant I was in wanting to pick up playing the instrument, it suddenly seemed right to dedicate a song for my wife-to-be as a wedding gift. Surely, it would be something meaningful and memorable for the both of us!
And so I embarked on this mission, which I duly named Operation YMH (for Yamaha). It definitely wasn't easy because of several reasons. First up was obviously having to conceal the fact that I was taking piano lessons on the sly, especially so since the lessons were only available on weekday evenings which meant I had to do it after work. It was difficult making it on time on most days, and it also meant I had to tell Qi Qi lots of white lies along the way - for the times when I said I had to stay back late in school or was resting at home, I was in fact hidden away in a room on the 6th floor of Plaza Singapura banging away on the keyboard. Then there was the time pressure of having to master the song within 10 lessons. And of course, the biggest effort was to convince myself that I could do this in front of a crowd this big.
To say all these were intimidating would be taking it a tad lightly, but deep down, I knew I wanted to do this for Qi Qi.
It took countless hours of practice, many rehearsals with my buddies to improvise the song, and of course repititive crooning of the song in the presence of the ever-enduring ears at home. But when the spotlight became focused on me that night, and as I glanced at Qi Qi, I smiled at her and told myself - I am doing this for you, baby, and I know you will love it no matter how it turns out.
And so here it is once again - my promise to my best friend forever.
I will be here. =)
Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love, hold my hand and have no fear
I will be here
I will be here, when you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen
And I will be here, when the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing and trying - we'll be together
I will be here
Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the future is unclear
I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change, our lifetimes are made for years
So I will be here
I will be here, you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older, I will hold you
And I will be here, to watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here...
I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the one, who gave you to me...
I will be here
And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I will be here - we'll be together
I will be here...
On a personal level, the highlight of my evening was the successful completion of Operation YMH. It was a plan which was initiated 3 months ago and which was set to be unveiled on the night.
I recall Qi Qi and I reviewing my 2009 resolutions at the start of this year. Written somewhere near the bottom of the list was "to pick up playing the digital piano", one of 3 other resolutions which remained unfulfilled. Having recalled how adamant I was in wanting to pick up playing the instrument, it suddenly seemed right to dedicate a song for my wife-to-be as a wedding gift. Surely, it would be something meaningful and memorable for the both of us!
And so I embarked on this mission, which I duly named Operation YMH (for Yamaha). It definitely wasn't easy because of several reasons. First up was obviously having to conceal the fact that I was taking piano lessons on the sly, especially so since the lessons were only available on weekday evenings which meant I had to do it after work. It was difficult making it on time on most days, and it also meant I had to tell Qi Qi lots of white lies along the way - for the times when I said I had to stay back late in school or was resting at home, I was in fact hidden away in a room on the 6th floor of Plaza Singapura banging away on the keyboard. Then there was the time pressure of having to master the song within 10 lessons. And of course, the biggest effort was to convince myself that I could do this in front of a crowd this big.
To say all these were intimidating would be taking it a tad lightly, but deep down, I knew I wanted to do this for Qi Qi.
It took countless hours of practice, many rehearsals with my buddies to improvise the song, and of course repititive crooning of the song in the presence of the ever-enduring ears at home. But when the spotlight became focused on me that night, and as I glanced at Qi Qi, I smiled at her and told myself - I am doing this for you, baby, and I know you will love it no matter how it turns out.
And so here it is once again - my promise to my best friend forever.
I will be here. =)
Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love, hold my hand and have no fear
I will be here
I will be here, when you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen
And I will be here, when the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing and trying - we'll be together
I will be here
Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the future is unclear
I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change, our lifetimes are made for years
So I will be here
I will be here, you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older, I will hold you
And I will be here, to watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here...
I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the one, who gave you to me...
I will be here
And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I will be here - we'll be together
I will be here...
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