9th Anniversary of Dad's Demise on 26 July 2007 (Part 1)

Aug 5, 2007, 8:27 pm

My dad died after battling with colon cancer for less than two months. When he started to have the disease, I had just resigned from my job as a computer supervisor in my uncle in law's computer centre in Tg. Malim, Perak and was intending to visit some places in West Malaysia before coming back to Kota Kinabalu. I was visiting a friend in Johor when I received the news to come back as soon as possible. Eventhough I had bought a Transmile Air ticket for a later date, I had to forgo that ticket and flew back by MAS.

Since mum was a former civil servant, dad was able to stay in First Class in QEH. One of dad's doctor was Dr. Peter Ong. Eventhough dad had an operation to remove the cancer from his colon, the cancer had spread to other parts of his body. During the time when he was staying at the First Class ward, I spent overnight with him to care of him. Before he was transferred to the Pallative Care Unit, he went back to stay at my brother's house for a while. During that time, when he slept he needed the air-conditioner to be on cos he said he felt very hot. That was something new cos for his entire life, dad had never used an air-con to sleep.

The last few days before he died, he was admitted into the Pallative Care Unit of QEH. The doctors, nurses and volunteers were very kind and patience.

Grannie visited dad at the Pallative Care Unit on the night of 25 July 2007. Dad recognised her. We had kept dad's cancer from her until that time. That night mum and I did not go home and spent overnight with dad cos doctor said he would go at anytime. I did not sleep and keep on praying for him. At exactly 6a.m. dad changed his earthly address. I cried but happy at the same time that he didn't have to suffer anymore. I called my brother to tell him the news.

On the way to the funeral parlour, I saw a rainbow appeared in the sky. That reminded me of God's promises. I felt that God was reminding me there's hope for us who believe in Him, we shall see our departed ones once again on that glorious day in the future to come. Hallelujah! After dad passed away, I could not describe the kind of feeling I was having. I knew I felt a void in my heart and unless you have been through the process of bereavement, you will not understand what I am talking about.