A Tribute To My Late Grandma, Mdm Daisy Lim

On the 9th of June 2007, my grandma passed away peaceful in the evening from natural causes of old age. She was passed 80, and lived a good and basically contented life. It was particularly tough because gramps, whom I called Mama was very close to my heart. Tomorrow I am to attend her funeral and say a few words about her. I want to leave these words here too, as atribute to a wonderful woman who taught me that living a wonderful life is not just about making oneself happy but also about ensuring everyone around us too was happy and cheerful...

The Book of Galatians chapter 5:22-23 says : “But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Temperance. Against such there is no law.”

Mama was one such person who was a reflection of all these virtues. She lived a life most times thinking of others and sacrificing for others. No matter if we were strangers, her children, her grandchildren OR her great grand children, she always gave her best to us FIRST before she would even begin to think of her comfort or herself.

I remember, when I was very young, my mom and dad would let me visit Mama on the weekends. At those times Kong Kong and Mama would take us to the Market of the old streets of 14 or they would bring us to a friends house to spend the afternoon while Mama played Mahjong and us grandchildren would wait on them with tea, cookies or cakes hoping for a tip or two from the elders..those were happy times, as it always is when spending time with Mama. And of course as everyone knows, Mama was a wonderful cook, visiting her would also always mean we would leave at least 20lbs heavier from over eating, and those of us who were body conscious would need to diet for at least 4 weeks as to not look like the Michelin man… but it was always worth it.

If there as was only One thing that I had to choose to remember Mama by, it would be that she taught me, the immense value of Family and loving her family. She never said anything, but just knowing her and being with her taught me how much she had loved her family, and how she constantly did think about them, worry for them when they were sad and rejoice with them when they were happy.

Throughout her life Caring and Sharing has remained her religion, although she was not one to attend religious services regularly, she lived her life worshipfully at the feet of Honesty, Love, Peace and Courage.

In essence, she was my hero. A hero is not always about fighting wars or battle, a hero doesn’t have to climb mount Everest or rescue someone from a burning building, a hero is a person who brings hope to the lives of others when all feels hopeless, a hero is one who brings worth to life when all seems worthless and a Hero is one who shares a loving heart to make the life of others more meaningful, more purposeful and wonderful.

Mama was one such person and if I was given a chance to start life all over again, I would still happily be Mama’s grandchild. For she was a gift from the Divine who brought light into my world. She was always a Lighthouse for me, guiding me along the ocean of life and making bright my heart with her love and illuminating my life with her joy. In Life, mama was my hero, and now in parting she is my inspiration….

And before I finish, I would like to share this poem I wrote for Mama with all of you.

Mama, much have you done to bring Joy to us your family,
Patiently have you toiled and sacrificed most happilly
For us you have always given all your best
The time is here in Peace you rest

And now as the Divine to you gently beckons,
As the journey of life ends softly in sleep,
Lay down your weary heart
And slumber deep.

Dear Mama, please know how much we love you deep,
Your laughter we will miss even in our sleep,
For who else but you whose love for others is ocean deep,
In our hearts that memory of you we will always keep.

May the Light of Kuan Yin Embrace You.
May the Love of Kuan yin Protect you
May the Light of Kuan Yin Guide you
May the Love of Kuan Yin Keep you safe,
Till we finally meet again

OM MANI PADME HUM