Be it a Titan or an Ordinary Man

2 deaths in a week.

My husband''s close friend passed away last Sunday. Though diagnosed with late stage cancer it was still quite a sudden passing. Then on Monday morning we woke up to the news of the passing of our country's founding father.

The friend was my husband's JC classmate and the clique of 6 friends has without fail an annual CNY gathering since school days which subsequently included their families.  At the final farewell at the crematorium the men dabbed their eyes and one broke down in loud sobs. Earlier on another friend had loaded the class photo on their What's App. During the wake there was much recalling of stories and anecdotes, often so funny that the group broke out in laughter. Seemingly inappropriate but really quite telling of what life really is "Ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows".

With the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, the media is flooded with tributes, accolades, historical moments as well as hundreds of personal stories and encounters. I joined the queue to pay my respect at Parliament House. I was a bit disappointed for not being able to catch a glimpse of his face and the filing past was over before I knew it. My greatest regret is not having seen him in person but I am grateful to be able to bow before him and say a heart felt "Thank You". It can never be repeated too often that without him we will never be what we are today, myself and every of my family inclusive. 
The media jolted our memory of all the crisis our country managed to ride over through his determination and grit though at times he seemed like a bulldozer.

And I wonder why upon every death the recalled events often seem more clear and make more sense.  Like the recounts of funny situations by my husband and his friends which weren't perceived as being so funny then or the often incomprehensible measures spearheaded by LKY which now regarded as remarkably wise. Perhaps it just boils down to the lack of awareness and wisdom of an ordinary man.

An account by Lee Wei Ling about the impact of her mother's illness on her father moved me deeply. She told of how her father grew more frail by the day as he watched his wife suffered. I can imagine his pain when her health deteriorated and was unable to respond to him. Below is an excerpt:

Now, in October 2008, Papa knew that if Mama survived she would never be able to walk independently. But he felt that so long as she knew she was an important part of his life, she would still find life worth living.
He told her: “We have been together for most of our lives. You cannot leave me alone now. I will make your life worth living in spite of your physical handicap.”
She replied: “That is a big promise.”
Papa said: “Have I ever let you down?”
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/remembering-lee-kuan-yew-daughter-lee-wei-ling-mr-lee-fa#sthash.3Koa3E1l.dpuf

"Now, in October 2008, Papa knew that if Mama survived she would never be able to walk independently. But he felt that so long as she knew she was an important part of his life, she would still find life worth living.

He told her: “We have been together for most of our lives. You cannot leave me alone now. I will make your life worth living in spite of your physical handicap.”

She replied: “That is a big promise.”

Papa said: “Have I ever let you down?”".......

 

"Mama deteriorated further after she returned home. Finally, she reached a stage when she could not even speak and seemed unaware of her surroundings. But she was always aware of Papa’s presence."

Now, in October 2008, Papa knew that if Mama survived she would never be able to walk independently. But he felt that so long as she knew she was an important part of his life, she would still find life worth living.
He told her: “We have been together for most of our lives. You cannot leave me alone now. I will make your life worth living in spite of your physical handicap.”
She replied: “That is a big promise.”
Papa said: “Have I ever let you down?”
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/remembering-lee-kuan-yew-daughter-lee-wei-ling-mr-lee-fa#sthash.3Koa3E1l.dpuf

I am again reminded of the "Ten thousand joys ad ten thousand sorrows" in everyone's life be it a Titan or an ordinary man. We just have to embrace them as best as we can,