For One More Day

Today, I can't help to ponder on the fragility of life; how death can come without knocking. On my way back from breakfast today, I felt so glad and blessed to be alive; to be able to see the world as it goes. Then, my dad called me and told me to go to the Palliative Ward to visit my grand-uncle, Kung2 Johnny who is now terminally ill with prostrate cancer.

Upon arriving at the Palliative Ward, I was shocked to see Kung2 Johnny lying there, hardly recognisable. The last time I saw him during Chinese New Year, he was still jovial despite the cancerous cells slowly eating his body. I recalled fondly of him, hugging me so tight and treating me as if I were his only grand-niece. I can still hear his shaky, yet tender voice telling me to take good care of myself and my family. Yet, the frail old man lying on the hospital bed, getting in and out of consciousness is hardly the same Kung2 who said those words to me.

I cried.

I cried to see his frail body.

I cried to see his wife held his hands lovingly as we said the prayer for the dying.

I cried because I remembered he was the only grand-uncle who never called me names when I was young; the one who always treat me like I'm one of his actual grand-daughters.

His condition made me think of how I've spent my life so far. Perhaps, he is God's reminder to me that life is fragile. I wonder...have I been really living all these while?

What am I going to do if I only have one more day with my loved ones?