Thoughts for the day: The Passing

Tuesday, 16 July 2013, I received a call close to lunch time (12pm).

I was told that her condition is not looking good.. and whether I can leave work anytime when needed. Of course I can...

Seconds after I hung up, a whatsapp message popped on my screen. "Grandma's pulse and breathing is thinning. Those who wish to see her for the last time please come now."

My heart pulsed.. At that moment, the only thing that occurred to me was to head over to the hospital.

~ Rewinding back to a few days ago ~

Grandma has got Alzheimer disease for a long time now. Her mind's deteriorating day by day. She's been sent to an old folks' caring home, so that the proper attention and care can be given to her.

However, there was one day where she was very uncomfortable... breathing heavily and uncomfortably..

With general concensus of the children, she was taken in an ambulance back to her house, where she once mentioned that if she were to go.. she wanted to pass away in her room...

However after a while of pondering, for the betterment of her condition, her children decided to admit her to Assunta Hospital to extract her phlegm that was causing her to suffer..

She was admitted to ICU... and her condition has not been better since..

~ --- ~

I drove to the hospital and entered her ward.. There usually was a rule that only 2 persons can visit at a time... But today was different.. There were a number of people crowding around her bed.

I went by her... called her out and touched her head gently...

All the while I stood there, I looked at her fragile frame. There was nothing more pain-staking than to know that she is finally going to part from us eternally.

Occasionally I'll take a glance at the heart monitor situated right beside her..

It was around 40+ when I first arrived... Then it slowly dropped... and dropped...

This was my first time seeing a person slowly slipping away from me in front of my eyes.. She looked like she's just sleeping.. There was no sign of struggle, no sign of pain, no sign of discomfort...

As the time ticks, the heart monitor reached 0... The doctor came by and asked to check on her, and left quickly after..

We all knew she was well gone already, but we still crowded around her.. clinging on to her body, as if denying the painful truth...

Today marks the passing of my dear grandmother, who has shown unwavering kindness and care for her children and grandchildren. She's been a major part of my life... Sometimes staying over with us, buying things for us, even shoving us pockey money...

Dear grandmother, wherever you are... I wish that you have passed on well to a better place.. and do smile upon us as we carry on on this path that you have given us a chance to set foot on.

Thank you for being a part of us. We will remember you always..