Uncle-M called around 10pm to inform mom that grandma's not doing too well. Dad & mom got ready in an instant and bolted to grandma's place in Setapak. I stayed back; did not want to unnecessarily overcrowd the apartment. All of mom's siblings from the Klang Valley were there too. Uncle-M's friend, Dr.P was there to examine grandma. He later suggested that grandma should be admitted for further tests. Slightly past midnight, grandma was tranfered to Tawakal Hospital KL by ambulance.
Sat, 30th Dec:
Ruby and I visited grandma at the ICU around 5pm. It was a very special moment. In her semi-conscious state, she could barely talk, move or even open her eyes; yet she 'blessed' us both and inquired on our well-being.
A widow for half of her life, an asthmatic and diabetic, grandma raised her family well and got all her children married single-handedly. She's known for her stern demeanour and can be likened to an iron-lady. Having endured unimaginable challenges in life, I could not believe my grandma was lying helplessly in bed. I tried to contain my sadness but tears kept dwelling in the eyes...
A widow for half of her life, an asthmatic and diabetic, grandma raised her family well and got all her children married single-handedly. She's known for her stern demeanour and can be likened to an iron-lady. Having endured unimaginable challenges in life, I could not believe my grandma was lying helplessly in bed. I tried to contain my sadness but tears kept dwelling in the eyes...
Around 6pm, Ruby and I left the hospital. We went to shop for office attire and later went for dinner. In the midst of dinner, dad called to inform that grandma's condition is critical. I dropped Ruby home and rushed back to KL. Luckily the roads were free from the regular KL traffic; reached the hospital at 11.20pm.
There was a big crowd outside the ICU. I didn't make it on time. I arrived 5 minutes late. Grandma was no more. Made my way through the crowd and found mom. She was devastated. Hugged and comforted her. Saw grandma lying peacefully in bed. Apparently, all those present witnessed grandma last's breath.
There was a big crowd outside the ICU. I didn't make it on time. I arrived 5 minutes late. Grandma was no more. Made my way through the crowd and found mom. She was devastated. Hugged and comforted her. Saw grandma lying peacefully in bed. Apparently, all those present witnessed grandma last's breath.
I contacted the press but it was too late to place an obituary ad. Furthermore, the funeral details had yet to be confirmed. We concluded that our family news network is far more effective than any print or electronic media :) so the ad was called off.
An hour later, the hospital released grandma's body and a hearse was on standby. It was decided that grandma will be taken to Uncle-I's place in Kepong. Dad, mom and other family members proceeded to Kepong. I returned home.
An hour later, the hospital released grandma's body and a hearse was on standby. It was decided that grandma will be taken to Uncle-I's place in Kepong. Dad, mom and other family members proceeded to Kepong. I returned home.
Sun, 31st Dec:
Headed to Kepong at 8am to perform our last respects. All electric crematoriums in the Klang Valley were fully booked. Our final resort was the traditional firewood crematorium at Loke Yew. About 1pm, grandma's casket was carried back into the hearse and selected family members went along to the crematorium. Grandma was cremated around 2.30pm. We returned to Kepong and joined the remaining family until evening.
