My Dad was Called to Eternal Rest

The day that I had been apprehensive about finally came on 25 January 2006. My father was finally called to eternal rest. I was apprehensive because I wasn't sure how I would have responded to it and how other people would have responded to it. But it turned out all right.

My Dad had no major illness but had been frail for the final two years of his life. He had movement difficulty and therefore required practically 24-hour nursing care.

I love the way Christians describe the closing of a chapter of a person's life on earth. Physical death is a transition from the toil and suffering in this world to eternal rest in the loving arm of God. I am very glad to know that my father is now resting in the arm of God, free from all struggles, disappointments, unfulfilled wishes......

As I reflect on his life, I want to think of all the good and pleasant moments that was spent with him. My dad was a simple man. His greatest strength: Unwavering commitment to the raising of his family (he spent practically every cent he earned for the care and the well-being of his immediate family); no bad habits like drinking and gambling; faithfulness to his wife. You can almost say that he was a perfect father and husband.

Though he was not a very expressive man as far as showing love to his loved ones is concerned, you could feel that he loved his children all the same.

I remember when we were kids, he would always buy a little pack of goody when he finished works and gave them to his children to share. Every evening at around 7pm, the kids looked forward to this moment of receiving the goody and sharing it. He did this faithfully without fail. This simple gesture would be always treasured in my heart.