Passing On

As soon as I arrived at Sam and Rachel’s place from Changi Airport on 25.01.2017, I was immediately offered the privilege of holding my third grandchild for the very first time. She was exactly three weeks old that day - a tiny, precious bundle of life. It was an indescribable feeling to cuddle this little baby girl, the firstborn of Sam and Rachel.

Olivia, as she is named, was incredibly adorable - soft, warm, and so cuddle-friendly. As I held her close, many thoughts filled my mind. I paused for a moment and remembered that on this very same date, eleven years earlier, my father had passed away. The bittersweet symmetry of life and death struck me deeply. I couldn’t help but think how joyful he would have been to know that yet another great-grandchild had been born - a continuation of the family line.

There was a deep sense of satisfaction and quiet fulfillment within me, knowing that the "baton of life" passed on to me by my parents is now being handed over to the next generation - and now, even to a fourth. The Chinese characters 傳承 (chuan cheng), meaning passing on or inheritance, came to mind. These two words capture a concept that has long motivated the Chinese around the world to hold fast to their heritage, traditions, and identity across generations.

During the rest of my stay, I spent long, cherished moments cradling and cuddling baby Olivia - soaking in the quiet joy only a grandparent can truly understand.

As Donald A. Norberg once said,
"Surely, two of the most satisfying experiences in life must be those of being a grandchild or a grandparent."

Full Month Celebration.