In Loving Memory of Uncle

My Uncle passed away this week after a short, but brave, battle with lung cancer. It saddens me deeply to see my cousins mourn the loss of their father. I know how it must feel because 3-1/2 years ago, I was in their shoes when my father passed away from the same monster of a disease. My father and my uncle were brothers, and very close ones at that. The love that the two brothers shared was silent but profound, so when my dad passed, it broke my heart to watch my uncle's grief and sorrow. I miss my dad greatly, but now I will miss Uncle too.

Uncle was the best uncle that a niece could have. Whenever we saw him, unfortunately not as often as I wish now, he always had a smile on his face. He was very caring and he was a great cook. He was a man of little words but his actions spoke loud and was heartfelt. He would bring his yummy dishes to us whether it was rain or shine, and yes, even in icy, cold winters. I look back and I wish I had spent more time with him. And for this, I will miss him all the more.

Son Son was just turning one when my father passed. Son Son does not remember much about his grandfather, whom he calls Goong-Goong. I remember a couple of times when I had mentioned that we were going to visit Goong Goong (not mentioning that we were going to the cemetery), he would reply "Are we going to Say-Goong's house?" It was then that I realized that Son Son thought that Uncle was his grandfather. Son Son has always been very fond of his Say-Goong (literally translated to 4th Great Uncle). When Say-Goong came over, Son Son would run to the door and greet him. You see, Uncle loved children and children loved him. My two boys never went to people that they rarely saw but my Uncle was the exception. That just shows you what a kind soul he was, and for this, I will miss him all the more.

Last night was Uncle's viewing at the funeral home. His children compiled many collages of their photo memories of their father and had made a slide show of his life. It was so touching and lovely to see him in those pictures. There were pictures from his engagement to his wife all the way through to the time he was battling cancer. Many beautiful pictures, many beautiful moments, and many beautiful memories. It reflected the wonderful father and family man he was. Looking at the pictures made me realize that I really didn't know my uncle as a person. I mean, I knew he was a great father - he raised 5 amazing children and you could see and feel how much they loved and respected him. And I knew that he was a wonderful uncle - he always remembered my birthday and always had the time to stop and chat with me. I thought I knew him, yet I feel so distant now. I wish I could have talked to him more as a friend, to know him as a person. For this, I will miss him all the more.

Sometimes we think that we can do things with loved ones tomorrow or the day after and we keep putting it off. I now regret that I didn't do things with Uncle when I had the chance.

So on this day, we will be going to Uncle's funeral service and burial. We will remember that he passed away knowing and feeling that he was loved by his children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and friends. We will remember that he was a great man. We were, and always will be, very honoured to have had him for our Uncle. We will miss him dearly. He will always be in our hearts and in our memories.

We love you Uncle. Rest in Peace.