Cutting the long story short, here are 3 highlights of what I thought was worth putting down in words:
1. Day trip to Tai-O with Mama and Yipo.
I am determined to spend more quality time with Mama and Yipo after Yeye's passing. The void is hard to fill but in their remaining years, I want to create more happy memories for them and with them.
I took a few days off during Chinese New Year and flew back early to stay with them at New Territories. After doing some research, we went on an 'adventure' to Tai-O by taking the 1-hour ferry ride at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier. It costs a mere HK$25 per pax but it turned out to be the ride of our lives because we had to carry yipo and her wheelchair up and down the slippery steps and bobbing boat.
Thank God for helpful passers-by who helped keep the boat steady while we embark and alight. I received half-amused and half-bewildered looks when I explained to them that I'm trying to bring these two elderly sisters (one on a wheelchair) out on a fun trip. Mad, they must be thinking.
Risks aside, we had a fabulous day on the island. God gave us perfect weather and we explored the nooks and crannies of Tai-O's old streets and stilt houses. We even walked 30 minutes to Tai-O's Heritage Hotel to enjoy the view and the beach.
Mama enjoyed herself so much, she already asked me when's the next trip on our bus ride home. (Yes, we opted for a bus ride back to Tung Chung instead of taking the return ferry, to be safe).
2. Family trip to Perth
Our family trip finally, finally took place in March this year. I didn't realise how much effort it takes to have everyone's schedule synchronised - even if it's only for 5 days!
To be honest, Australia wasn't my favourite country. From past experience, some folks can get really nasty. But perhaps, Western Australia is different. It changed my perception.
This trip was thoroughly enjoyable despite the smothering heat. The food was fantastic, the people are friendly, and the farm stay, especially, was surprisingly fun. I had expected myself to be sulking and cooped up while the rest of the brave hearts go feed the animals (especially the fowl - ugly, evil creatures, in my opinion.)
But in an effort to act brave in front of my nephew, I took his hand and ventured out, squirmy and unwilling. Feeding was still out of the question, but at least I stood less than 10 feet away from the feisty emus and greedy chickens. Achievement unlocked.
Target for next family trip is New Zealand. No more feathery fright for me, I hope.
3. The passing of Gong Gong
I put this last as I wasn't sure how to approach this. For the uninitiated, we Cantonese call our paternal grandpa, Yeye, and our maternal grandpa, Gong Gong.
So yes, I lost Yeye last year.
Exactly a year later, we lost Gong Gong, too.
Amid all the sadness, the closeness in timeline to which we lost two of our dearest family members made me ponder: Who's going next? Whose eulogy should we write? Whose memorial book should we make? Or, does it matter?
Gong Gong has been fighting prostrate cancer for years, and despite the pain he felt in his bones, he insisted on going about his daily life for as long as he can. The resilience he showed in his life and his old age reminds me of 2 Timothy 4:7:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
And I know he is resting in God's arms now, together with Yeye. Or maybe, they are enjoying a game of chess at this moment?
Rest in peace, Gong Gong. We will take care of Popo too. God will keep her safe. Till the day we all meet in heaven again.
