My Atuk

I saw my grandfather in my dream earlier. He was smiling and held his thumbs up, as if everything's alright. I don't know if that's supposed to mean he's fine, or I'm gonna be fine.

When I was little, I thought he had some superpower to be able to read other people's mind. He could always point out when I was having trouble, or when I was the trouble. He would take me ride on his bicycle and started telling stories about his life - his childhood and the war, and I would be so immersed in the stories that I'd forget my problems.

With the things happening in my life now, it's no wonder that I had that dream.

I miss you, Atuk. I wanna hear your stories some more. About what happened after your Tuan sent you off to Kuantan so you won't get bombed if you had followed him to Singapore. You never got to finish that story when you left so suddenly.

I wanted to look for your Tuan's relatives and share your stories with them but I forgot his name. I only remember the tone in your voice when you mentioned him - deepest respect anyone could have for another. You always spoke so highly of his kindness and fairness. And how much you'd like for everyone to forget their differences and treat each other as equals, just like how he did to you and your friends.

You'd be laughing today if you could live long enough to hear this '1malaysia' campaign - you lived through it before, you'd be able to share an excellent story with us. Another one of your interesting stories that I long to hear...

May you be blessed and have a great 'life' with Nenek on the other side. I miss you both very much.