Being the youngest in the family, sometimes you see more than what other people can see. You get to observe your parents a whole lot more, for better or worse.
As the youngest child, I had this privilege of doing that. Some of you here may even remember me being that small boy tagging along with his parents for church events or Marriage Encounter gatherings with my parents. As a child I saw my parents grow in their marriage. I saw the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows. I saw my dad deal with setbacks in life, whether at his work, with the loss of his wife, my mother. I saw his joys, when he got married again, when his sons graduated from universities and secure their first jobs, or even when he shared a funny joke or a story with the family.
My dad loved to talk. Everyone I met during the wake often mused that he would repeat his stories over and over again. But what struck me more was that his actions spoke even louder. He was a man who always did what was right. Whether it was taking care of an adoptee, or realising he should be just in charging for his services, and treating his patients fairly.
I know my dad was not an easy person. And I am sure many of you would agree – but I know one thing is for certain – he had his heart in the right place. When I look at my father, I always believe that there is a God. A god that is very merciful to his children. My dad may have appeared as a fool at times, but he was a fool for Christ. He had such zeal for his faith that he was willing to look like a fool.
My dad taught me a lot about the faith, not so much in theology teaching but more in putting God first. He would often take me to school on days where our school would have first Friday morning mass. He always insisted we wear good clothes for mass and he always prayed for his family before any family road trips or travels for a safe journey.
When dad would visit my family in Singapore, he would always mention how much he was looking forward to spending time in adoration at our nearby parish, which was a stone’s throw away. He would tell me that his favourite thing to do was to be with Jesus in the blessed sacrament; but I also think he secretly enjoyed receiving the affections of his grandchildren.
Dad and Aunty Pushpa were married for 15 good years. One of the many stories of their marriage was about how God had brought Aunty into his life. He would never fail to mention how grateful he was to have Aunty by his side as a companion and confidant. Aunty Pushpa, we would like to offer you our deepest gratitude for always being there with dad and standing by him.
Just a few days ago, dad sent me one of his usual voice messages. I didn’t have a chance to listen to it until last night. In that message, dad said something that I would probably carry for the rest of my life – he told me to always put God first and to not fear rejection and do what is right, always.
Dad had always spoken about wanting to go meet his maker soon, especially more so after his recent heart attacks. And he would not forget to mention how he often prayed to God that he would be taken quickly and peacefully. And it seems God had granted dad his wish – he indeed had a peaceful death.
Needless to say dad lived a full life. He showed me a great deal of what it should be to be a generous father and a faithful husband not so much in words but more in duty and service. He has raised three good children, and as I look my three children today, I hope that just like dad, I can have the tenacity and dedication to be a father who always provides, who always embraces his responsibilities, and one who always puts God first above all else.
Today we celebrate dad. He lived a good life, and was blessed immensely by God.
