It was once again the Chinese New Year celebration. It gives everyone an opportunity to publicly indulge in greed and gluttony in the comfort of their friends and family. Some would travel far, returning to their parents or grandparents' place of origins.
As for me, my kampung has always been the city. Both my grandparents were city folks. I never had the opportunity to know my grandfathers, as they were gone before I realised my existence. It was also difficult to communicate with my grandmothers - before they died - due to the language barrier. So family reunions never meant much to me. It meant even less as time went on.
This is not a self-pitying reflection, mind you. Merely establishing the setting for the following. I am happy for those who still have all four of their grandparents still living. I am happy for those who have had grandfathers with whom to spend time.
Whenever I go to shopping malls, I might see an elderly gentleman taking his grandchild out for the day. Taking him or her to McDonald's for a meal. It never fails to provide me a form of contentment for them.
Sure, I wish I was able to experience spending time with my grandfathers, listening to their tales of yore. Having them take me back through time as they relive their past to provide some sense to the present and possible future. However, that did not happen. I do not resent what could have been.
This evening, I had a reunion dinner with my maternal extended family. I always enjoy watching the interactions between one of my uncles and his grandson. It is always exciting to hear how he talks about his grandson. Some of things his grandson; cousin's son does are things that I can relate to, which reminds me of the days when I was his age.
I used to view my uncle as high ranked person in a large corporate environment and very knowledgeable and informed man. In fact, I think I have learned a few things from him about life as well. Now, seeing him as a grandfather was something pleasantly surprising to me. I like the way how he is so careful of what his grandson eats - his likes and dislikes. I like how he responded rapidly to damage control, when the kid's drink was accidentally spilled on the table. He was about to cry, but his granddad quickly got him a replacement drink.
I believe parents play important roles in their children's lives. Grandparents help enrich the upbringing of the children. Although I never had the privilege of such experiences, I strive to be someone respectable of my lineage. The past is gone, the future is upon us. I of my family, determine how this continues. One day, I hope to enrich the lives of my children and my children's children.
As for me, my kampung has always been the city. Both my grandparents were city folks. I never had the opportunity to know my grandfathers, as they were gone before I realised my existence. It was also difficult to communicate with my grandmothers - before they died - due to the language barrier. So family reunions never meant much to me. It meant even less as time went on.
This is not a self-pitying reflection, mind you. Merely establishing the setting for the following. I am happy for those who still have all four of their grandparents still living. I am happy for those who have had grandfathers with whom to spend time.
Whenever I go to shopping malls, I might see an elderly gentleman taking his grandchild out for the day. Taking him or her to McDonald's for a meal. It never fails to provide me a form of contentment for them.
Sure, I wish I was able to experience spending time with my grandfathers, listening to their tales of yore. Having them take me back through time as they relive their past to provide some sense to the present and possible future. However, that did not happen. I do not resent what could have been.
This evening, I had a reunion dinner with my maternal extended family. I always enjoy watching the interactions between one of my uncles and his grandson. It is always exciting to hear how he talks about his grandson. Some of things his grandson; cousin's son does are things that I can relate to, which reminds me of the days when I was his age.
I used to view my uncle as high ranked person in a large corporate environment and very knowledgeable and informed man. In fact, I think I have learned a few things from him about life as well. Now, seeing him as a grandfather was something pleasantly surprising to me. I like the way how he is so careful of what his grandson eats - his likes and dislikes. I like how he responded rapidly to damage control, when the kid's drink was accidentally spilled on the table. He was about to cry, but his granddad quickly got him a replacement drink.
I believe parents play important roles in their children's lives. Grandparents help enrich the upbringing of the children. Although I never had the privilege of such experiences, I strive to be someone respectable of my lineage. The past is gone, the future is upon us. I of my family, determine how this continues. One day, I hope to enrich the lives of my children and my children's children.
