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Thursday, June 1, 2023

Remembering Dad

Dad was a truly remarkable person who lived life to the fullest and found joy in even the simplest of pleasures. He was a casual and down-to-earth individual, someone who always reminded us that life is meant to be enjoyed.

He was never one to stay at home. Dad loved to go out and explore the world around him. Whether it was a short walk around the neighborhood or a spontaneous trip, he always had this curiosity. But when he did stay home, you could always find him in the company of his beloved TV and newspaper, keeping up with the latest news and stories, although sometimes the news was misinterpreted.

One unforgettable memory that perfectly captures my dad's playful and mischievous nature was during Chinese New Year. As tradition dictates, Dad would serve delicious bakwa, a delectable treat enjoyed during the festive season. However, he also had a mischievous surprise up his sleeve. On one occasion, he decided to amuse our friends with fake electronic firecracker toys. The toys were so convincingly loud that when they went off, our unsuspecting friend was startled and left everyone in fits of laughter. It was a testament to my dad's ability to find joy in pranks and his love for making others smile.


I will forever cherish the memory of my dad's returning home. As soon as I heard the familiar sound of his footsteps approaching the front door, I would rush to be the first to open it. And there he would be, arms full of things he had bought during his outing—delicious treats or some surprise trinkets. It was a small gesture, but it symbolized his thoughtfulness and the joy he found in making others happy. 

It's true that my dad didn't always express his affection in overt ways. He did not present in certain family occasions, but there was no doubt that he loved us and his grandchildren deeply. He might not have been one for grand display of affection, but his actions spoke volumes. The care he gave, and the little surprises he brought home were all expressions of his love. 

My dad is a people person. He had this incredible ease in connecting with people from all walks of life. His friendly and approachable nature made him a cherished companion to both young and old, male and female alike. I dare say that most of my childhood friends proudly call him their friend as well. He had an ability to bridge generational and gender gaps, effortlessly build meaningful connections with everyone he met. His genuine interest in people and his warmth, welcoming spirit left a mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him. 


In addition to his many wonderful qualities, my dad was undeniably a handsome and lucky gentleman. His charm would light up a room, and he had a way of making everyone feel at ease in his presence. He lived a fortunate life, surrounded by the love of his family and the friendships he cultivated throughout the years. "He is one of my favourite uncle," one relative quoted. 

As we say goodbye to my dad, we want to remember him for the incredible person he was. Let's celebrate his love for life, his enjoyment of the simplest pleasures, and his ability to find happiness in every moment. And as we carry his memory in our hearts, let us strive to live our lives with the same zest, patience, and kindness that he showed us. 

Thank you, Dad, for the legacy of love and joy you have left behind. You will be dearly missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace May your soul find eternal happiness.



Mengenang Papa

Papa adalah seorang pria luar biasa yang menjalani hidup sepenuhnya dan selalu bersuka-cita bahkan dalam hal-hal kecil. Dia adalah individu yang santai dan sederhana, sosok yang mengingatkan anak-anaknya bahwa hidup itu seharusnya dinikmati. 

Papa senang keluar dan melihat dunia di sekitarnya. Entah itu jalan-jalan singkat di dekat kawasan rumah atau bepergian secara spontan, dia selalu penuh dengan rasa ingin tahu. Saat dia di rumah, bisa dipastikan dia berada di depan TV dan membaca koran. Dia gemar mengikuti berita terkini, meskipun apa yang ditonton dan dibacanya kadang disalahtafsirkan.

Satu kenangan yang dengan sempurna menggambarkan sisi Papa yang suka bercanda dan iseng adalah suatu ketika di Tahun Baru Cina. Sudah menjadi tradisi di rumah bahwa Papa akan menawarkan bakwa, cemilan lezat di salah satu toples di meja saat Tahun Baru Cina. Di hari itu, siapa sangka dia masih memiliki satu kejutan lagi? Tiba-tiba saja dia menyalakan petasan listrik yang nyaring seperti aslinya, sampai-sampai seorang teman terlonjak kaget. Yang lain pun tergelak. Kenangan di hari tersebut menunjukkan kecintaan Papa dalam membuat orang lain tersenyum. 


Saya akan selalu mengenang saat Papa pulang ke rumah. Begitu saya mendengar suara langkah kaki yang saya kenal baik mendekati pintu rumah, saya akan berlari dan membukakan pintu. Dan dia pun berdiri di depan saya dengan tangan penuh makanan dan hadiah lain yang dibelinya saat bepergian. Lewat hal kecil seperti ini, beliau menunjukkan perhatiannya.

Papa tidak selalu menunjukkan kasih sayangnya secara berlebihan. Bahkan ada kalanya dia tidak hadir dalam acara keluarga. Kendati begitu, tidak ada keraguan bahwa dia mencintai anak-anak dan cucu-cucunya. Dia bukanlah tipe yang ekspresif mengungkapkan perhatiannya, tapi perbuatannya mencitrakan semua itu. Kepedulian dan hadiah kecil yang senantiasa ia bawa pulang ke rumah adalah wujud dari cintanya pada keluarga.

Sebagai orang yang ramah, Papa gampang berkenalan dan membina hubungan dengan siapa saja. Gayanya yang bersahabat dan tidak mengintimidasi membuatnya disukai oleh tua-muda, baik pria maupun wanita. Saya berani menjamin bahwa teman-teman dari masa kecil saya juga menganggapnya sebagai teman. Papa mahir dalam pendekatan antar generasi dan juga ke lawan jenis. Dia luwes dalam bergaul dengan setiap orang yang ditemuinya. Keingintahuan yang tulus dan keramahtamahannya meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam bagi mereka yang mengenalnya. 


Selain kepribadian yang memikat, Papa juga tampan dan bagus peruntungannya. Pesonanya tidak bisa dipungkiri dan dia memiliki cara untuk membuat orang lain di sekitarnya merasa nyaman. Hidupnya dikelilingi oleh keluarga dan teman yang mencintainya. "Dia adalah paman favorit saya," demikian ujar seorang kerabat. 

Dalam perpisahan ini, kami ingin mengingat Papa sebagai sosok yang mengagumkan. Mari rayakan kecintaannya akan hidup, caranya menikmati hal yang paling sederhana sekalipun, dan juga kemampuannya dalam bersuka-cita di setiap waktu. Dan dengan kenangan akan dirinya yang membara di hati, semoga kita pun bisa menjalani hidup seperti apa yang sudah beliau contohkan. 

Terima kasih, Papa. Terima kasih untuk cinta dan kebahagiaan yang sudah engkau tinggalkan. Kami akan merasa kehilangan, tapi semangatmu akan hidup di hati kami selamanya. Beristirahatlah dengan tenang. Semoga engkau menemukan kedamaian di sana.

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