amelia.

My Grandparents' Love

For those who’ve known me for a long time, they would know that I love my grandparents dearly. Every once a week, I’d make it a point to spend time with my granny at her house. Be it just to eat, sleep, watch her cook, chat with her or even catch our favourite TV reruns together; this is a must-do thing whenever I have time.

I have decided to dedicate this post to my grandparents. I get very emotional whenever I talk about them or think about them. Even writing this post brings tears to my eyes. It’s funny… really funny… These are not tears of sadness. But rather joy. I am joyous for the fact that I am so lucky to have their love and their support throughout my life.

Let’s talk about why they are so important to me in the first place. They were the ones who looked after me when I was a kid. Since I was a baby, in fact. They were probably the first to see me walk, to see me cut my first cake and to see me utter my first words. That is why I am particularly close to them.

My grandfather was a tailor. I think amongst all his grandchildren, he loved me the most. So I will always have a place in his heart. His face would always light up whenever he sees me. He will walk to my house (i used to stay a few blocks down the road from my grandparents) and deliver food for my brother and I (cos’ my parents used to work late and no one would cook for us). He would travel on 2 differnt buses to get to my school just to pick me up, just so that he knows I’m safe. And if I were to travel home from school alone, he would walk to the busstop where I would alight and wait for me. As he was a tailor, he would make me clothes. One of which, I still have till this very day. Whatever I did was wonderful in his eyes. When I was little, I would sit beside him on his high table and doodle. Then I would show him my art and he would always praise me. In his eyes, I’m his precious little girl and everything I did was perfect.

I guess everyone of us have this special bond with someone; be it our mothers, fathers, grandparents, sister, brother, whoever.. This is the bond which makes us feel safe and makes us feel that nothing in this world can hurt us (of course reality sinks in when we start living in the real world where people are not so nice). I would always find myself running back to this safe haven whenever I feel useless or whenever someone belittles me.

My grandmother was also a seamstress. Perhaps it’s because she had to help my grandfather with his business, that’s why she picked up sewing.. She would also always make little dresses for me and with whatever left over cloth she has, my dolls will get new clothes too! Like my grandfather, I reckon I am her favourite. I think, being the oldest grandchild in the family has its perks. I used to love sleeping with her, cuddling up beside her on her bed and holding her hand while I sleep. Even though she was the disciplinarian and would often scold me when I misbehaved; she never seized to make sure that I was well-fed and well-taken care of whenever and wherever.

My biggest regret was when I went to Uni and didn’t spend enough time with my grandparents. Till today, I still cannot let go of the fact that I’ve chosen school and after school activities over visiting my grandparents. I left it for special occasions or whenever I have spare time. It was to the point when my grandfather would often ask, where is amelia? when is she coming? This is my biggest regret. He has since passed on…and although I was there by his side when he was hospitalised and even till the end, I think the time spent there will never be enough. Although I know he doesn’t blame me, deep down inside, I blame myself. So, now, ever since he passed on, I’ve made a promise to myself and to him, that I will treasure my time with my grandmother. She comes first before anyone else. Perhaps this could be a reminder for whoever who reads this… treasure your time with your loved ones. Say the things you want to say, and do the things that you want to, for and with them. Make all the time you have with them worthwhile. And when it’s time for them to go, I reckon, though it’s hard, it would be easier to let go and be happy that you’ve done your part; cos’ by the time you regret, it’s probably too late.

I love you, grandma and grandpa! FOREVER! :)