A Letter to My Dearly Departed Uncle

Dearest Kuku, You were and will always be an inspiration to me and the entire family. Thank you for showing me the kindness and care throughout our years together as a family. The love you have given my brother and me is one that is only comparable to that of a father, this is so because it’s indescribable. One that remains unchanged. Back when I was a child, you were there for my mum and me, like a second father. I still remember our Sunday breakfasts with Ah Ma, and all the times we waited for your return from NZ, US, and who knows where. Like Santa Claus, there was once when you came to our house with a huge bag and asked me to pick out a toy from the bag with my eyes closed. Turns out I picked the ugliest one, you laughed and then gave me a second chance to pick another one, only this time with my eyes open! My first trip to New Zealand wouldn't be as wonderful as it was if it weren't for you. The road trips down to KL wouldn't be as fun without you driving down the road as we listened to Air Supply and sometimes, Taylor Swift. The pink-colored PSP you bought for me, all those magical moments that a child could only dream of. Thank you for making them into my reality. The little notes I used to write to you whenever you are going down to Australia or NZ, asking you for a tiny favor - it's either buying a game for my PSP or my favorite chocolates from Woolworths. It was you who took me down to Monash for a university tour and again, you were the one who came to visit me with self-care packages from Penang. Sadly, I could still remember how I ran in the rain to get you your dinner from Sushi Zanmai at Sunway Pyramid and porridge from SS12 while you were waiting for me in Sunway Med. Thankful enough, you were back on track after a while in the hospital. I can still remember vividly the joyful countenance you always exhibited at every family gathering, the cheerful attitude and cheekiness in you that was your unique identity. I could still remember how you used to cheekily criticize how short my jeans were and how red the color of my lipstick was. Before visiting you, I would always wipe away my lipstick in the toilet. It used to drive me insane! (I'm joking) Just a few weeks ago, you asked for a pair of scissors, saying here's a pair, if you need one, to cut it even shorter. I know you meant well. We laughed about it afterward.

"I've lived, a life that's full. I travelled each and every highway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way"

- My Way by Frank Sinatra

I have never told you about how your impressive LinkedIn profile had me in awe (literally). Your experience in the industry and how your colleagues spoke highly of you. This honestly speaks volumes of how admirable you are as an individual. Flying across the world, working in the US, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong, you were the pride of the family. It wasn't just because of your top-level positions in many large corporations, but it was how you were able to climb up the ladder with your background. You never let go of your "always learning" attitude, and you are the true definition of charismatic. A true leader. You are such an inspiration, I hope I can reach the top like you someday. When I shared the news of my US fellowship with you last year, you were so happy. I really wanted to buy the hoodie you wanted from the States and surprise you with little goodies when I return. Unfortunately, I lost my chance. When you were sending me off to Monash, you gave me tons of great advice, one that I will always remember - "Attitude is the key to success". If a person doesn't have a good attitude, he or she wouldn't go far in life. Even when the opinions of others towards me had changed, yours never did. You stayed true to your principles and still treated me with the same care and love. For that, you have my utmost respect and forever gratitude. You aren't perfect, no one is, but you are special to me, and the rest of the family. I will share all of your stories and fond memories with my future children, telling them of how you and ONLY YOU are the coolest member of the family.

Kuku, you have left a void in the family that will never be filled. You and Ah Ma were the pillars that held the family together. How I wish I could turn back in time, just to live through the happier times again with you two. Now, you are at a better place, along with Ah Ma and Ah Kong. You belong to a place that's kind, a place that's free from all the hassles of the world. I love you very much and will hold all the warm and special memories together close to my heart. May you forever rest in peace, my dear favorite uncle! Love, Kay Kay

"I've loved, I've laughed and cried. I've had my fill, my share of losing. And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing. To think I did all that. And may I say, not in a shy way. Oh no, oh no not me, I did it my way."

- My Way by Frank Sinatra