Life Without My Dear Wife: January 2011

The official period of traditional Chinese period of mourning is 49th day after the date of departed one. The date of 7th. day of the 7th. week after my dear wife's death on 15th. November, 2010 was Sunday, 2nd. January, 2011. It was also our 35th. Wedding Anniversary if she had lived up to that date but how unfortunate that was not to be so!
Starting off early at 9.00 am, I was accompanied by my mother and elder son Chuan Beow, went to the Thai Buddhist Temple - Wat Chaiya Manggalaram located at Burmah Lane, Pulau Tikus, Penang to place the plaque on her niche at this Temple. My dear friends, Mr and Mrs Lim Gim Hin were there even we reached the Temple. Later we were joined by our Luck Soh ( 6th. Sister-in-law from Saw Ai's side ) and her son and daughter. Her daughter Ang Mei Ching is our god daughter. Her dad, my wife's sixth brother, had unfortunately passed away after a heart attack. Three Buddhist monks came and the Buddhist prayers were started. After which joss sticks were lighted and offerings of ang koos, huat koay, fruits and flowers were made. The Temple caretaker then cemented the niche with marble plaque with the inscriptions. It was indeed difficult with my flowing tears that I shall not see and hold my dear wife again in this life.
Dana was held for the monks in the Thai Buddhist Temple and a larger-scaled one was held opposite this Thai Buddhist Temple, at the Burmese Buddhist Temple of Dhammikarama, Burmah Lane, Penang. I am thankful for the turnout of my fourth and fifth brothers-in-law, God son Adrian Ang, God daughter Mei Ying, Mr and Mrs Sonny Onn, my bestman at my wedding Dr Quah Boo Siew and Mrs Quah, Heah, Eng Soon, and other friends. Kenny Tan was around to video the event. I am most grateful.