#47 First Year Without You

I'm a little late but I felt I should continue the many memories, one of the most important ones is hers'. June 9 2008 marked a complete change in my life. Aunty Linda left to her real home - the Philippines. To me, she was like a grandmother, doing double the job of a mother. She knows me best, i tell her anything under the sun knowing that its safe in her hands.

But June 9'08 had to arrive. I felt totally hurt because I didn't want to say goodbye, I wanted her to remain here and watch me grow up even more, to say her goodnight to me, to cook and take care of me, I wanted her to continue our sweet late night talks, our bubble tea treats and everything else. She was my world and in many other ways, I was her world. Saying goodbye was super tough but I know i should be happy for her since she has been reunited with her family and also because she's back to her real home, her family and a completely different lifestyle.

A year has past, sometimes I still do feel the emptiness that someone so dear has left me and I'm fanning almost on my own now. I still hope that we could carry on letter writings, calls, messaging and anything possible because I still love and miss you as much as I always always have, my dearest Aunty Linda. I have never forgotten your "last words" to me @ Singapore, "We may be miles apart but you have always reserved that portion of my heart."

Aunty Linda, I know life's very tough. I cry after reading every of your letter sometimes feeling that if you would have remained in Singapore, life wouldn't be as tough and you would still be that Aunty Linda I once knew. It is because of you and your letters that I've come to understand the hardship of life. I always keep you in my prayers and pray that He would give you the added strength to go on, farming and that He'll bless you with money, health and daily necessities. I hope that life would turn brighter even as you spend more & more of your remaining years in your real homeland, only a year has past and many more would come. Your "grandchildren" back in Singapore miss you dearly and love you, always.