My prayers for a dear uncle.

Rest in peace my dear Uncle Steven.

It has been a total heartache for all of us that you have left this world so early. Devastating in fact, as it is nothing but a sudden nightmare.

I remember those times when I use to sleep at your house and your family has always been with open arms. Not once was I ever being treated as an outsider and it always feels like I am with family. Despite the fact that my house was only few streets away, you never questions. In fact, you would wake Pui Yeng and I up early in the morning with a table full of breakfast. Fresh from the market and varies from Nasi Lemak, Yau Char Guai, Ma Keok, etc. Stuffing us up with enough food to last till lunch.

I remember those days when I went to the house for some so-called worldly teenagers’ issues and hear your snores even from outside the house. The first time I heard, I thought it was the TV with documentary on a snoring bear. But no, it was you!! I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically. Even that didn’t wake you up and though Pui Yeng and I were chatting loudly, you didn’t budge at all. It was probably the loudest snore I ever heard... As a curious kid, I always wonder how Aunt Lilian bears with you at night. I still wonder now how she could stand it. But I’m pretty sure she will be missing your snores already.

I remember distinctly there is this time when the song ‘Vincent’ was played on the radio. It was only you, Pui Yeng and I in the car. You asked us what is the title and being ignorant youngsters we obviously said Starry Starry Night. You laughed. Really loud. The kind of laugh you do every time I see you. With the face similar to the smiling Buddha himself and at the same time raising a few notch! Like a rocket being shot, it is really loud. And till today, I proud myself that you had told me what the title is.

I remember we share a common liking towards the way our eggs are to be made in Maggi Mee. Though Pui Yeng despise it and find it utterly revolting, I know both you and I find it irresistible.

I remember you make the most deliciously spicy food. It is constantly good although I cannot stand your level of spiciness. And no matter how many times Pui Yeng and I remind you that I’m not a spicy person, the dishes you made for me... is still always too spicy.

I remember you make the best orange juice vodka I have ever tasted.

I remember you love eating and always suggest some faraway place (and sometimes things that I do not understand at all).

I remember you purposely brought me to go to the Hokkien Mee in KL as a farewell supper but found out it was closed. Instead we opt for the one in PJ which taste equally amazing.

I remember you eat with such huge appetite that even if the food does not taste good, you make it looks heavenly!

I remember you came back one night with roti canai and the three of us (Pui Yeng, you and I) shared an unforgettable supper on the living room table. You would tear the roti canai into tiny pieces and save us the troubles. You would tell us which way is the tastiest whether with the fish curry, chicken curry or sambal. Or all three together. And all the while eating, you will say which place of roti canai taste better and sing your praises to the really nice sambal. I reckon whichever place with a nice sambal will automatically be in your good list anyway. You adores sambal.

And that was just merely 2 months ago.

It will be your funeral tomorrow and I could do nothing but wish the best over here. Do nothing but pray that your soul would find peace and harmony while hoping that Aunt Lilian, Pui Yeng and Chin Fei is going strong. Do nothing but write about it and hope my prayers would reach there. I wish I am there, wish I can see you more before this. But, this is life all about. At least, you were in your favourite place doing your favourite sport at the time. You always like golf and would never mind to travel over countries just for a nice game.

Rest in peace my dear uncle.

I will always miss you.