(I) 27 March, my time with him
I took a screenshot of my phone at Cityhall MRT, to record the start time of my queue
The selfie that I took which I whatsapp to WS, to let her know that I had reached and had started my (.. what's an appropriate word?)
It was a challenge to hold an umbrella in one hand and to take pictures with the other. Most of the pic didn't turn out nice. Here's one, at 4pm, when I'm already physically tired. But this was where I started to sense that I'm getting nearer.
At the security check point outside the parliament house, tribute cards were handed out to those who wanted to drop a line.
The flag at half mask. So solemn and yet so beautiful against the bright blue sky..
(II) 27 - 28 Mar, TYP CC tribute centre
During the weekend before the funeral on Sunday, I went to TPY CC tribute centre 3 times. The first was with WS to drop her tribute card. The second was Saturday afternoon, to drop the tribute card Lynn made and I wrote. I had wanted to go with WS and gang on Sat night, but because Mabel and Matthew were at my home, so I took the opportunity to bring them to pay tribute (as they have not).
This card will hold special memory for me. When I started writing, as usual I was at a loss as to what to write. Unlike writing a blog which I can use "backspace", I can't afford to write wrongly on a handwritten card. However, I told myself that I do not need to pre-write on a rough paper. I told myself to just pen down what comes to my mind. And out came my uncensored thoughts and feelings..
After I finished, I was quite embarrassed at what was written. I noticed that the pic below can be enlarged to read what was written, so I had wanted not to post it. Then I brought Mabel and the kids to my aunt's place. There, my aunt read my card out aloud. After she read it, I felt a sense of relief. I came to embrace them as my most sincere and genuine parting words to him.
(Note that all typos were corrected after these pictures were taken)
All these cards, notes and flowers, were the citizens' wishes that ours thoughts be with him.
The kids touring the tribute centre. Doing my part for the education of the next generation.
The end product
That night, grandaunt was at grandma's house. 11 of us went to the tribute centre. Grandaunt placed the T shirt on the stage.
(III) 29 Mar
It's finally day 7, the day of the funeral. It was our last chance to say goodbye. Beyond this day, life needs to and will go back to normal.
Despite being at parliament house, despite visiting the tribute centre 3 times, I wanted to be on the streets to bid him goodbye. It started raining in mid morning. A downpour followed, to accompany the nation in sending off their greatest man on his final journey.
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