It’s Been Nine Year Since You’re Gone

Dear Papa,

Gosh, has it been 9 years already?

Korea Trip 234

I was asked about it the other day and I almost couldn’t believe that it has been that long. There’s so much you had missed out on since you left, papa.

The amazing thing is that… even so long after you had left, there are still so many random strangers coming up to me and to koko, telling us pretty much the same old things.

"I knew your dad."

"We would be in meetings after meetings, talking for weeks and weeks on a problem we couldn’t solve. Then when your dad walked in, within 5 minutes, he’s got the solution figured out already."

"He was such a good man.".

LUF24HR10

An interesting thing happened the other day.

I had completed my latest project, the new 24-hour gym. To find someone to officiate the opening ceremony, I sent an email to the Assistant Minister YB Dr Jerip.

To my surprise, the Assistant Minister accepted my invitation. After all, I run a small company. He runs the State of Sarawak. It was only until he went on stage that I realized the reason he accepted my invitation.

The Assistant Minister told the audience a story about how as a young student, he liked all the subjects in school, but the only subject he disliked was Physics. No matter how hard he tried, Physics and him just do not get along.

Until one a day, a teacher came along. This teacher used all kinds of stories and analogies to explain the difficult concepts in Physics. The teacher tried and tried, passionately and tirelessly, to educate his students. He worked so hard until Physics transformed from the student’s most disliked subjects to one of his favourite subjects.

That teacher was you, Papa.

It’s so amazing that you only worked only one year as a teacher, yet your students still remember you so well. Some people go through their entire life without so much as to leave a mark, yet after nine years, people still talk about the different ways you touched their lives.

That day, at the opening ceremony of LUF24HR, was easily one of the best days of my life.

I think you must be real proud, to see your former student grow up to become an Assistant Minister of Sarawak; to see him turning up to officiate the opening ceremony of your son’s new business venture; which is inside a sports complex next to the temple housing your spiritual resting place.

I’m not one to believe in miracles, but events like this cannot be explained by mere coincidences.

If this is your way of telling me you love me, I wholeheartedly believe it.

On the 30th March 2014, Ming and I registered our marriage in a simple ceremony held at the Old Court House.

It was the most perfect ROM reception I could ever wished for. The only person missing there, was you. How I wish you could be there in attendance, to witness your youngest son and his wife’s new chapter in life.

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On the most important day of my life, I wore your gold watch. I guess… if you can’t be here in person, then at least you can be with me in spirit. 🙂

I love you, Papa. And I miss you.

Till we meet again,

Your youngest son.

19 Replies to “It’s Been Nine Year Since You’re Gone”

Its very heart warming reading your tribute to your dad every year. He may pass on but his legacy will remain forever. Im sure he is very proud of his son! Good job

Never fail to pinch my heart everytime I read these post yearly. Very very touching

Congratulations, Kenny & Ming. Both of you make a beautiful couple. As you move on to another phase of your life, rest assured that your Dad would be proud of your achievements. This is a very heart warming, touching post. Blessings!

All the feels reading your tribute to your dad every year. Your father is a truly amazing great man. And you are one devoted son that every parent would wish for. I feel happy for you and your family. Best wishes always from your long time reader.

i have been reading your blog since you started. from the desperate addicts time and you became very popular to u travelling nonstop to you concentrating in building your business.. i always like reading your post about your father. a good way to remember 🙂 your father must be a good man 🙂 and yes congratulations. u and wife looks good! 🙂

was ur wedding food Kuching kolo mee, Sarawak laksa and 3-layer Teh-C-special? u once said u would. ehehhee

Kenny,
I’ve been following your blog for the last 8 or 9 years…I lose track. I first ran across it researching a Hong Kong visit that my wife and I took. I live in Iowa but spent time growing up in HK. Anyway, this is the first time I’ve posted. Great story about your Dad! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life. I always like to visit your blog from time to time and “catch up” on what’s happening. Kind of like a favorite book that you leave on a nightstand. Anyway, thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of us!

Time sure flies right?Hope you are happy with your life right now… 🙂

Nice Watch!

congratulations, Kenny Sia! on being married & on completing your 24 hour gym!!! should open one here in Peninsula 😀

Tahniah kenny!

After reading your article and my heart is pain too! I woke up 2am and couldn’t sleep cause I miss my dad too! He passed away 3 months ago and this year is very difficult for me to move on cause I lost my baby 2 months ago also. We know life still has to go on no matter how. Hope you have a happy marriage and I think your dad is feel proud of you.

congrats kenny!

Hi Kenny, posting on 05 Jan 2015.
I love what you write about your dad. And how people still remembers him till now. Will love to read more of your post.
Warmly,
Sylvia Choong