Goodbye Mr Wee Kim Wee

I remembered him as this old man who stand in front of the padang every national day parade. And when i was small, my parents used to praise him for being a nice president, who cares for the people. To me, i sort of couldn't understand why his surname is also his last name and vice versa, thinking both Wee meant the same thing in chinese. Only when i grew older, then i know it better.

Due to prostrate Cancer, he passed away on 1st may 2005. But i think having lived for nearly a century, he is contented already. Afterall, he was a simple man. A man whom only a few could reach out to, enable so many to pay tribute and condolences is no small feat. It clearly shown he has shine and really reach out to those he reached. He touched the bottom of their heart.

I think looking at so many presidents of yester years, including S R Nathan now, i have came to a conclusion. While the government are the people's parents, the presidents are the nannies, always on the lookout, and always care for their grand children.

Reading the news and seeing him on TV reminded myself of my maternal grandfather who passed away on 2001, 20th of dec. It was him that once, memories flooded.

And it was my grandfather wake and funeral, and seeing the coffin being pushed into the cremation pit that jolted me out of my aimless life. Life is short. No matter whether you live to a hundred or fifty, compared to the vastness and the age old universe, you are just insignificant.

There is so much to accomplish but so little time. So many hands to reach out for, but ultimately, only a few are reached.

But nevertheless, i believed, touch the heart whom you have reached, just like our late president.

Goodbye Mr Wee.