Sunday, April 06, 2008

• In memory of...

  Transference of merits…is a traditional way for people to share their merits with their departed ones. We do this in the hope of ensuring that our departed ones are doing well wherever they are.

   

  The ‘cheng beng’ season is here, some say it’s a sad occasion; others say it’s a happy occasion. ‘Cheng beng’ is somewhat like Easter, we go to our departed burial grounds to clean and tidy up. It has always been a tradition for Chinese families to visit the burial grounds of their departed ones. I didn’t get the chance to follow my dad on his trips to the burial hills. It’s said to be quite a climb and not suitable for girls.

   

  Maybe, next year I’ll visit when I’m finally an adult. Twenty One years old….yeah!! I hope I’ll be doing well by then. Back to the point, I hope that I will join my uncles to visit the burial grounds at least once.

   

  Young people are losing their interest in following the tradition now. I can see them looking at these traditions as a burden and old fashion. Well, to me it’s just a way for us to appreciate the memories they have left behind. I have never gotten to know my paternal grandparents, and my maternal grandpa. I think they would love me to bits. I have always been a good girl after all…right? Haha. Who am I kidding? But, I guess it would be nice to actually know them.

   

  I want to let everyone out there know. There is no ‘you’ if there were no ‘them’. Does it hurt for you to just give them a little bit of your time? After all, what’s a little bit of your time compared to their lifetime. It makes no sense for one to forfeit their duties as a child, or a grandchild. One word…I give you, UNGRATEFUL

   

  This year, I was unable to go back to my hometown. But, my family and I made a point to transfer our merits to our departed one in a temple ‘dana’. It’s held annually in which everyone shares their merits and remember their beloved departed ones. This is done to appreciate and wish that our departed ones have a good rebirth and be happy wherever they are.

   

  I have always liked my maternal grandma. She passed away 3 years ago. In some ways, I’m a lot like her. It’s during this time that I seem to miss her a lot. I will always remember the times she gave me small gifts when I was young. She always had a charming smile. Oh, she was a beauty when she was young. Really…trust me. I really miss her at times like this…I hope she’s happy wherever she is. She would’ve been happy the way our family turned out.

   

  So, I have always wondered how it was that people nowadays are getting so ungrateful. Our departed ones brought us into this world. We should thank them for the life we have. It’s only going to take a day or two in an entire year. Just as an appreciation and give thanks to them. Is that really too much to ask?

   

  Come on. I’ll treasure my loved ones now and always will. Make the most with them now rather than when they are no longer here. Grandma, I miss you.

   

  Gniliamil signing out.

  *note to self: "Gambateh for the finals!"

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