Last gift for Popo

by Jon

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

Phoebe’s grandmother, affectionately known as Popo, passed away today.

We received news on the afternoon of Chinese New Year eve that Popo collapsed in her room and was rushed to the hospital. What was supposed to be a joyous dinner turned out to be a time underlined by worry and concern.

Over the next 2 days Popo remained in coma, with both of us visiting her and praying for her during our visits. This afternoon, we left 2 mandarin oranges at her bedside in hopes that she would see it when she woke up. That very same evening we received the sad news from the hospital.

We are thankful that we could see her for the last time that day but could imagine how it would have been impossible to do so when we are overseas.

As we are preparing to head to Thailand as missionaries, while excited over what God will do during our next chapter, we have also been impressed on what we will leave behind even as we take this next step of faith.

While we will miss the comfort and familiarity of Singapore as we head to Thailand, sometimes it is less of what we will leave behind but who.

We remember our parents, siblings and even grandparents. We imagine missed festive occasions and family gatherings with them. We will miss casual dinners and the care and love that only family gives.

Through this, we are reminded that life is fleeting and can be taken away at any moment. We wonder whether our time with them now would be the last time we would ever see them.

Jesus teaches that our heart for His kingdom must be so great that it would exceed the love we have for our family. This is a price that all who wish to follow Him must pay and we are keenly reminded of this today.

On the afternoon before Popo passed, we played Hokkien Christian songs on YouTube for her and while she was still in coma, we saw her brows furrowed and her leg moved as the music was played, signs that we took of her acknowledgement.

While Popo could not enjoy the sight or taste of the oranges, we know that God cares and loves her and with trust, we commit her to the arms of God.