Selfless Love (Tribute to my Grandmother)

Note: this post is a bit different from my usual posts, but I have been thinking a lot lately and felt that it I needed to share this tribute for someone who has significantly helped me become the person that I am today.

In our deteriorating society of selfish liars, competitors, cheaters, and greedy money-seekers, few people truly love and care for others. Everyone is constantly competing for wealth and seeking greater success. People only care about themselves and their own well-being and success. A small minority of people are simply too good, too pure, too compassionate for our broken world. My grandma was someone who truly loved and cared about others. She was one of the most compassionate and loving figures in my life. She was more than my grandma, she was Everyone’s guardian and caretaker. She always seemed cheerful and charismatic. She could start a conversation and a friendship with anyone. If fact, she sparked a long lasting friendship with our Korean neighbors, when they didn’t even speak the same language. She always communicated from her heart. She loved everyone dearly and gave others all that she had, never leaving much for herself. For instance, at the dinner table, she would often cook a hearty meal for us, then insist to eat the leftovers herself. Despite any urgings, she rarely saved anything of worth for herself. She loved to purchase and give beautiful gifts to everyone. She always seemed to be in utmost health, physically and mentally. Even though she was already in her 70s, her charisma and upbeat personality seemed as if she was only in her 20s. She was always a caretaker and motherly figure to everyone. She loved everyone so dearly, but never took the time to love herself.

On October 27, God seemed to play a trick on us. Everything happened too fast, too soon. Nobody was prepared. During a casual outing, my grandma suddenly fell to the ground and then fell into a coma. On November 7, I arrived in Taiwan awaiting news that my grandma has awaken. Instead, I was given news that she had left our world to take care of people in another one. She was one of the healthiest people in our family; she really shocked everyone. Doctors reported that a central blood vessel had busted, which threatened her chance of survival. But none of the medical issues matter; she was driven to a state of emotional suffering nobody could ever understand. Why no one noticed or reported her early health issues may continue to remain a mystery. Why no one let her rest and reciprocate her love and compassion may also remain a mystery.

Despite the circumstances, I am glad that my grandma left in her sleep and never needed to endure physical pain. Yes, she had left me before I had the chance to give a proper goodbye. But, she simply did not want to watch us worry about her. She wanted to leave in a stable and peaceful environment. After some contemplation, I truly believe that the Lord has taken her to a better place, null of suffering and unhappiness. She was and will continue to be my guardian angel, forever in our hearts. Out of the many lessons I have learned from this remarkable woman is that we must love others unconditionally. We must reciprocate actions of kindness and always lend a helping hand.

Helping me grow up these past 16 years, she has inspired me to be compassionate towards everyone and always give more than I take. You have truly changed my world and I will always love you, 婆婆. She may have been taken sooner than expected, but she most definitely made a difference in our world. Thank you for bringing joy and compassion to our ugly world. I am glad that you are in a better place where you can continue to care for others and spread your unconditional love. ❤️