In Remembrance of Dad: A Testimony of Faith and Grace
A Reflection on His Life and Deathbed Acceptance of Christ
In the quiet moments of reflection, the memories of my father flood my mind, filling me with both a sense of deep loss and profound gratitude.
A Life of Love and Dedication
He arrived in Singapore as a teenager, hailing from China. As I recall from my mother’s stories, they married during the turbulent years of World War II.
My father was a man of few words at home, often misunderstood due to his unspoken thoughts. Yet, his actions spoke volumes, especially in hindsight. His love was expressed not through grand gestures, but in the subtle, everyday acts of care and consideration that often went unnoticed.
Through hardship, he worked tirelessly as a skilled Shanghainese dressmaker, renowned for his exquisite bridal gowns and intricate, handmade dress adornments. Despite limited resources, he raised a family of eight children. As a poignant gesture of his love, he personally sewed the bridal and dinner gowns for his eldest and second-eldest daughters.
While his dressmaking legacy may not have been passed on to his children, his love, wisdom, and strength, woven into the fabric of our memories, endure. As we gather to remember him, we find solace in celebrating his life and the peaceful way he departed on 23rd Oct 2024.
The Final Chapter
As my father’s health began to decline, we faced the heart-wrenching reality of his impending departure, despite his remarkable age of 101.
Our family is diverse in faith, yet united by love and respect. This allowed each of us to approach my father in a way that was personally meaningful, whether through words or simply a comforting touch.
Before he could no longer speak, I asked if I could pray for him. He nodded in agreement, and I prayed a short Christian prayer, holding his hand.
Even as his condition worsened, we continued to show our love and concern. We spoke to him, touched him, and believed he could hear us. One of my nephews prayed for him and felt a response.
At one point, my younger sister, my wife (Peggy), my eldest son (Benedict) and I gathered around his bed, offering prayers for his salvation in Christ. I also prayed in Mandarin, asking for healing, comfort, and eternal life, as tears welled up in my eyes:
主耶稣， 我来到你面前，请求你对我的父亲进行治愈。主啊，我祈祷你能给他带来恢复和除去痛苦。 我相信你能够做的远远超过我们所求所想的。 耶稣，我也为我父亲的得救祈祷。我请求你打开他的心扉和思想来接受你话语的真理。我祈祷我的父亲能够认识你作为他的主和救主，经历只有你才能给予的转变和永生。Amen!
As my father neared the end of his life, he made a profound and personal decision, witnessed and confirmed by those of us present. Surrounded by loved ones, he accepted Christ into his heart, a testament to the power of faith and the promise of redemption. This brought us great peace and comfort. In the days that followed, we experienced miraculous instances, signs of hope and divine intervention. As he transitioned, a veil was lifted, revealing the profound truth of God’s grace.
A Century of Doubt vs. Eternity
A mere century of doubt pales in comparison to the eternity of God’s love. (100/∞= ?)
Funeral Service with Inter-faith harmony
The funeral arrangement was a testament to interfaith harmony, respectful of the diversity of beliefs within our family. Understanding the different religious persuasions of our loved ones, we chose to conduct a simple, faith-neutral service.
Without the traditional burning of incense or the ritual of religious chants, we honoured my father in a way that respected all present. We expressed our love and respect in simple, personal ways, dressed in ordinary attire sans formal funeral garb. In our hearts, we understood and respected each other, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
Legacy of Faith
In remembering my father, we who are in Christ celebrate not only the life he lived but also the faith he found in his final days. His acceptance of Christ was a profound moment that underscored the power of redemption and the promise of eternal life. It was a testament to the fact that it is never too late to find one’s way to God and to embrace His love.
God’s grace is always within reach.
A Final Farewell
As we say our final goodbyes, we do so with the knowledge that my father is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we continue to honour his memory by living our lives in faith, love, and grace.
John Lee
Sally Lee (John Lee’s younger sister) says:
My father was a man of simple pleasures. He found joy in watching kung fu and English movies. I have fond memories of late nights spent with him, watching TV shows until the wee hours. These were our bonding moments, laughing together at silly plot twists or the sheer absurdity of some endings. He would often point out the actors’ names, a habit from his younger days.
Food was another shared passion and a way in bridging our relationship. Knowing my love for tasty food, despite his own modest appetite and preference for liquor, he always loved watching others enjoy their food and would generously pick out the best pieces of food for me.
My father was an avid reader, especially of Jin Yong’s martial arts novels (金庸 武侠小说). He frequently visited the library to borrow entire sets of these books. Even in his nineties, he remained remarkably healthy and active, often venturing to the library with his walking stick, and later, a wheelchair. He would spend hours engrossed in his books, aided by a magnifying glass.
It was heartbreaking to witness his sudden decline in health. Considering his previous vitality and strength, his passing felt unexpected.
Despite the sorrow, I find comfort in the knowledge that my father has found eternal peace in the arms of our Lord.
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