We spent a few hours at Mama's niche in the Garden of Remembrance last Sunday, 2nd December 2007, Mama's first death anniversary. The afternoon light gently fell, casting Mama's niche in a heavenly glow, her beautiful picture reminding us of all that she was. My godma Jee Ee read a passage from Thessalonians encouraging us not to lose heart, as we will soon all be together with the Lord. Then my mother read her tribute to Mama, and we all wept at the section when she said she wished Mama had been there to know that Chen my youngest sister had gotten into Medicine, and that my sister Shen and I were married. We ended the memorial service with a rousing rendition of "Be Thou My Vision".

Time has flown, but the memories of Mama remain clearly etched in our hearts and minds. And grief, though not as piercing as when it was still new, remains just as real. All the more so for me as I often imagine Mama being there as I prepare to get married, her smile lighting up the room as she hears of all the preparations, my gowns, Mummy's cakes, and of course the jewellery I will be wearing that day.

I know Mama would have loved to be here and I often wonder what God's plan was in taking her away just before Mark's proposal and the wedding preparations. But I know my Mama is dancing a waltz in heaven, and she will be one of the main people on my mind as I walk down the aisle. I certainly hope I won't trip, as that would not be befitting of the legacy of elegance and grace my dearest grandmother has left behind :) I hope I will walk with my head held high, just as my dear cousin Wayne has shared in his blog about Mama, in order to make her proud.

My mother and cousin have put up beautiful new tributes in Mama's blog. You can view them at http://gwekcheng.wordpress.com/.

My cousin Wern has created a blog, in tribute to our dearest Mama. It contains the message shared at the wake service by my Aunty Yu Ling, as well as the eulogies given by some of the children and grandchildren.