A Long Blessed Journey

The alarm clock blares at 5am.

It was time to pull myself out from the slumber and get ready for the late Mdm Goh's funeral service. Energy level was low after two consecutive nights of wake service, but mentally I must tune up for the long drive from KL to Alor Setar, Kedah for the burial.

Praying silently to the almighty Sky God and all the Goddess in my house, I sought help fervently from all the Gods possible to protect this fleet of us which comprised of an Escort Vehicle, a Hearse, a VIP Limousine, a Bus and a few of the relatives and friends who are travelling in their own vehicles. It is not going to be easy coordinating this large convoy in a marathon journey of a good 460 km. You must be wondering how is it like for a hearse to pull over at the highway?  Admittedly, from my personal experience, this is by far the furthest send off todate.

It was slightly after dawn, our fleet set off the journey from Nirvana Memorial Center, Kuala Lumpur heading up north.  No plan for lunch break, everyone had a set of pre-packed meal in the bus. Except for the two "Toilet Breaks", we were smooth sailing all the way.

Touring the town of Alor Setar in her last journey on earth was part of the plan by the late Mdm Goh's sons. Just after 3pm, we arrived safely at Bukit Pinang Chinese Cemetery, located adjacent to a scenic padi field. More relatives were waiting here for the hearse arrival to pay their last respect.  At the "Tua Pek Gong" temple, we held a brief prayer and performed a simple yet dignified donation ceremony to present the cheques to a few selected Chinese Organisations and Schools in the name of the late Mdm Goh. The band played some yesteryears numbers to bid her final farewell.

The late Mdm Goh was laid to rest alongside her husband, in a burial plot located at the mid hills fronting a picturesque padi field and overseeing verdant greeneries of mountains.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my client, Mr & Mrs See for their kind support and trust in us to carry out the funeral for their beloved mum and I also want to sincerely thank my fellow colleagues who worked very hard to fulfill our commitment in the spirit of teamwork.  They are the drivers, including my own brother, BDD Mr Yap Yin Hong who drove me all the way and return, fellow general workers, emcee, band members, service consultants and most importantly, the Buddhist Sifu (Nun), who had the most strenuous day by completing the installation of the soul's tablet at the client home immediately after returning from Alor Setar, that was close to 12am ...

Nevermind the hardwork and tiredness, it was the safe journey, smooth process and fine weather that matter.  I thank you God for the prayers answered.

Amitabha.