The Choong's power combined

Quite evident in the Choong's family & relatives. Why do I say this? It has been quite a rollar coaster emotional ride for all in the family tree. To-date Granny has been in the hospital for four months now. We started out hopeful, but many of us are both physically and emotionally tired out now.

Some colleagues would say about their Chinese New Year's plan "Ahh its the same every year"... Well, I couldn't say the same this year. I do wish it could have been the same, but no, my family had a new challenge this lunar new year.

We gathered at Granny's bed on Reunion Dinner night. Had dinner at Uncle Jason's house later and I went off to a prayer session with Lama Shifu and chanted till 12am.

First day of Lunar New Year - Chu Yi - we received a call early that "Granny doesn't look good". All of us hurried down. We had a family meeting; deciding whether she should go back to ICU (where her body would basically be artifically maintained by machines - and only the family members can tell the doctor to remove the tubes eventually - i.e. someone has to say "please pull out the tubes"); or take on a minor operation (which any human can see that her body cannot withstand another operation no matter how minor). We drew a flowchart; and decided that she shouldn't have to go through either.

We invited Lama Shifu down to say some prayers for her - a notion many in the family probably felt weird initially - but it had the effect of calming all of us down; and getting us to a stage of accepting death and impermanence.

Second day of Lunar New Year - Chu Er - we gathered at 10am in the hospital to visit her. This time, we also brought along donations which we would like to contribute on her behalf.

At this difficult time, I realized that hey having a religion is really important. Rather than just standing and staring beside her; why not learn a word of chant or two - which can help her to lessen her suffering. It has become a helpful, life-enhancing conditioning for myself.

I have to admit I feel exhuasted; just like everyone in my family tree. I really couldn't bring myself to work for these two days (yes I was supposed to work).

Luckily I have a very supportive fiance, future mother-in-law, and a family tree where all work together to make the best decision without any unnecessary conflicts. In a way I feel fortunate.