Today marks the 13th year of my grandma’s departure. Today was also the day that my husband’s great grandma’s departure. They were both great women admired by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Later this evening, my husband’s aunt called me to tell me how she departed. Her story said that Mbok – what we call our great grandmother, showed some signs that her time on earth might be close to the end. Here’s the conversation we had this evening (roughly).
Aunt: At 9 this morning, your mom was going to town. She dropped by her house to let her know that she’ll be leaving in a short while. And your mom asked why did Mbok put on so much powder on her face. And Mbok replied, “I am going away. Can I go with you to town?” And your mom said, “No. You shouldn’t come with me now. I’m going to take a public transport, so you’ll be tired if you come with me now”.
My aunt said that when she begged mom to let her come to town, she grabbed mom’s hands … And at 3pm, she asked for a tempe goreng, and when it was about to be given to her, she just went peacefully.
As for my grandma, I was also not at her presence when she passed away. But she did say goodbye to me in my dream. I remember, it was very early in the morning, the time where dreams appear so vivid and you can remember what you had in your dream. In my dream, she came to me so peacefully, with a man by her side, and a little child behind her. Then she asked, “Will you come with me?” And I said, “No, I still have something to do”. And she just went away, the three of them, walking towards a bright light. Perhaps about half an hour later, my neighbor knocked on my door (I was living in a dormitory at the time) telling me that there’s a phone call connected to her room for me. I picked it up, and it was my aunt on the other side, letting me know that grandma has gone.
Another person who knew that his time was close to the end was one of our CEOs. Just a few days before he went away, he asked his driver if he (the driver) wouldn’t mind to go on a trip. Of course, the driver wouldn’t mind to drive his boss to his destination, but when he asked, “Where are you going, sir?” The boss only said, “I’m going to a place far away”. And it just startled him …
When we were going to be born, our mother knows the time is close. But when it was our time .. God let us know that the time is close. What we can do to prepare, is to be the best person we can be as there’s nothing more we can do after our time is done.
I miss you grandma .. I hope God accepts all our faith and forgives all of your trespasses. Say hello for Mbok for me 
Zoen 27x.
Just now, I’ve received a message from my husband saying that Mbok has passed away. She is my husband’s great grandma .. and she’s over 100 years. No one in the family knew, including her, of what exactly her age is. When I met her in early 2006, I saw her as this tiny woman, full of experience in her life. Her memory was still excellent. And again in 2007, she was asking where am I although I was standing behind my husband. Her sight might not have been as perfect, but the feeling that I was accepted in the family (by asking where I was) .. was unforgetable.
Mbok .. you’ll be missed a lot .. Safe trip to heaven
I’m sure I don’t know “that” much .. but I’m sure I know some of what I know is right. Here is Manners I Know on Being in a Lift.
It just amazes me whenever I encounter people who just swarm into the lift without giving a chance for the person who wants to go out, to exit the lift first before they go in. I mean .. hey .. what about getting into the airplane? Don’t you guys wait until the plane is empty first, then the new passengers get in? Come on .. we all know that it’s annoying enough to have people standing right in front of the lift door, it makes you wonder where are you suppose to go, right? Let alone to have the new passengers get in first, before you have a chance to exit the lift!
Okay .. so here’s Manners I Know #3.
- When you are waiting to get into a lift, wait on the sides of the lift, to give way for the people who exit the lift.
- Give them a chance to exit first, then you can get in comfortably.
- If you happen to stand next to the buttons (you know .. the place where you can set your destination .. 1st floor, 2nd floor, etc.), please have some courtesy to wait at least 5 seconds just in case there’s someone else rushing to get into the lift at the same time. It saves energy (electricity) too!
- And at the same time, if you happen to stand next to the buttons, ask around where people want to go to. They don’t have an elastic arms to push their floor buttons! So, a little offer to push it for them would be lovely
- When you get in, if you can, position yourself according to the traveled distance. For example, the shorther the distance, stand closer to the door so that you don’t disturb too many people when you need to go out. If you know you’ll stop on the last floor, then you can stand close to the walls of the lift, to give other people a chance to go out first.
Anyone else has a thought or two? Please share. What is the most annoying “Lift Experience” according to you? I too .. like to know 
And that is Manners I Know. Care to share the Manners You Know?
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