I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, wife and life - long companion of our Minister Mentor on 2nd Oct night. I was watching TV when I heard the bad news and cant help but cried. Wan Qi saw it and asked me why did I cry until I looked like a dirty pussy cat. I then explained to her wife of Lee Kuan Yew had passed away.
After saying this, I realised how much I had talk to her about Lee Kuan Yew with my treasured biographies of MM Lee Kuan Yew (used my hard earned money to buy them during my sec 4 holiday) and not much on Mrs Lee. So I told her about what I know from memory. She told me not to be sad and dont cry like a dirty pussy cat again.
4th Oct 2010, I woke up earlier to prepare Wan Qi's breakfast as I need to go to KKH. As I was preparing, I was wondering if I should bring Wan Qi to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew's wake. Being a Chinese mummy, I know it was a taboo to bring young children to attend funeral wake. But the other me really wish that Wan Qi will go to the wake with me, to pay the last respect to our founding mother of Singapore. I told Wan Qi that I will want to go to the wake to pay the last respect to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. She told me she also want to go. She said she is also very upset and she kept on thinking of Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. She then closed her eyes and prayed for her. I hesitated. When she opened her eyes, I gave her a smile but could not make up my mind about it.
While I was in the hospital, I read the motherhood magazine. There was a topic on bringing the topic of "death" to toddler and how to manage it. Instantly, I made up my mind to bring Wan Qi to the wake.
I left the hospital in a rush to fetch my mum then Wan Qi and then headed to Sri Temasek where the wake was held. When we reached there Wan Qi had fallen asleep. I had to carry her. Luckily, the officials allowed me to go by the express queue.
Before we boarded the bus to go to Sri Temasek, Wan Qi had already woke up from her sleep.
I told her we are going to pay our respect to Mrs Lee. She knodded her head and was not cranky at all.
Then we proceeded. It was my first time into the Istana. It was big. Very big. And because of that Wan Qi started to get very excited and somehow happy. Ya it's like going to the park with all the greeneries surrounding us. She skipped as we queued up. Then I reminded her this is not the time where we laugh and jump. This is a time where we mourn for the loss of Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. I reminded her a few times.
As we were getting nearer, I reminded Wan Qi not to speak loudly when we entered the building. Wan Qi has a loud voice so I am kind of frightened that she will broke the silence there.
I told her that Mrs Lee Kuan Yew will lay in a coffin just like Snow White. Then Wan Qi repiled "But Snow White is not dead, you know. " I gave her a smile and said if only Mrs Lee Kuan Yew is just like Snow White where she will wake up and be alive and healthy again.
When we finally reached the building, I asked Wan Qi to write her name on the memoirs. She wrote her name BIG. Then she asked me if she could draw a little heart to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. I smiled at her and said "of course" .
And when we reached the building where the coffin was layed. We could hear soft BA HA 's music played (if I am not wrong) and because of that I think Wan Qi could feel the tinge of saddness lingering in the atmosphere. She told me she wanted to cry which made me want to cry. I was already trying my best to fight back my tears and because of what Wan Qi said made me cried a little. Then we were made to stand in the second row to bow to Mrs Lee. But Wan Qi was determined to stand in the front row so I just let her be while I stood behind her. She was well-behaved throughout and bowed her head when instructed to do so.
And within minutes, the whole thing was over. And I just felt that I did the right thing - to let Wan Qi be there. I wanted Wan Qi to be thankful to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew - the pioneer of Singapore for her great contribution to Singapore.
Farewell, Mrs Lee. You will always be remembered in the hearts of every Singaporeans.
