Last weekend on my way back from lab, I decided to stop by Dundee Botanic Garden. I was in need of silent moments. Reflecting back on my life. It is almost the end of 2008 already and it surprises me how far I have ‘evolved’ from 2007. Getting involved in many things that I have never imagined before from more difficult student councelling, being a teacher, involved in politics, getting involved with more heterogeneous people and even getting through more difficult situations and ‘strong (constructive) critics’. To certain points, I almost ‘blow up’ – reaching my limit – impatient with people who cannot handle ‘simple things’ and upset about myself. However, JC reminds me of old Chinese proverbs from Confucius that my grandfather (Liem Eng Hoat) always told me when I was a little kid. I feel like being ‘slapped’ with those proverbs.

He said,

“We are supposed to behave like rice crops,

the more mature they are, the lower they put their heads;

the more mature they are, the higher and thicker the stem, the stronger the wind;

the more mature they are, the heavier responsibility to protect the young crops around them;

the more mature they are, they drop the seed to the ground and feed the world”.

A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You’re free at last.

by Charlie Daniels

I would like to say the last good-bye to my grandfather whom I always called ‘Engkong Kudus’ (Grandpa from Kudus – a city in Central Java):

Oey Tiong Tik (Soetikno)

May You Rest in Peace

23 January 1932 – 10 November 2008