CHAPTER 8

2024-12-20

The sky fell onto my family early in the morning on May 26. 2024. Our family in charge was called back instantly to report to heaven. We were left alone to handle many immediate affairs with very limited resources. The first rule for survival was starting from ground zero, as simple as possible.

Lun, my eldest son, was handed to the provincial government for care nineteen years ago. Then Lun's younger brother was the only person on earth that I had to look after. We were the world for each other to care for, and the reason to work hard to live. Our pledge for each other frees us from any social restraints.

I asked him, “What do you think if I bring mom's ashes back home?” Meeting my eyes with his shortly after thinking in silence, he replied with a simple “Yes”. Once the most important decision was made, our lives re-tuned with simplicity.

In late afternoon my wife's body was transferred to the mortuary after the cornea removal for organ donation and the leave of all the family members. Close to midnight the cremation service was connected. Documents were signed online. The services included, claiming the body, applying for a death certificate, getting permission for cremation, collection of ashes and putting them into the standard urn, informing the family and returning the urn and necessary documents.

On the day we left the hospital, “little brother” asked to drive my car to send me home first. Then he returned to pick up his car thirty km away, with a ride by his friend. After returning home, he prepared meals and did all the cleaning up. Apart from the dishes, he put three chairs round the table. A pink piggy doll with big framed spectacles from mom was placed on the empty chair. He looked at it and laughed, “It really looks like mom.” Now that Miss Piggy is in my room, sitting on the treasure box with the ashes of our beloved one.