May 17th, 2011:

Our second to last day in Singapore was the one year anniversary of Felicia’s fathers death – and the reason for this entire trip to Singapore.  Arthur passed away from lung cancer with his wife by his side and his daughter across the Pacific.  Felicia had seen him a few weeks prior to his death and had those very important conversations while he was still lucid and aware, but this was the first visit since his death and our first trip to the cemetery.

Standing in the slow drizzle, we placed flowers, incense, food, beer (his favorite) and the quiet prays of Felicia’s mother on his grave. Needless to say, it was an emotionally taxing day for everyone and the grief I saw in Felicia’s eyes only increased my feelings of ineptitude at comforting my wife during this time.

Watching my new family come together around Arthur’s headstone makes me realize how short life can be, how important our loved ones are, and reconfirms my belief that everyday has to count – because before we know it, we will all return to the earth.