Wonderful June: Rest in peace Uncle Amat!

Innalillahi wainnalillahi rojiun. Al Fatihah.

My dear Uncle Amat has been called to rest by the Creator last Sunday evening. After nearly 2 years battling with diseases that can not be identified. However, the ultimate nightmare came & shocked the whole family when in April this year he was diagnosed with cancer. Lung cancer, Stage 3 to be precise.

But never once did we lost hope although doctors told us to be prepared for the worst. That there isn't much time left. That his health is deteriorating. Stage 3 isn't a stage where the evil cancer cells could be eliminated in one go. We were advised not to perform any operation nor chemotherapy for Uncle's body was just too weak to handle neither one of the procedures. Not wanting to take any risks, Aunty agreed to listened to the doctors.

Uncle Amat has been in & out the ward ever since the diagnosis result came out. He refused to stay longer in the ward for the environment suffocate him. Too many sick people around, scared him I guess. Every now & then he could hear other patients writhe. So he requested to be brought home.

In case he encounters shortness of breath at home, the hospital lent 2 portable oxygen machines. Uncle was too weak to walk farther from his bedroom, hence the hospital also lent him a portable toilet seat. 

When he was still healthy, Uncle wasn't someone who likes to rest at home. He loves to lepak at the coffee shop with Aunty. That being said is enough to explained why he easily got bored when he was stuck at home so Aunty bought a wheelchair for him. Every time Uncle wants to go out to get some fresh air, Aunty will fulfil his request(s). Whatever he wants to eat, to drink, to buy or to do...Aunty has always been there to grant his wishes. 

Few weeks before his departure, his condition got worst. The oxygen machine became his loyal companion. Regardless that, he still want to joined us at the bbq 'party' we held the end of last month. Aunty pushed his wheelchair to the beach. And he smiled when he was placed facing the sea. He enjoyed the moment very much. I teased him when I saw few grapes on his lap; fell from his grip because he could no longer hold them firmly.

"Ohh uncle tapuk (sorok) anggur, ndak mau share sama saya."

And he giggled while he handed me the grapes. Memories!

I was at home last Sunday evening, lying on the bed when Bunda received a phone call.

"Bie, mari pigi hospital. Uncle is in the emergency, critical they said."

We arrived at the hospital 20 minutes later. Went straight into the emergency area. We couldn't spot any familiar faces there so Bunda made a call. Bilik Sinar Harapan, my bro who was on the other line told her. Upon entering the room, I could hear Aunty crying. The moment she saw us, she cried more.

"Ha, aiso noh ii Akmat. Nokougad no ii Akmat" ---> "Ha, tiada sudah si Akmat. Jalan sudah dia"
"Bie, tiada sudah Uncle Bie. Tiada sudah. Kesian Uncle Bie, kesian dia."

I hugged her. Pat her back. Bunda did the same. It saddened the whole family but we have to stay strong for Aunty. We're her pillars of strength at time like this.

Alhamdullilah, his funeral went smooth. Without delay, without any obstacles. Praise be to The Almighty. Allah ease everything.

Bunda with her sibling & in-laws.
Ismail Family Gathering. Dec, 2009. Langkah Syabas Resort, Kinarut.
Standing L-R: Angah, Aunty Adie, Bunda, Aunty Sylvia, Aunty Ana (D)
Sitting L-R: Pakcik Niman, Uncle Amat (D), Along, Bungsu

Raya last year (2013). 

May u rest in peace Uncle. U're in 'good hands' now. Rest well. Insha Allah, we'll meet again in the hereafter.

"Aunty, redha Uncle pergi. At least, dia ndak payah sudah tanggung all the pain he suffered before."

And aunty smile at me.

Al Fatihah.

eryantierdabdulkarim