The following story was extracted from the book "i remember to my Grandpa/Grandma from juniors". With A Heavy Heart. Contributed by: Ng Yu Xuan, 11, White Sands Primary School. My Dearest Grandfather. “Finally!” I said as I wiped away the beads of perspiration on my forehead. I had finished cleaning up my room and I was exhausted. All of a sudden, I spotted a shiny thin object protruding from underneath the cupboard. “What’s that?” I enquired as I squinted to get a better view. I realized it was a photograph. I pulled it out and wiped off the dust on it. To my surprise, it was a photograph of my grandfather and me. My mind went back to 31st December 2002. My grandfather had been suffering from lung cancer for two years. On that fateful day, my family received a phone call from our relatives, informing us that my grandfather was succumbing to the disease. We rushed to my grandfather’s place. We found him lying on his bed, looking weak. He greeted us softly. My mother was sobbing and my father had tears welled up in his eyes. My grandfather mumbled in Hokkien, “I’ll miss you when I go. I love you all.” I did not understand what he was saying as I was only 5 years old at that time. My grandfather smiled at me and I smiled too. A few minutes later, my grandfather passed away. Two strangers carried him out on a stretcher. My mother told me what had happened. I struggled to hold back my tears and refused to believe that my grandfather was gone. I kept thinking he would return. Unfortunately, he never did. As I held the photograph in my hand, tears rolled down my cheeks. I miss my grandfather. He had taken care of us and showered us with care and love. I hated myself for not spending time with him because I wanted to play at home or I was tired. Although I visited him 4 times a month, I knew I could have done better. A flood of nostalgia swept over me. I remember the times my grandfather, my brother and I spent together. He would buy snacks for us and take us to the playground. My grandfather was a kind man who donated money to the needy and lent a helping hand to others. He worked hard to support his family. I respect my grandfather a lot. Suddenly, I was jolted out of my thoughts. Then I heard my mother ask, “Darling, would you like to come with us to visit Uncle? You can stay at home if you want to.” I heaved a sigh as I was exhausted but when I looked at my grandfather and myself in the photograph, I realized that we don’t have forever. We shouldn’t take things for granted. I had made a mistake, not grabbing opportunities. “Yes, mum!” I shouted. I’ve decided to cherish time and use it wisely and grab the opportunities that are available and spend time with people who mean a lot to me. As the saying goes, ‘Carpe Diem!’ I intend to seize the day and all opportunities presented to me. (This story was contributed as part of the 'To My Grandpa/Grandma' project initiated by NLB & the Advisory Panel for Seniors. This project is an inter-generation initiative targeted at grandparents and grandchildren. It aims to encourage the sharing of personal experiences, and to use personal stories, narratives and shared heritage to connect the different generations.)