THANK YOU OMA, I CELEBRATE YOU
My grandmother passed away (March 17), less than 2 weeks before my 29th birthday. She was suffering from severe liver failure since December last year. Her condition deteriorated but I got a chance to meet her. I had 10 days to see her in her last two weeks journey on earth and I am grateful for that. I didn't have money to purchase the ticket, but once again, God make a way for me to see my grandmother. A beautiful couple lent the money for my ticket and all things just went well.
My dad picked me up from the airport. Straight after we had lunch, me and Sandra went to the hospital to see Oma (That's how I called my grandmather). I still remembered how she shouted my name and spread her arms for me. She gave me her magic warm hug and I captured that moment and put that memory in my heart forever. The day after that, my grandmother' condition became worst and that day was the last time she can recognise any person who visited her.
First few days, it was terrible feeling to be there with my grandmother. She was in so much pain. She screamed all day and all the time. People came and pray for her, while she was suffering. What kind of pain, I couldn't even imagine what's going on. Try to ask some questions to the nurses, but they know nothing about my grandmother sickness. They told me, the specialist still in his holiday and they don't know when he will come back. There is no proper report about my grandmother's condition. I felt so terrible because I couldn't help her anything. My dad said that there is no hope for my grandmother, that we just wait and be ready when God calls her home. I was crying and I could feel the heaviness in my throat become stronger than ever. I couldn't say a word.
One morning, just me and my grandmother, in that empty room at the hospital, I felt so much love in my heart. I could feel heavenly presence in the room where my oma stayed. I hold her hands tightly, while looking at those beautiful and strong hands that raised me. And I started to sing her old favourite church songs from Kidung Jemaat. I could not hold my tears while singing with her to our Heavenly Father.
It is a nostalgic feeling. Most precious moment with Oma rushed through my mind. I could remember when little Maya followed Oma for Kebaktian Rumah Tangga (Bible Study from house to house) twice a week. Holding tightly Oma's hand with a joyfull heart, humming our favourite songs all the way and saying hi to everyone. Sometimes helping Oma to find a perfect songs to suit her Bible reflection. I have always put nice dresses and bring my own little Bible with colourful cover on it. Feeling so proud walking side by side with Oma to serve the Lord.
I could remember how proud Oma was every time I sang at the church. When I sang, it felt like Oma was the only audience I have. I did not feel scare or nervous at all. So much confident for a little girl. She always proud of me, no one could mess with me. I still remember, one day at school, a little boy named Yohanes kicked me at my back for no reason. When I told Oma after school, she was listening but no words came out from her mouth. Little I knew, she had planned for the next day to have a visit to my school. She brought lots of different cakes for all my teacher. While all teachers enjoyed the cakes, Oma went looked for Yohanes. Oma came and asked all the kids which one was Yohanes, and Yohanes raised his hands. Oma smiled and walked to approach him and pulled his ears toward his mouth. Well, that was the last time I ever told Oma about school's problem related to other kids who bullied or hurt me.
Oma is a hero for little Maya in overcoming her difficulties and challenging childhood. Oma is the reason why little Maya has so much faith, courage, and confident. Oma shaped a strong foundation in my soul that still stands until now. I told Oma those stories and how much she meant for me while she was sleeping. Those two weeks have gone so fast, and that's how I spent every day with Oma. I sang so many her favourite Christian songs (mine too) when I stopped singing from one song to another, a flashback of memory I have with Oma, I told her how I remember a specific song with a memory attached to it. Memory I hold dearly in my heart. I told Oma every day, how she meant to me, how I love her and how I will never forget her, and that’s okay if she wants to leave and be at peace with God, I understand. I told Oma, how sorry I am to not be able to make her happy and if I ever hurt her heart in any ways, I am so sorry.
On 16th March 2015, I spent almost a whole day at the hospital and leaved around 9pm. I told her that I need to pack my stuff and be ready for leaving tomorrow morning but I promised her to come back and see her before I was leaving to the airport. Oma seemed understand in knowingly of what would happened. On the early morning of the next day, the 17th March around 4am, Oma left us to be with her Lord. I got phone call about 5am and I knew something was not right. I quickly had a shower, me and Ka Sandra drove to see Oma. When I arrived, I went to see Oma laying on the bed. She smiled and at peace. I touched her hands, it’s still warm like she was asleep. I told Oma, thank you for her life, thank you for her love, thank you for always holding my hands and my heart, thank you for being my biggest supporter, thank you for believing in me, thank you for seeing only the best in me and installing that believe that I can do anything through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. What a life OMA JANE, until we meet again!!
