A Ball of Yarn

Pa took a slow drive along the smooth road, graceful trees bending and bowing to welcome us. Already, there was a sense of calmness in the air. We approached the parking lot and I could see a structure resembling the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

My eyes swept across the open space. A golden Buddha statue shone on top of a tiered fountain, the swishing sounds of water instantly calming frayed nerves. Bamboo plants and weepy willows swayed in the corners of the courtyard. Water lilies stood frozen in shallow pools of water and stunted bonsai plants mimicked Lumière from Beauty and the Beast.

Around us, families were chatting and laughing. It was not lunch-time but there were rows of tables clothed in cream and decorated with Chinese sweets, steamed buns and other delicacies. Present were also tiny cups of tea and incense holders, crammed full with burning joss sticks.

We walked towards the condominium where my grandparents live. I marveled at the bronze engravings of Buddha and the faded photographs of occupants on the front doors. Finally, we stopped in front of a unit that could be mistaken for any other if not for the photographs. We had reached my grandparents’ home.

Hi Yeye, Mama, I called. My mouth did not move and there was no sound, but I know they heard. Like most Chinese families, we only visit our ancestors once a year during Qing Ming or All Souls Day. It’s a day where we clear graves, honour and pray to our departed ancestors.

My mother lit a handful of joss-sticks and handed three sticks to each person. Everyone crowded around the unit that housed my grandparents’ urns of ashes. Inside the chamber, it was dim and quiet, a contrast to the bright and noisy outside. We stood still, saying a quiet prayer in the corner of our hearts.

I held up the joss-sticks and turned sideways towards my family. That gesture made me captured a moment that was so simple and beautiful. All of them had their eyes closed, their lips murmuring. My heart warmed to see the peace on their faces as they lifted their joss-sticks and bowed in unison. For that brief moment, any signs of stress and work fatigue seemed to disappear from their weary faces. My brother looked at me and our eyes met. At that point of time, our hearts connected. I smiled, closed my eyes and felt peace too.