Farewell, Bapak..

Bapak has been laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery.

Yesterday, the weather seemed inclement, threatening to rain. But it held up all day until long after the funeral. It only began to drizzle in the evening.

Bapak's body was taken to the UIA Mosque (Masjid Al-Malik Faisal) at about 11.35am for prayers to be performed . How blessed that it was a Friday when there would surely be a full congregation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was at the mosque to join the congregation in performing the prayers.

After prayers, Bapak's body was taken to the cemetery.

It was very kind of Pak Lah to have his outriders accompany Bapak in his final journey to his resting place.

When we were making burial arrangements, we were hopeful that there was still space at the cemetery which is already almost full to the brim.

We were thankful when the cemetery managers said there were still "one or two" plots available.

It did not matter where the plot was because the other alternative would be in Kota Damansara or Puchong. Too far. Mak and Kak Piah are in Bukit Kiara.

We had no idea which spot had been given to Bapak. At least neither Lalin nor I did.

We (Lalin, our nieces, my daughter and I) arrived at the cemetery early and made our way to the burial plot. We followed some people ahead of us.

My friend, blogger Bernard Khoo (Zorro Unmasked) had already arrived and he walked along with us.

The route seemed to take us deep into the older part of the cemetery that made me think that we had made a mistake.

I saw Lalin waving at us, indicating that we were not mistaken, after all.

We made our way and found a crowd, including the media, had already gathered.
My step-mum, my sisters and their daughters as well as my good friend, Mia and her daughter, Liyana were already there.

As I stood there, I thought that Bapak's spot seemed to be near Mak's. I looked around at the gravestones to locate Mak's. It'd be good if they were near each other.

I looked down at the spot where Bapak's grave had been dug, shifted my eyes a little and Mashaaallah! I saw that it was just "above" Mak's, in the next row.

How amazing was that? So so close to each other. Almost touching each other.

Alhamdulillah!

Soon, Bapak's remains arrived, along with a group of men. The crowd then grew bigger. I spotted many familiar faces.

Bapak was then prepared for burial. I watched as they lowered his shrouded body into the ground.

My heart missed a beat. My eyes began to tear.

Thank God, I had my sun glasses on.

The funeral proceeded in fine weather -- warm and a little balmy, at times.

I could hear the rustling leaves, teased by a playful breeze. I could feel the coolness of the moment. I felt a depth of emotion.

After the funeral, we took turns to sprinkle rose petals, bunga rampai and water on Bapak's new home.

It was then time to leave our beloved Bapak to his eternal rest, promising him that we would return...often.

May Allah bless your soul, Bapak. Thank you for those wonderful years. We are eternally grateful to you and we love you forever.

Al-Fatihah.

Amin, Amin, Amin....