My seventeenth birthday was a special occasion. Not only had
I passed my A level exams with flying colors, but my family was also
planning a party to celebrate. Although my family did not usually celebrate
birthdays on a grand scale, this was a double celebration, and everyone was
excited. Spring-cleaning started a week before, and there was a continuous
hustle and bustle as everyone went about doing their share of the work. My
mother was the chief event organizer, planning the budget and menu, while my
father was in charge of paying for the purchases. My siblings were busy
sending out the invitations, and even Grandpa, who usually enjoyed watching
TV from the comfort of his armchair, helped out by running errands for my
mother.
Grandpa and I shared a special bond, perhaps because I was his oldest
grandchild. He was always there for me, offering me his shoulder to cry on
whenever I was depressed. However, two days before my birthday, Grandpa
complained of chest pains. We rushed him to the hospital, but he refused to
be admitted. Instead, he was given a lot of medicine and came home. When he
returned home, he remained in his room, and whenever I visited him, he would
manage a smile, but I could see that he was very tired. The corners of his
mouth and eyes had numerous wrinkles, and the skin on his skinny limbs had
shriveled. I felt a stab of pain in my heart each time I saw him.
It was during the early hours of my birthday when I was awakened by my
mother's loud sobbing. I rushed to Grandpa's room and saw him lying
motionless. Grandpa had died in his sleep. Beside him, there was a parcel
with a birthday card attached to it.
I only opened the present two days after Grandpa's funeral. It was a laptop.
Grandpa had withdrawn all his savings to buy the laptop for me. It is the
gift I treasure most in my life. Whenever I use it, I will always think of
Grandpa.
Grandpa's last gift was not just a material object, but it was also a symbol
of the special bond that we shared. It was a reminder that he would always
be there for me, even in spirit. This gift represented his love and support,
which he had given to me throughout my life. Grandpa's passing was a
devastating loss, but the gift he left behind reminded me that he would
always be a part of my life.
Whenever I use the laptop, I am reminded of Grandpa's sacrifice and his love
for me. It is a constant reminder to work hard and to make him proud. It
also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the special bond
that we share. Grandpa's last gift is something that I will always treasure,
and it will always hold a special place in my heart. |