Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Monday, 23 June 2014
Friday, 13 June 2014
Monday, 9 June 2014
Last Days of Hong Kong
Back in February 2014, I wrote a poem about leaving Hong Kong, a city I had lived and worked in for nearly two years.
Grandpa's Funeral
On May 7 2014 my grandpa lost his battle with liver cancer. I was asked to compile some words for his funeral.
Below are the words that I said at his funeral on May 20 2014.
As most of you know, but some may not, Pa was born in China. It was two years ago, nearly 90 years since his birth that I first journeyed to China myself.
I will never forget Pa's genuine delight when I told him of my plans to move to Hong Kong, as he rushed off to his study to retrieve the map he had kept of his first trip back from China in 1935. We studied it with great intent, and he sent me on my way with love and prayers.
Every day I lived in China, Pa was with me. We formed a remarkable, honest and everlasting friendship of encouragement and inspiration. Pa taught me about forgiveness, and that is the single most important lesson he taught me.
We exchanged weekly emails for over two years, and Pa was by-far my number one blog follower. My international friends were so impressed that my 88 year old grandfather was that tech savvy.
He listened and read with such interest, that it motivated me to continue following my dreams every single day.
His most enthusiastic email came after I told him about my baptism in the South China Sea. I felt his prayers with me everyday which in turn helped me to understand God's love and community.
Prayers travel far and wide, 9000 miles and further. Thank God for Pa.
I was not alone in my correspondence. Pa was a great communicator and thrived off people's stories of life, love and discovery. Seeing so many of you here today, just proves his love of community, family and friendship.
Pa was a grandfather to 11 grandchildren, Ruth, Ed, Sam, Naomi, Miriam, Jack, Keria, Kate, Oscar and Connar. I asked my cousins to share some thoughts on what he meant to them. We are an adventurous bunch, which has taken each of us far and wide, travelling the world he told us about in stories when we were young.
As most of you know, but some may not, Pa was born in China. It was two years ago, nearly 90 years since his birth that I first journeyed to China myself.
I will never forget Pa's genuine delight when I told him of my plans to move to Hong Kong, as he rushed off to his study to retrieve the map he had kept of his first trip back from China in 1935. We studied it with great intent, and he sent me on my way with love and prayers.
Every day I lived in China, Pa was with me. We formed a remarkable, honest and everlasting friendship of encouragement and inspiration. Pa taught me about forgiveness, and that is the single most important lesson he taught me.
We exchanged weekly emails for over two years, and Pa was by-far my number one blog follower. My international friends were so impressed that my 88 year old grandfather was that tech savvy.
He listened and read with such interest, that it motivated me to continue following my dreams every single day.
His most enthusiastic email came after I told him about my baptism in the South China Sea. I felt his prayers with me everyday which in turn helped me to understand God's love and community.
Prayers travel far and wide, 9000 miles and further. Thank God for Pa.
I was not alone in my correspondence. Pa was a great communicator and thrived off people's stories of life, love and discovery. Seeing so many of you here today, just proves his love of community, family and friendship.
Pa was a grandfather to 11 grandchildren, Ruth, Ed, Sam, Naomi, Miriam, Jack, Keria, Kate, Oscar and Connar. I asked my cousins to share some thoughts on what he meant to them. We are an adventurous bunch, which has taken each of us far and wide, travelling the world he told us about in stories when we were young.
His grandchildren in Australia focused on his positive influence and continued care. How Pa demonstrated his love and concern for his family and how his faith and dedication inspired a deeper search into life.
Jack and Miriam told me of Pa’s invaluable and wholesome encouragement. How his approach to his grandchildren lasted right until the moment he went to be with The Lord. How his warmth and gentleness always reassured each of them in their own faith. A sturdy rock to rely upon.
We welcomed Pa’s 2nd great grandchild into the world yesterday, with the birth of Jesse David.
Ruth and Mike wanted to share how Gran and Pa’s endless encouragement and support had been fundamental in the commitment to raising their own family.
Pa could always be found running around with his first great grandchild Kenai, showing his famous runner beans off in all their summertime glory.
Even before the birth of the third generation, Pa was, and always will be our Great grandfather. He defined inspiration to us all, from tigers in India to his faith in his local community.
From all of his Harris clan, that stretch around the world, from Liss, to Dubai, to Australia and beyond. Pa is deep in our hearts and souls, and we remember him with great admiration and love.
Jack and Miriam told me of Pa’s invaluable and wholesome encouragement. How his approach to his grandchildren lasted right until the moment he went to be with The Lord. How his warmth and gentleness always reassured each of them in their own faith. A sturdy rock to rely upon.
We welcomed Pa’s 2nd great grandchild into the world yesterday, with the birth of Jesse David.
Ruth and Mike wanted to share how Gran and Pa’s endless encouragement and support had been fundamental in the commitment to raising their own family.
Pa could always be found running around with his first great grandchild Kenai, showing his famous runner beans off in all their summertime glory.
Even before the birth of the third generation, Pa was, and always will be our Great grandfather. He defined inspiration to us all, from tigers in India to his faith in his local community.
From all of his Harris clan, that stretch around the world, from Liss, to Dubai, to Australia and beyond. Pa is deep in our hearts and souls, and we remember him with great admiration and love.
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