Wow! I Will Be A Datuk Very Soon!

Within the next few days, I will be awarded the coveted title of “datuk.” No, it is not a title bestowed on me by the Sarawak Government or the governor of Sarawak. This is a title I feel really honoured to accept because I know that being a grandfather is a luxury not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy. And it is a title that money cannot buy!

I remember the day well. It was October 14 last year, Amanda’s birthday. On that day everything changed for me and my wife—a change that would bring a new chapter into our life. My son Clarence sent us a grainy black and white baby scan. I was ecstatic as I immediately realised the implication – my son Clarence and my daughter-in-law Amanda will be welcoming  a baby and my wife and I are going to be grandparents.

Baby Scan

I have been experiencing a mixture of joy and excitement. And I can’t help feeling a little ancient. But at 63 with some hair starting to turn white, it is about time that I become a grandpa.  Becoming a grandpa is one of the joys of aging.

It has been exhilarating waiting for the big day to arrive. I have two sons but no daughter. I have always envied my brother Kiong, my brother Sien and my sister Kim for being blessed with daughters.  Don’t get me wrong. My two sons are my pride and my everything but I have always wished that I have a daughter in addition to my two sons. Knowing that my first grandchild will be a granddaughter has brought me immense happiness. It has been said that a granddaughter is a precious gift of love and pure happiness wrapped up in one beautiful spirit!

I thought I am too old to fall in love again but I know I will fall in love again very soon. Once my granddaughter is born, she will steal my heart. The only setback is that I won’t be able to hold my granddaughter for the time being due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. I can only look forward with great anticipation to the time when I can hold and hug her.

Thank you Amanda and Clarence for my imminent promotion to a datuk!