Mr Lee Kuan Yew,
We are extremely sad and emotional about your departure.
Not because we've lost you. No, your life's work is everywhere around us.
But because we'll miss you.
You have been so instrumental in and intertwined with Singapore's progress. And I regret we did not honour you enough when you were with us.
What strikes me about you is your dedication to both our country, and the late Mrs Lee. Rarely in politics do I see such a tight partnership between husband and wife. The quiet love for each other and commitment to the family, while maintaining demanding professional lives. My Pastor likes to say, no point being a public success and a private failure. We do not have enough of leaders like you, who are successful in both work and family.
For this, you have earned my respect and admiration. Not even going into the foresight you had, your courage and convictions, your belief that we, your citizens will make it. Your policies that made our lives better. You will continue to be an inspiration for me.
I wish I can be there to wave as they drive you past. The rain doesn't matter at all.
But no matter, I'll wave our Singapore flag at every National Day I am at, for the rest of the years come. And remember.
I'll tell my children about your policies, your ideas, your life, so that they'll stand proud to carry on as Singapore's next generation.
Today is the final goodbye here on earth. The whole week of tracking queues at the Padang has culminated in this sendoff. Even as I write from home, the rain pouring gives a strange comfort to my heavy heart.
My friend told me a conversation overhead when she was writing the condolence book. An old lady, not knowing how to write, had asked the volunteer to pen her thoughts for her. And she said (in Mandarin) "Mr Lee, I will still want to be your citizen in my next life."
You are that beloved amongst even the simple folk.
I don't believe in a next life, but in an afterlife.
Which is where I sincerely hope to meet you again, and convey my belated thanks in person. I pray you are in my Father's house, with your beloved Mrs Lee.
So thank you Mr Lee, for everything. Till we meet again.
