In Memoriam: Juliana Koh (28 Dec 1962 - 6 April 2009)

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all! Prov. 31:29

Remaining always in our loveliest and fondest memories...

We thank God for every remembrance of you,

With love from David, Melissa & Miranda Leong

Your family on this side of heaven

6 April 2010

Towards the First Anniversary

Time moves on quickly and we are drawing close to the first death anniversary of Juliana which falls on April 6th, 2010. While time may lessen the grief, memory turns back every leaf of a wife and mother who is so wonderfully kind, gentle and virtuous. One who always places family before self and have left lasting memories with us.

All of us in the family have been touched by her life and testimony. We thank God for the beautiful memories and for Juliana who came into our lives and have made them beautiful!

Marking the 11th month

It's been 11 months since Jul's homegoing on 6 April 2009. Time may ease the pain but certainly not the memories which remain fresh. Many things in daily life bring to mind Jul and the blessing she has been to me for over 20 years and the girls for as old as they each are. She is God's beautiful gift to us. I can say with all certainty that if I could rewind and re-live life all over again, I will still choose Jul to be my better half - no doubt about that! She has done her job as wife and mother so well that God decided to reward her with the blessings, peace and joy of heavenly life. We who remain do ask our heavenly Father to guide us to walk alright for our remaining time here and that we may, in due time, enter in to the joy of the Lord.

Adventure in December

We had a whale of a time white water rafting last December (21 Dec 09) at Sungei Kampar in Perak (West Malaysia). I never knew they had river rapids. Anyway, it was a "first time" for both Melissa and I and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Unfortunately, Miranda couldn't join in as they had a minimum age limit of 9 years. By and large it was safe as long as one followed the rules - otherwise you may be thrown into the river when it goes over a boulder!

It is also a marvel of nature - river, rock, jungle, mountain scenery, reminding us of the world God had created. Ascribe greatness to our Almighty God!

God is the centre from which we should take our bearings in life

Life after Jul has not been easy. It's tough juggling work and parenting duties. The spirit is willing but oftentimes the body is weak. But I thank God for His goodness and mercy which remain new every day.

Perhaps it is a reminder to me that it is not by my own strength and efforts that I can make it. It is God who sustains and "holds the centre" when everything seems to be out of control. We need to remember afresh each day that God not only "holds the centre" but He is, in fact, the centre and only if we take life from His perspective then we can be at peace.

Nothing is more important than walking close to Him each day and submitting to His will for our lives. Man's applause pales into insignificance in the light of God's commendation.

Nine Months Has Passed

Nine months past. Still counting because the memories remain fresh... Thank God for the words of a song by Chris McClarney & Anthony Skinner, "Your Love Never Fails".

They are a great reminder to me of God's love and faithfulness which sustains me day by day. For sure, pain and heartaches remain together with the onslaught of unhappy thoughts raging in my mind daily but the thought of God's promise of joy, love and mercy in the morning keeps me going on for His sake. Eventually all pain and suffering will give way to everlasting peace and joy in the Lord.

Your Love Never Fails
Author: Chris McClarney & Anthony Skinner

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails
I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercy for me everyday
Cause Your Love Never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes with the morning
When the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
And Your love never fails

The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails
The wind is strong and the water’s deep
But I’m not alone here in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

Eight Months Past & Still Feeling the Loss...

Sometimes I feel that the clock is like fan moving at breakneck speed. It's now 8 months since Juliana somewhat sudden home going. It still feels like we were talking yesterday but she is no longer around... the familiar voice, the physical presence... the moments of sharing...

I have fond memories mixed with times that I recall that fateful final week spent in ICU... the lapsing into a coma and the drifting away... the final hour of departure... it was all too quick to say a goodbye. I will probably keep counting the days and months, perhaps, years. My biggest comfort is that the 3 of us were with her in those final moments and also, one day, we'll all meet again - a day where tears will be no more and there will be great joy in the presence of our Almighty God.

And Lord haste the day when faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul!