ashes to ashes ... dust to dust

my amangtua (dad's bro-uncle) passed away early this morning.
am not sure how old he is exactly, should be over 70.

feel sad, but also relieved, coz he no longer in pain after all these years. he was admitted quite often to a hospital in central jakarta, and whenever we got the news all of his bros would come along with their children. at those times, we, the kids usually regard the room he was in as a base camp. we would gather up, accompanying whoever was waiting for amangtua. we would just eat together, pray, read some verses from the Book, or simply talk. it became our hang out place.

it was always good family time. it may seem out of place, but eventhough in times of sorrow it's also chance to tighten up our ties with the ones we love.

i couldn't make it home. there's a big opening in the office and even the past few weeks everything was crazy. working long hours, the only time i went home was on the weekend. i did wear black, does it count?

i think what matters more is my heart went with them. my auntie, my cousins, all of them.