Janet Siew, a social worker assistant, talks about the period after her husband, Goh Choo Eng, went home to the Lord four years ago.
“Choo Eng was a very good husband, a good father and filial son-in-law. He and I used to go everywhere together, talk about anything under the sun.
When we had our sons — Johnathan and Daniel — he not only provided for them, but took good care of them in work and in play. As a filial son-in-law, he helped me to take care of my parents till their last days on earth.
When we were both down with cancer, we made it a point not to burden each other: even in his last stage of cancer, he never mentioned his pain unless I asked.
The hardest part after he died was losing not only a good husband but also my companion.
As an only child, I was used to being alone. After I got married, many a time I relied on Choo Eng, but he always told me to do things independently of him. He used to say, ‘So that one day when I’m not around, you can take care of yourself.’
Currently, my work keeps me occupied; it’s emotionally draining too. At the end of a work day, I find time to be quiet — I listen to classical music or play worship songs on the piano. Oh, I watch Korean and Japanese drama too. Though I fill my time, there are moments when I feel sad and alone, having lost both my parents and Choo Eng within just three years. I pray. No matter what, the Lord is there for me.
I remember what Selene Chew shared with some of us ladies — that the Lord Jesus is our God, bridegroom and friend. He’s not someone we cannot reach; He’s always present with us and I am looking forward to be with our Lord Jesus and my loved ones.
2 Cor 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness” has been my help. Every time I am at my lowest, the Lord reminds me to stop struggling. He tells me, ‘The time when you are that lowest — that’s the time that I will work through you.’ But you must give complete surrender. Live a life worthy of Me while on earth.”
(from Bethesda Bells, Oct 2016, reprinted with permission from author)
