And so all is back to normalcy

The period of state mourning has ended.

Flags are back at full-mast, time off to pay respects for the Lying-in-State is now a thing of the past, no more lengthy tributes by Ministers and MPs, and the funeral service has officially concluded yesterday. Profile pics are no longer a mass of black ribbons, tribute community sites have been cleared up. Tears are not as frequent, moods aren't as sombre. There are no more visits to tribute sites, writing of condolence cards, and the forming the great Singapore queue to enter the parliament.

For the past week, I've (coincidentally) only dressed in blue, white and black. And I didn't have any photos on social media at all non-related to the state event. This morning, I uploaded one that the LPY took last evening, the first "social" photo in a week. From last Monday until now, I've grabbed two copies of Today newspaper, which I don't do because I prefer the digital version (cleaner hands yeah). One is the special edition on Monday, the other is the "ending" coverage of the state funeral, this morning.

Everything is back to normalcy, you say?

As normal as it can be, I'd say. 

Yet, it is not going to feel normal again. The next time I recite the pledge or sing the National Anthem, it will trigger memories of 29 March, where the entire nation stood still for a person, even if it was only for a minute. I have not watched NDP on TV before (always thought that it is either live or never), but this year, I will watch if I don't get the chance to view it live. And while I watch, I will remember to miss this man:

This is really my favourite photo of him. He looked so content celebrating Singapore's birthday with his beloved wife by his side. Our man has been accorded the highest honours in Singapore and rightfully so. This year for SG50, and many years thereafter, we will remember Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his legacy.

I only hope that the rest of Singapore remembers together with me, as we move on. He has brought us together in the past week, let's not waste the effort in dividing ourselves again after that. And you complaining bunch, please think of all that you've read the past week before you complain again!

Majulah Singapura. 

Heartfelt thanks to Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

The passing of our founding father of Singapore

So the inevitable has arrived and it is time to say to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, rest in peace. 

Mr Lee Kuan Yew has been the omnipresent figure throughout many lives. He = Singapore. Singapore = him. There's no two ways about it; this was how he was etched in our minds, this is how he will be remembered for years to come. 

I can only imagine PM's grief at losing a father and a mentor. Yet, he had to address the country in his capacity as PM hours after losing his loved one. The composure he has displayed is unparalleled and deserves much respect. 

To Mr Lee Kuan Yew, a salute for all the sacrifices that you have made for Singapore, both you and your family. Without you, there can be no present Singapore, we would not be enjoying this stable, clean, healthy, enviable environment. As I have always said, Singapore is not a place to complain about once you have been to other countries. I may love travelling but Singapore is always my home. As I walked to office this morning, every moment reminds me of you: The MRT, the HDB flats, the structured city, the clean environment, the normalcy of people going to work because of the stability in Singapore and finally, the flag at half-mast. 

We will grieve as a nation for the loss of our founding father but at the same time, we will celebrate the success of Singapore and what she is today. A toast, if I may, Mr Lee.

Sharing what a friend saw on FB: 光雖盡，耀永暉。

Joyce

A very humbled Singaporean