Travel (not) Light

I always travel light to Pontianak, to where my parents’ house is. But I never called it home, considering I didn’t grow up in the equatorial city. But then where is home? I always carry a small bag along with huge hope. I can always wear Pi’s clothes or Mom’s oversized t-shirts.

But last September, I came back there carrying a small bag. I was heavy hearted.

It was the fifth time in the year that I came back there. This time to say “until we meet again” to Mi. That Sunday morning, she went to a place she called home. Indeed, she ever said, I want to have a house on earth and in heavens. She came home to her heavenly home.

How could she? I said. On Wednesday, I still talked to her. I woke up at 04.40 then made coffee and took a bath. I talked to her for a while and she prayed for me the way she always did. After that, she kissed my left and right cheek. “Now, kiss me, Son,” she inquired. I was amazed, didn’t we just kiss? So I kissed her cheeks and said bye.

Five days earlier, I witnessed her quick recovery. I was amazed (and am still). She told us plans. She said she still want to “testify the love of Jesus to many more people”. How amazing. She fought pain back with strong determination. She chose life. She ate more—much more than I ever witnessed and heard. Until today I still wonder, is it miracle?

But I’d never thought she ‘came home’ so soon. Oh, I’ve never missed her like this! Didn’t she want to meet her old acquaintances? Didn’t she eat more and was recovered? Didn’t she want to go on vacation with her children? Weren’t Bali, Miri, Singapore, and Jakarta on her list? Didn’t she herself said, she wanted to share Jesus’ love to others?

I was told, on the second morning on my fourth visit, she prayed before she slept. She said, “Lord, If I don’t wake up tomorrow, please open up the gates of heaven for me.” Apparently, her prayer was answered a week later. Perhaps, her children needed to be shown that their mother was recovering. That she ‘came home’ in good health and in joy. I guess, God loves Mi—much more than we love her. God only takes the best.