Time

This weekend we said goodbye to Proeun’s grandfather (“Tha” in Cambodian).

He was a wonderful man who went through some very tough times, like famine, war, genocide, refugee camps and learning to live in a new country all while supporting a wife and 5 daughters. I sadly did not know him well.

Three years ago when he was 87 he began to experience heart problems. The doctors recommended open heart surgery but for a man already aged in years the family asked what the alternatives were and the doctors said with proper medication he would probably live another 3 years. He did and he made it to 90 years old. He became a Christian in 1981 and devoted himself to his new religion. In the end he wasn’t worried and he passed away surrounded by family.

Always a death reminds me that time is the most important thing we have. It reminds me that I am so thankful to be home with my children, that we go through great efforts to stay together as a family when Proeun is home and that try to visit extended family often. I really wish I would have known Tha better. My excuse is time and language barrier but you know in the end I missed out on an amazing opportunity to know and amazing man. I am somewhat comforted to know that he was watching our work getting the farm with interest and felt that we were headed in the right direction. Unfortunately he became ill the day before he and his family was to come for a visit.

He will be missed but I know he wasn’t worried and he shouldn’t be either. Just remember–Time and use it well.