See you soon Gung Gung
Brian, Gung Gung, Charlene
My Gung Gung died tonight. He was 86 years old. My mom called me at 8:20PM to inform me of the news.
I thought it was interesting that he died exactly three months to the day that my Po Po died. She passed away on November 1, 2009.
As with Po Po’s death this is a bittersweet time in my life. I’m very sad that Gung Gung is no longer here on this earth. I’ll miss him dearly. He was the only grandfather I ever knew–the only Gung Gung I’ve ever had. No one could ever replace him or my Po Po. At the same time, I’m so excited for Gung Gung. He’s finally stepped into Eternity. He is now reunited with Po Po, his younger sister Jenny, his cousin Richard, the countless Believers who went before him, and most importantly, his Lord and Savior. I can see God clapping in thunderous applause, welcoming Gung Gung home and telling him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The angels must be celebrating the homecoming of one of God’s children. I can just imagine them having a party in Heaven right now. The stories. The memories. Admittedly, I’m a bit jealous. And that’s why there’s a flip side to that excitement.
Between my Po Po and my Gung Gung, he was definitely in far worse health the last few years. Between cancer, congestive heart failure, and chronic pneumonia I think we’ve all been amazed that he lived this long. But he’s no longer suffering from those things. He’s not gasping for air through fluid-filled lungs any more. He’s breathing the sweet, sweet air of Heaven, taking breaths he’s never taken before. He’s no longer in pain and struggling to walk a few steps from the bed to the bathroom. I can just imagine him heading off to the mountains tomorrow on a hunting expedition–something he hasn’t done in years because he didn’t have the stamina. Cancer no longer pervades his body. Instead he has a brand new glorified body filled with the warmth and splendor of a Holy God. Even though they’re no longer married, I’m sure Gung Gung and Po Po are dancing right now. She’s lucky, she only had to wait three months for him to arrive. Most likely, it will be decades before the rest of us join them.
Dear Gung Gung,
As I wrote to Po Po just three months ago, I am so excited for you. I am glad that you are finally seeing God face-to-face. I’m happy that you no longer face the trials and tribulations of this world, and that you now have a body that will never wear out. You’ll never be weak or weary. And though you’re no longer married, you’re reunited with the woman who was your wife for 63 years. When Po Po died, the pain and the sorrow and the heartbreak were all evident on your face. But your face is downcast no longer. You’re home!
We’ll see you soon. Mom and Dad have promised that they’ll meet me at the East Gate one day. I hope you’ll be there too.
Love,
Brian