Andras’ personal page

Someone I will remember for the rest of my life….

We have developed a bit of a habit to visit Labrador Park often. It is quaint, quiet, usually not very busy, it offers some of the most untouched nature left in Singapore, it has beautiful views and it is close to great food (Hai Di Lao). Oh yes, the sunsets there are magical…

Last Friday was another one of these lovely days there. Enough of the busy and stressful week. A blanket, speakers, 4 day old newspapers to catch up on, the must-have macadamia nuts, some takeaway food. And a mood to take in the breeze, the peacefulness of the place and whatever else comes in front of one’s phone camera lens. 

Little did we know that just a few minutes later we shall meet the most amazing Uncle Han. The smiling, ancient Uncle Han, pushed around in a wheelchair by a friend. His smile beaming from a distance, no better body language to signal he wished to chat with us and get to know us more. 

He is more than 90 years old. A retired teacher. A witness of a Singapore past and one present. A parent of 3 and a grandparent of many. A polio survivor who does not let his reduced ability limit him to zip around Singapore is his white van (we saw him on the road later.. J ). An ever optimist who sees so much beauty in the world and in his home here in Singapore. One who lived abroad for many years and met even more people from all walks of life over his wonderful life journey. 

A proud Hainanese who is willing and able to give his respect and admiration to other ethnic groups and nationalities, whilst retaining a cocksure bravado about the many good traits and knowledge Southern Chinese folk have. 

His stories have both wisdom and mischief in them. I don’t know if it is about their content or how he tells them. They are riveting. We just want to stand there and listen to him talk and smile whilst the retiring sun draws a beautiful tiger-striped lightshow on the canvas of blue sky behind him. Did he notice? He says yes. But how? He did not look. It must be the countless sunsets he saw over his life with his wife, his loved ones, his friends, alone. Imprinted into his mind and eyes, bringing back sweet memories. He smiles so much. Can I ever smile as much? How long do I have to live to feel so free and content like he seems to feel?

As we are slowly saying our good byes along with the darkening day, I commit his stories about the blackness of the Singapore river and the differences in learning Mandarin and Western languages in my memory forever. Thank you Uncle Han for sharing your moments with us. We shall remember you and hope to see you again on one of your frequent trips to Labrador Park. 

As we depart, Boo lifting us back into the hustle and bustle of the city, we wave to Uncle Han as he starts his car. At the first traffic light he is behind us, all four of us waving at each other like children saying bye to each other after an amazing day in school and looking forward to another day of fun tomorrow. 

Labrador Park, a special place in my heart in Singapore. Uncle Han, a special man in my heart in Singapore. 

22nd October, 2024, Singapore