this is one of my dad's photo which was taken sometime in 1948 or 1949. He came to Spore in 1947 with his cousin and a few fellow villagers. After working here for some time, they took this picture at the studio to send back home to let their family know they're doing fine. My dad is the one sitting down in dark pants. His cousin is the one standing directly behind him.
Dad told me that after working for more than a year, he and his cousin saved enough money to let one of them go back to visit their families. Originally, it was supposed to be dad who were to go back, but for some reason, the plan changed and his cousin went back instead. The most unfortunate thing is, his cousin went swimming and drowned at the seaside in his village, while back there visiting. Up till today, dad still wonders if he had stayed with the original plan and went back, would he hv saved his cousin from that tragedy? This seemed to have become a regret in my dad's life as he thinks that perhaps he could have indirectly caused this tragedy.
Since his cousin's death, dad has treated my granduncle and grandaunt like his own parents. No doubt they've a few other children, dad still took care of them as much as he took care of his own parents. I guess this is a way for him to make himself feel better about his cousin's death.
To dad: Pa, don't feel so bad about it. It's been so long and I don't think anyone has ever blamed you for the tragedy. I always believe that life and death are destined and if your time is up, there's no hiding and it doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing. Pa, we all love you and you've to take care of your health. Take it this way, you're not just living your life for yourself, you're also living for your late cousin too.
And I really hope you and Ma can read this. I really hope you both know exactly how I feel for you. I love you both.
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