Unbreakable bonds

My father is a quiet person by nature.
He loves reading newspapers, watching news, and watching films on Chinese History.

He was born in Pontian, and is ranked #6 by age among his siblings.
He has 3 elder brothers (my uncles), and 3 sisters (auntie).

Being poor, they had minimal eucation and started working since young.
My dad had the most education (equivalent to JC) among them, but had no money to study architecture in Taiwan University.

My first uncle sold rojak.
(Not sure what my 2nd uncle worked as)
My third uncle is a barber.
And my dad started as a technician.

Though poor, they were closely knitted.
My dad was the only one who came to Singapore.
When we were young, Chinese New Year was spent partly at Pontian.
And when the brothers unite, you can really feel the close bond that the brothers (and sister) share.

The unbreakable bond of the brotherhood.

My first and third uncle shared a very close friendship, having lived together for a long time. Years ago, third uncle was diagnosed with diabetes. He was later sent to the old folk's home to receive better medical care due to his ailing health. And first uncle will visit him almost daily, keeping third uncle company as much as he can before diabetes take his life.

In an unexpected turn of events, first uncle died of a sudden heart attack just months ago.
No one expected him to die, at least not before my third uncle.

Third uncle was kept in the dark, because no one wanted to upset him further.
As time went by, third uncle sense that something was wrong.
Why has his brother stopped visiting him?
He queried and was finally told that his beloved brother was gone.

He cried.
He really did.
He refused to send his brother off on his last journey, not because he didn't want to, but because he can't bring himself to.
I was at first uncle's funeral months ago. It was really sad.
I was mixed with emotions when his body was cremated.

Yesterday, my third uncle sucuumbed to diabetes.
Observing the short time between the death of the two brothers, I can't help but wonder.... Did third uncle died of diabetes, or did grief take him away?

I hope to go down to third uncle's funeral tmr (provided there are no objections from Wifey and family as our wedding is approaching).

First and third uncle are reunited once again.
My dad and second uncle are still here, but griefing for the loss of their other brother.

I hope my father stays strong.
Second uncle too.

In the pursuit of wealth and enjoying life, please stay healthy.
And don't lose the unbreakable bond that exist between you and your family.

Peace out.