THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A9 CA9 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD when we were all together, nothing made Papa’s heart happier. In his last few weeks in the hospital, Papa would perk up the most when he knew his family, and speci cally his grandkids, were nearby. His eyes lighting up when we would walk in the room is something that will stay with me for a long time. For many of us here, Papa’s “good morning” inspirational messages were a near-everyday occurrence. Sometimes we were greeted with his bitmoji character that looked just like him. He would greet all of his “grand pickneys” and check to see what we were doing that day, always asking if work and school were going well and when we were going to come see him next. It was a blessed way to start each day and a heartwarming way to know that he was thinking about us. But if none of us replied, it was followed by a “HELLO? Unno deaf??” It is an unfortunate fact that when someone we love passes away, we learn so much more about their life after they are gone. There are so many new stories about our Papa, full of funny and exciting characters, that we never knew about until after he passed. These are the stories I wish I had asked about when he was still alive, holding onto his memories and carrying them with me to pass on to my children. Fortunately, there are so many people here that share in those stories and memories that will hopefully continue to spread the love and joy that Papa shared with us so we can stay close to him. There is an old idea about death I heard once after my grandmother Norma passed away. It is this: “When a person dies, they die twice. The rst time is when they physically die and leave this earth. The second time is when the last person who remembers them dies.” This idea may sound morbid to most, but it has always given me some peace and comfort. Papa may no longer be with us here in this life, but he lives on strong and proud in all of the hearts of those who care about him – in his family, his friends, his business, his community. His memory and love has seeped into the walls of his stores, his friends’ conversations, and in his family’s achievements and setbacks. His back pats are forever imprinted on the backs of our shoulders, his smile burned into our hearts. Finally, a word to my cousins, the ones present and the ones yet to come: Let us carry Papa Sing with us wherever we go and in whatever we do. Let his legacy live on in each of us, especially in our work ethic and how we carry ourselves. While Papa will not be with us physically for our engagements, weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc, he will accompany us in spirit as we celebrate together. I continue to see him every day in each of you: in Gaby’s spirit of helping others, in Juju’s love of classic cars, in Courtney’s mannerisms and sitting posture, in Sebastian’s passion for Bird Bush, in Emily’s affinity for business, and in Mila’s strong will. As for me, I think my family would agree that I get my “it’s my way or the highway” mentality straight from Papa himself. Papa, we thank you for all of these things. For all of your best qualities that you bestowed on us, the special moments spent together, and all the life lessons. Please continue to watch over us and help us to “walk good” in this life. God bless you, Papa. We love you. ANNALISA RODRIGUEZ Granddaughter Finally, a word to my cousins, the ones present and the ones yet to come: Let us carry Papa Sing with us wherever we go and in whatever we do. Let his legacy live on in each of us, especially in our work ethic and how we carry ourselves.
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