I wonder if any of us will have the privilege and honour of having these same words spoken of us, where we are praised for our role as a mother and wife. I speak of Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuen Yew’s eulogy at his wife’s wake last week. Although some may see his speech and words as a political move, I’d rather think differently and choose instead to look at a man who had just lost his life partner of 63 years, who has been through thick and thin with her and well, someone whose love has gone on.

…

Her mind remained clear but her voice became weaker. When I kissed her on her cheek, she told me not to come too close to her in case I caught her pneumonia.

I assured her that the doctors did not think that was likely because I was active. When given some peaches in hospital, she asked the maid to take one home for my lunch. I was at the centre of her life.

…

Her last wish she shared with me was to enjoin our children to have our ashes placed together, as we were in life.

…

Every night she would wait for me to sit by her to tell her of my day’s activities and to read her favourite poems.

Then she would sleep.

I have precious memories of our 63 years together. Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life. She devoted herself to me and our children. She was always there when I needed her. She has lived a life full of warmth and meaning.

…

In this day and age of microchips, rackmounts and other facets of technology, in the wake of increasing divorce rates, a love that can span over six decades and one that stays true to the words “till death do us part”, this surely is something worth ruminating over.