Joseph Tulus Swandjaja
That’s my beloved grandfather’s name. He passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday the 11th at 11:50 p.m. Indonesian time so that’s about 11:50 a.m. Saturday my time. He was a wonderful grandfather to me, a brilliant entrepreneur and author.
He’s one of my most favorite man in the world. He was the best person to talk to and spend time with. Since I was a little girl he would take me all over the place and every summer vacation I would spend a few weeks to a month with him. He might not be everybody’s favorite person because of his characteristic but he was always special to me and I love him in every way.
My grandfather was a hard working man. He went from nothing to something a few times in his life. From selling a couple of products at the bus stop he became well to do — least in Indonesia. But even so, you would never know from looking at him and he always told us that we’re just like anybody else and we always have to work hard. Even if we do become successful, never show it off monetarily or physically. Always live a simple life he’d say and never anything you can’t have. It’s so funny, he always had the same outfit on. They’re all well made by a very good tailor but they all look the same. He always thought he looked good though and that was all that mattered.
My grandfather was a great storyteller. He even had three books published in Indonesia. Even though his books didn’t quite hit the right notes with his children (he didn’t have a good relationship and in a way it was like a Dynasty TV show even though he did work a few things out at the end… unfortunately not all) but to me it was an honest story. He was very much misunderstood and not often listened to.
It was nice that I go to talk to him Friday. Maybe not him personally but his spirit. I got to tell him that it’s ok. I would have loved to see him in the next few weeks but if you really need to, I told him that I understood. I showed him my family and I think he was really proud of me. That night I also had a dream. I was trying really hard to go home on my own. But of course it never happened. I told my dream to Drew and he said that maybe I won’t see him again. Sure enough, Drew got a call from my sister Saturday afternoon and he was gone. It was sad but I think our talk made me stronger and I was ok with it.
I hope he can rest in peace now despite the issues that he might have felt he had with his family. At the end, only those who truly care really matter — the rest, they can just shut the !@#$# up.
It was upsetting how he passed away though. He came to the hospital quite healthy. He had a little tumor that he decided needed to come out but ever since the operation everything went south. Even he wasn’t happy each time he was conscious. That lasted for about three weeks. It was actually soon after Kato passed away.
This year, 2007, is not my favorite year. Between Kato and my grandfather life has gotten a bit sadder but despite the two events, I’m still happy with what I have and I know that he’s happier now — no more worries. If anything, I feel like he’s closer because he’ll always be around me. As odd as it may sound, I really feel like he’s near me.