It may not be appropriate to speak of the very 1st time I actually experienced a creamation. But it being the 1st, I guess I should have the opportunity of sharing a similar experience we'll all have to go throuhg at least once in our lives.

The wake was held at Bedok. honestly speaking, I wasnt mentally prepared for the amount of noise, drum-beating and clanging that greeted us, followed by a precession of people ( whom I later realised were my relatives ) clad in a brown felt sack and a white cloth which was draped in a sleepy fashion around their heads. I actually took a look at my grandaunt as she made her final journey towards the creamtorium. The make up artist who did her up did a REALLY bad job. I mean, who applies so much powder that the face turns the colour of paper???
Ps. Answer to shermaine's qns about whether we can still feel when we are dead : I dont think so cos the blood is drained from us.

From the wake, we followed the herse which was a pretty long time considering that fact that the herse was driving really SLOWLY and we were walking along a main road, thus causing a massive traffic jam. I was patient, but how about the others in their cars which were rushing off the various destinations?

We chartered an SBS bus so that was our main mode of transport to Mandai creamatorium. the journey there was 30 mins. While everyone in the bus was asleep, (*typical) I jacked up phone which had restarted =.=" and plugged in the earplugs. I dont know if that was inappropriate considering the circumstances. But its done anyway.

Arrival, we proceded to the main hall where blessings for the departed were made, 1st by the immediate family members, then by the more distant relatives. Then were were shown into the viewing hall for the cremation.

The hall was cold, really cold, and this added to the already tense atmosphere where the air smelt of fire and ash and the suffocating smell of jasmine flowers gave my a headache. Then one of my relatives started crying. OMG. That really set everyone off. I was really, REALLY hoping that wouldnt happen because above everything, I really detest hearing people cry, more so if they are adults. I guess the guy who was helping us was prepared for he brought in a entire box of Kleenex. Then while the the conveyor belt brought my Grandaunt into the furnace, the crying levels increased and my aunt started sobbing their heart out and wailing ' mother ah!!! ' at the same time. All this while, I was stoning and gripping the brown wooden pole in front of me cos I was trying to comprehend the entire situation.
Then, as if to ease the tension, someone's handphone rang and it kinda eased the tension for a split second. " Hey baby!!! You've got a message from your dear! Read it please! Muacks! " Its quite inappropriate I know. Sigh. I was glad my phone was on silent mode- and I made my mum do the same.

Once it was over, we were shown out of the viewing hall and just as suddenly as the crying started,it stopped. Like in mid-sob. we were served refreshments, (mineral water) and then proceeded to board the bus back to the wake, where lunch was waiting.
Here's a fact I learnt : YOU CANNOT SAY " BYE! IAM LEAVING NOW " AT A FUNERAL FOR THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY RUDE. " I have no idea. Fine. Dont say bye, say hi.

Sigh. The last of my 'grand- smth' s have gone to heaven. Its always nice to think that when someone dies, he/ she goes to heaven. Its the only comfort, so that one day, when we walk in the shadow of death, we need not be afraid, for Jesus is there with us always.