Life As You Know It

As I look at my grandfather lying on the bed with an oxygen face mask strap to his face breathing heavily... Feeling weak, he needed assistance in breathing. Looking frail, hands swollen and with all the tubes going through his body, it is a helpless sight...

I look at his face, eyes half open, falling into sleep and then opening his eyes and then falling back into sleep... The machines around him had many numbers and lines, seem like life can be measured by numbers and charts.

Sometimes I thought how would you measure your life? By the amount of money in the bank, the number of women you have been with or the way your career has progress up the charts.

My uncle told me my grandfather used to earn lots of money as a businessman selling 2nd hand cars because it was big in the past, he was seen with many different women and drove many types of cars. He once gave me an advice on women, never be with a woman more capable than you because she will control you (He was once with a career woman I heard). Though I don't agree with that. (In fact, I like women who are taller, smarter, older, richer and more beautiful than me)

I continue to look at him, thinking... Is this how your life is going to end? So what if you were rich before... So what if many women have chased after you... So what if you were successful... Now lying in bed, money squandered, the women you have been in the past are not by your bedside, success is in the past. Children are exasperated by your behaviour because they think you are acting and creating trouble to get money for your mistress.

Sometimes my grandfather reminds me of my Dad, will it be the same ending? Lying in bed... Children and wife disappointed... I look at my Dad... I think of myself... Life as you know it could be the same......