The Figure of Father in Sarwendah's Eyes, a Kind-Hearted Person Who Always Asks What His Grandchildren Want to Eat

Kapanlagi.com - A poignant atmosphere enveloped the Grand Heaven funeral home in Pluit, North Jakarta, where the body of Sarwendah's father, Hendrik Lo, was laid to rest. The numerous relatives and friends who came to pay their respects are a testament to how much the deceased was loved by many.

For Sarwendah, seeing the many people mourning her father's passing is a comfort in itself. It emphasizes that her father was a good and sociable person during his lifetime. She feels happy that her father's good image will always be remembered.

"What makes me happy is that everyone who knew Dad knows he was a really good person, very friendly. I’m glad that my Dad was loved by so many people," said Sarwendah at the Grand Heaven funeral home, North Jakarta, Saturday (19/7/2025).

Not only was he good to his friends, but the deceased was also an extraordinary grandfather to Sarwendah's children. He had a beloved nickname "Yeye" from his grandchildren. Sarwendah recalls how her father always showed his affection in simple yet meaningful ways.

"Yeye is the one who often calls them, asking, 'What do my grandchildren want to eat today?'" she said.

1. A Blow for the Children of Sarwendah

© KapanLagi.com/Fikri Alfi Rosyadi

The loss of Yeye is a heavy blow for his children, especially because they were very close to their grandfather. Sarwendah said her children cried a lot when they saw their grandfather's body. Nevertheless, she tries to explain things to them.

"They cried because Yeye was the one who often called them. So the children cried hard, but they are starting to understand that Yeye is now in heaven with God," she explained.

For Sarwendah personally, her father was the main pillar of support in her life. She describes the deceased as a father who always supported whatever his child did and always gave the best. According to her, her father was the perfect role model of a family head.

"Yeye as a father is a very supportive father, loves his children, always strives to give the best for his children," she said.

The departure of her father leaves a tangible void in Sarwendah's daily life. She will miss the daily phone calls from her father. Those little attentions have now become the most precious memories and the most missed.

"Of course, I'm sad. There’s no one calling me every day, no one looking for me every day, no one asking me what I want to eat," she revealed.

2. Prepare the Cremation Process

Sarwendah is now preparing for the next process, which is cremation and scattering the ashes. According to the wishes of her late mother, her father's ashes will later be united in a columbarium. She explained that her mother once expressed a desire to always be together, even though death separates them.

"The ashes are ready to be scattered. At that time, Grandma had requested to celebrate her birthday on a boat, so during the cremation, we want to do something similar for Grandpa," she said.

The family has prepared a special place for both of her parents so they can be "together" forever. Sarwendah mentioned that they have purchased a spot in the columbarium that can accommodate the ashes of both parents. This is her way of fulfilling their last wishes.

"We have bought a double space because Grandma requested to be next to Grandpa," she concluded.

(kpl/far/jje)