He is Like a Tree
Aug-8, 2018. 503
Passing to Eternal Life 11/21/2016
The day Papa passed on Nov-21, 2016, a group of his closest friends came to visit. They arrived about an hour after Papa’s passing. I remembered we have not made any announcements. It must have been shocking to his friends on hearing the news as they walked in to the residence. The friends who came that day were Eddie and PJ, Mei San and Suo Hua, Maria Drew and Charles Chu, Edward and Shirley, Edison, and Sio Hua.
It was a very peaceful and solemn moment. A prayer was led by Auntie Maria Drew and was led to the singing of “Amazing Grace”. This was followed by Papa’s favorite song “(他要像一棵樹) He Shall Be Like a Tree“
Alone in my room that evening, the familiar tune repeatedly played in my mind. I know Papa have multiple times explained the meaning of his song. It was an inspiration from Psalm 1:3. Yet, I felt lost, and I cannot seem to remember what he was explaining about. The thought of not remembering left me guilt-ridden for many, many days that followed.
The song has always been a favorite. We sang the song at the Memorial Service and at the Long Beach Scattering of Ashes. The song, “He is Like a Tree,” easily became our family’s best loved song. Angkong’s close grandson, John John, can easily sing the song in Chinese and English. Mama sang the song, with all its glory, on her last trip to Manila on September 13, 2017.
He is Like a Tree, by Deri and Justine
By late December of 2016, I started collaborating with Deri Susino, a London-based singer, to deliver an English version of the song. We completed the English version on January 7, 2017. (Deri has since help me deliver another song “A Year Ago” for our November 21, 2017 Queen Mary, Long Beach Anniversary celebration.)
An emotion-filled instrumental piano piece was also recorded and delivered by Justine on Jan-10, 2017. Justine’s version can be calming, inspiring and reassuring . Mama really loved that song. We all loved that song.
He is Like a Tree 他要像一棵樹, by YoZi Ngoo
On July 2018, I started work with Yo Zi Ngoo, 吴优子, a professional Australian (Malaysian Chinese) singer for a female version of Papa’s song. I wanted the song to be by a female voice, lead piano and backed with string orchestra arrangement. YoZi was the perfect artist for the job. The project took 3 weeks to complete, what transpired was a meticulously crafted professional recording of (他要像一棵樹) “He Shall Be Like a Tree.” I was very happy. I had tears in my eyes. How I missed Papa and Mama, I would have played the song over and over for them to revel in.
He is Like a Tree, the Verse
Looking back, reminiscing the times Papa was writing the melody for this song, I can only imagine how and what he was thinking. He mentioned about the inspirations he have had with the verses, that led him to easily deliver the melody for the song. I regret, that I did not listen carefully. I must have just ignored his teachings. A regret I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
With my own simple understanding, what was Psalm 1:3 all about?
” 3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
He shall be… He is (Papa)
Like a Tree… the virtue a good man
Planted by the Streams of Water… Nourished by supply of water — Jesus
Yields fruits in Season… bringing abundance year round.
Its leaf does not wither… his blessings are everlasting.
Whatever he does shall prosper… All his actions are directed by the word or God, which brings prosperity throughout the days of his life.
He is Like a Tree, help me understand
Would you please help me understand Papa’s Song “He is Like a Tree”