Page 67 - Cherished Memories of Yesteryears - A Collection of Grandparents' Life Experiences

My grandfather’s name is Joni
Tionanda. He was born in Bandung
in 1957. He lived with his parents,
attended school, and played with
friends. Grandpa Joni was extremely
gleeful and carefree at that time.
Ten years passed, and in the blink
of an eye, his father passed away in
1967. He felt blue and was reduced
to tears. Not long after that, his
second brother, Tjang Han Liang or
as Grandpa Joni called him, “Er Ge,”
had enough money to buy a house
and care for both Grandpa Joni and
his mother. Without hesitation, he
bought the house, brought them to his
new home, and lived together.

Grandpa Joni’s family was big,
consisting of five sisters and “Never give up even during tough times;
four brothers. They helped, worked
together, and supported each other you will eventually prevail.”
when needed. Even though they were
poor then, they still had enough food to eat at He did not have any experience in the army, but
least once or twice a day. His family’s lunch and after working at church for many years, he bought
dinner were usually just rice or bread. himself a motorcycle.

Grandpa Joni continued to go to school. He went Grandpa Joni got married in 1983. A year later,
to church and joined the Choir group. However, his he had my father and then five years later, he had
situation worsened over time because his mother my aunt. Both are already married. He has three
also passed away. He walked down the street from grandchildren: my brother, my cousin, and me.
house to house, selling ice, bread, and fish cake as He uses his motorcycle to explore everywhere but
he earned money at twelve to support his brother also travels by bus sometimes. Now, he is enjoying
and mother. He went to help his brother in the his golden age!
morning at the market to sell items to get money.
After he worked, he went to school from noon until Michelle Gabriela Tionanda
evening. Once he had enough money to live alone, Primary 6.1 (2022)
he moved to another city far from his hometown.

Cherished Memories of Yesteryears 63