While most people close to Andrew calls him Drew, but for my sister - Michelle and I, we have our own special way of calling him. To us he is the beloved, one and only - 肥哥哥 (i.e. chubby older brother). As our Dads are brothers, we carry a special kind of bond and cousin connection, one that is different from friendship, yet unique in its own way.
From my earliest childhood memories, I have always adore (and still do) both of my 堂哥s (i.e. first cousins). I remember as a little girl, playing toys and games with them at our respective homes, or our Grandparents’ home. They also helped me with homework, so we could finish quickly and dive into our games. 肥哥哥, the fun-loving one, was my perfect accomplice. Together we shared endless fun antics and playful mischief.
After he moved to Australia, in the early internet days when he was in uni, we stayed connected through emails filled with random trivials. Later, when he returned to Hong Kong, I had gone to study in the UK. I fondly remembers he visited the UK, where we had a weekend trip in London. Me being my usual boring self, was only able to think of the most touristy things to do (e.g. Museums, Hyde Park etc.), he never once complained and simply enjoyed every moment. One memory from that weekend stands out vividly: an Autumn Sunday evening where we sat near the Queen Victoria Memorial, gazing at the illuminated night view of Buckingham Palace.
Music was always one of 肥哥哥’s great passions. He often invited me to watch his FnD group performances, and it was through those which I came across Chilli. Seeing him find such genuine happiness in marrying the love of his life, and welcoming Chilli into our Lai family, filled me with real joy. They were the perfect complement to each other: both warm, relaxed, down-to-earth, good-natured, and deeply kind-hearted.
Then came their own loving family, with the arrival of Joses and Jasper. I was able to spend much time playing with Joses when he was young, and in many ways it felt like an extension of the carefree fun I once shared with his Dad. Some of our most memorable outings included family trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with 四叔 & 四嬸 (i.e. his parents), and enjoying buffet together with my own parents - his 三伯 & 三娘 at Disney’s Explorers Lodge.
It is a pity that post-COVID pandemic our respective lives shifted towards different directions; he embarked on a courageous health battle, and me focusing on my Dad’s wellbeing. Yet, we did exchange messages in the midst of all these - small notes that, in my hopeful heart, wished might lift his spirits a little. Over time, our conversations deepened, turning to more serious and meaningful topics, such as our shared Christian faith.
2025 marked an undeniable turning point for us. Still, I will always treasure the occasion when our extended Lai family gathered for my Dad’s birthday celebration. I am so glad we had that moment together, yet it saddens me when I realise it was the final gathering of the Lai clan with 肥哥哥 present.
I still find it somewhat hard to process that 肥哥哥 is no longer with us — taken far too young, far too soon. However, in the hope we have through Christ, I know he is now safe in His presence, free from all pain. I also find quiet comfort in knowing God is carrying 四叔、四嬸, Chilli, Joses, Jasper and us all gently through this grief.
I shall hold my happy memories and the unique bond with 肥哥哥 close to my heart forever. I will always remember him as kind, lighthearted and beautifully simple in the best possible way. His smile, his playful spirit, and the warmth he brought to every room will stay with me always.