Wu Yixuan, 13

School: Nanyang Girls' High School

Topic: An email to encourage a student from your school

Award: Junior Category, 2025

Dear Reina, 

I will not begin this email by asking how you are because I know you cannot be too well. However, I hope my email provides you with care and support during this difficult period of time. When I heard of your father’s unfortunate passing, I was deeply saddened by the news. I cannot imagine how hard it is for your family to lose a loved one, and I just wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. 

Upon hearing the news that your father’s selfless decision of donating his organs had benefitted 6 patients, I was moved beyond words. Although the pain of losing him is immense, I hope you would find some comfort knowing that your father’s generosity has given new hope and renewed lives to 6 patients. He is truly a hero, for it takes an extraordinary heart to think of others even in the last moments of his life. I truly admire and respect his choice – his courage and selflessness are something we should emulate. 

Please know that you are not alone during this time. Whenever you feel down or overwhelmed or just need a listening ear, feel free to contact me or just anyone you trust in the school community. Grief can be so hard to carry, shattering everything around you, erasing anything that is meaningful, strangling you into breathlessness. There will be moments when you juxtapose between pain and anger, sadness and bitterness, consumed by the feeling of how unfair life is. Take heart in knowing that you’re not alone here. I am only a stone’s throw away and would love to share your pain to help you ease the burden. During this period, should you find it hard to focus on class or struggle in any subject, come to me., I would be happy to help you in any way possible – whether it's explaining concepts, reviewing materials, or just providing you with a quiet place to focus. 

An adage of Dr Seuss goes, “To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world”. Your father is now the world to those he has saved. He brought them hope in his passing, which is a profound legacy that lives forever in our hearts. I am sure he wants you to be proud of him as he will be proud of you moving forward with courage despite your grief. 

Take all the time you need to heal and cry if you must. Tears can wash away the bitterness of grief and then what remains in you, are your sweet memories of your father. Remember, it is okay to rely on others, like your friends or me, for support because we care for you.

With deepest sympathy and care,

Ms Wu

Teacher of class 104

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2025 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health).

To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg