Obituary: A Farewell to My Childhood

In Loving Memory of Gabriella Yeung’s Childhood 

July 1st, 2007- May 30th, 2025 

We gather here today, not to mourn, but to honor the ending of a chapter. My childhood, aged 17, passed quietly on May 30th, 2025, at the threshold of graduation, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Born in the summer of 2007, I lived a full life characterized by late-night talks with my sister, scraped knees from falling off my penny board, and daydreams of who I might become. It was the beloved companion of my stuffed animals, sketches on the corners of my notebooks, and sleepovers. It was known for its spontaneous biking adventures to East Coast Park at 1 A.M., after school study sessions at Starbucks, and impromptu trips to the 7-Eleven for instant ramen. 

My childhood is survived by memories of school; the lunch table where I’d relentlessly beg my friends to go to the booster with me for snacks we didn’t really need. The echoes of laughter as we crowded in the cafeteria during free block, swearing we’d study but always sidetracked by inside jokes and Grab orders. The teachers that unknowingly ignited my drive to succeed, not only academically, but also in becoming someone I could be proud of. 

My childhood was shaped by the people who stood beside me during every awkward phase and quiet heartbreak. From the friends who laughed with me until 3 A.M. on FaceTime calls, staying on the line even when we had nothing left to say. By the family that supported my ventures, from starting my own dog clothing line to making my own YouTube channel, who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. By my parents, who witnessed my misery when moving to Singapore and through my heartbreaks, yet never gave up on me, no matter how challenging I made things. By my sister, who, despite living 9,855.3 miles away, still manages to send me a message at the right moment, listening patiently as I complain about my life, and reminding me that distance doesn’t change a thing about our relationship. Even the people who I drifted from left behind lessons for my childhood— about forgiveness, and about how even though love can shift, it still leaves something meaningful behind. 

I have a family lineage of dementia. I don’t have the privilege of carrying my childhood memories to the grave with me. So, before I graduate, I want to preserve them now, while everything still feels so real and alive. And while this day is supposed to be about new beginnings, I still hold on to the past, because I know these memories aren’t guaranteed for me. 

I turn 18 soon. It’s scary to move on from the past 17 years because it’s all I’ve ever known. As much as I don’t want to, I wave goodbye. Rest softly, my childhood. You were my joy, my anchor, and I hope to carry the lessons you taught with me as I step into my future.