It was an unusual email that Marine Parade MP and Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin had received.

The message was sent by a resident known as Lim, who had reached out to ask about the use of certain facilities in the estate.

Lim, who is a terminal cancer patient, was making arrangements for his own funeral.

In his email, Lim also explained his condition to Tan, and said that he is stopping all treatments as he did not want his body to suffer anymore.

The disease has spread to Lim's liver and bones. He gave himself two more months to live.

"We normally receive such emails from family members but I had to read it again to realise that Mr Lim was making the preparations himself," the MP wrote.

With dignity and politeness

When Tan visited the patient at his home on Mar. 15, it was both to say hello and farewell.

Lim was unable to speak, and instead used an iPad to communicate.

Nonetheless, Tan observed that the patient remained cheerful and carried himself with "dignity and politeness". 

The MP felt that Lim was at peace and ready to go.

But before he did so, Lim wanted to make sure that all preparations were ready, so that it would not be too stressful for his wife and children.

In the meantime, Lim's wife said that they have been visiting hawker centres to try different types of food. Due to his condition, the food had to be blended and fed through a tube in Lim's belly.

According to Tan, Lim was smiling as his wife recounted their experiences.

Moved by Lim and his family, Tan sought permission to share their story.

Lim had agreed, with a bright smile and two thumbs up, so that others in similar situations may be encouraged.

"We all have to go at some point. I wonder if we all can have that same courage and dignity as Mr Lim to journey our last steps thus. I can only wish him bon voyage on his next bound," Tan reflected.

You can read his post here: