I have always been piqued by Dr Lee Wei Ling's columns in The Sunday Times.

I find it hard to reconcile the "softness" she articulates in her columns with the "stiff" persona I see in rare glimpses of her. Through her, I was able to see the other face of our late Mr Lee Kuan Yew - not as a politician, but as a father and a devoted husband.

When the late Mr Lee said, "you either marry the woman you love or you love the woman you marry and I was lucky to be able to do both", I was overwhelmed.

Never had I seen such devotion from a man who rarely displayed personal sentiments. The video showing him bending over the coffin to give his farewell kiss to Mrs Lee was from a grieving husband, oblivious of the anxious-looking SOs who struggled not to hold Mr Lee, knowing that the slightest body contact then, would shatter the deep intimacy Mr Lee had for his wife.

Singaporeans felt the loss with Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing. The long hours they queued in the torrential rain and merciless heat to pay their last respects was indeed the only way to appease their self-reproach. Ironically, only upon death do people see, feel and understand the true contributions made.

Dr Lee was blessed to be able to spend her life in close proximity with Mr Lee. She grew up under his care, and cared for him when he needed it most. Her dedication and sacrifice over the last few years for her Papa would have made her Mama proud. I hope Dr Lee takes good care of herself as she knows very well that's what all parents want of their child.