It was in March 2010 when my sister in law, Anne first introduced herbalife breakfast to hubby and family. We tried our 1st herbalife breakfast at the Good Health Nutrition Centre at Jalan Ipoh that is managed by 4 lady partners. TH and I went there for breakfast almost every morning after our morning walk at FRIM. We used to meet up with the rest of the family there. Father in law used to drop mother in law there after their morning exercise and we will send her home after breakfast. 1 set of herbalife breakfast comprises of 1 glass of tea followed by 1 glass of shake (blend Formula 1 powder with cooked grains, vegetables or fruits). They have different recipe each day, therefore the taste of the shake is different depending on the ingredients. Initially, I was not used to vanila flavour and opt for chocolate flavour all the time until a month later, I was urged by others to try the vanila as chocolate is too heaty for the body. True enough, I was able to accept the vanila flavour after a while.
In April 2010, I got to join the herbalife training in Genting Highlands with the consent of my hubby. I went with Anne on the pretext of accompanying her but in actual fact, I was so bored at home during that time. I needed a break. Four of us took a cab and off we went for the training. I befriended Shirley and Lee Bing. It was an eye opener for me to attend this type of training. There were almost thousands participants from Singapore, China, Taiwan, HK etc. There were continuous applauses, loud techno music, cheering and dancing all throughout the training. I salute the organiser for making the training one of its kind. You just wont afford to doze off in that atmosphere. Towards the evening, there was a party entitled 'Aloha Hawaii' where we have to dress up. There and then, Lee Bing, Annie, myself and few others bought our hawaiian dress from one of the shops in Genting for RM28 each. We had fun at the party with few others in the group, I remember Samantha, she's a small size petite lady who is a senior in herbalife business. She's a very experienced and knowledgeable lady who trains the rest. I shared room with Anne and it was fine.
After the training, Anne, Christy, Shirley and myself got together and decided to set up a similar business in either Selayang or Desa Park City. But things just didnt work out for me as I was too worried that I wont be able to cook well and was slow in digesting the whole business concept. Finally, three of them moved forward and set up 'Manna Nutrition Centre' in Selayang on 28 May 2010, Wesak Day. I was excited for them and surprisingly, without the pressure of being a partner, I was able to speak well and able to overcome the fear of approaching people to sell. Susan, Elsie and myself helped them out by distributing flyers to those who walk past the shop and talking to them and leading them into the shop. It was fun and satisfying especially when the people 'buy' us. They walked in, got their free body analysis and had their free tea.
I wish them great success!
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Year GOD called for Dad - 2009
It was sometime school holiday in May 2008 when I was away in Bangkok with my family, my dad life took a drastic change. Out of the blue, he had severe stomach pain and started to produce blood stained stool. Jong Luen was the only one around with him at that time. Chen Chyuan was away overseas on a job assignment while I was in Bangkok. Only when I returned, Jong Luen related the whole ordeal, how frightening it was for her to handle it all alone, not knowing what to do. Dad underwent test after test ie blood test, ultrasound, x-ray, scoop, etc. At that time, dad was still trying hard to convince himself and all of us that it was just a swelling lump in the body until surgeon Dr. Nandy smashed his hope.
Dad was diagnosed carcinosarcoma (two types of agressive cancer) in the duodenum. The cancerous growth was so huge that it had blocked the passage in the duodenum and caused the affected area to bleed. There was no option at all, immediate operation had to be done right away to SAVE him. Without indept understanding of the operation, dad went under the knife for almost 8 hours. Then gradually we learnt more about the Whipple Surgery that was done on dad. It is a major operation where parts of the body has to be removed ie stomach, pancreas, duodenum, liver, bile, etc. Though the cancerous growth has been removed, further tests confirmed that the cancer was very aggresive and dad was at the final stage. To add salt to injuries, the operated areas from the surgery just didnt join and there were leakages everywhere and the body system went haywire. Dad had to go under the knife again and again until his 4th operation. The leakage at the joints were finally sealed up but then, it was just too late. Cancer had made its way to the liver and lung. Dad was a tough strong man. He fought the battle with extreme courage and persistence. He believed in hope, he didnt give up the fight. He obediently underwent all his chemo sessions with Dr. Low though his body deteriorated in a shocking pace. He lost the battle. Water filled up his lung and needed to be drained out yet by another operation which is his last operation.
It was early morning on 29 April 2009, we received a call from ICU department, asking us to go over and it was the last of him. Dad was already struggling by then, vigorously shook his head, reluctant to give up the battle. Few days ago, dad told us that he dreamt that he was in a place that looks like a palace (or like Ah Pong's house!!) with gold colors and he was forced to sign a book by the guards there and he just didnt want to sign. It was so painful to witness his death in such a way. We took him home in hope that his spirit will rest in peace at home. My sister, kakak and I were with him in the ambulance. At precisely 12 noon, while my sister was playing his favourite song 'Memory' on the piano, he held his last breath and liquid started to pour out from his mouth. Dad left! He left with a good fight.
I can still recall the day before he left, the final moments with him in the ICU room when I hurriedly left for a wedding dinner with Thiam Hin and the kids in Sekinchan. He was on his bed with tubes all over. While I was at the door, bidding farewell, he looked at me straight into my eyes and gave me a warm smile, signalling that I should go ahead and leave for the dinner. That was his last smile. Till death I shall treasure my dad's last smile at me. I miss him dearly. I am now shedding tears recalling that moment and my intuition tells me that he is feeling for me too right now. It's raining! It's 1:38am on Christmas Eve, 24.12.2009
Dad was diagnosed carcinosarcoma (two types of agressive cancer) in the duodenum. The cancerous growth was so huge that it had blocked the passage in the duodenum and caused the affected area to bleed. There was no option at all, immediate operation had to be done right away to SAVE him. Without indept understanding of the operation, dad went under the knife for almost 8 hours. Then gradually we learnt more about the Whipple Surgery that was done on dad. It is a major operation where parts of the body has to be removed ie stomach, pancreas, duodenum, liver, bile, etc. Though the cancerous growth has been removed, further tests confirmed that the cancer was very aggresive and dad was at the final stage. To add salt to injuries, the operated areas from the surgery just didnt join and there were leakages everywhere and the body system went haywire. Dad had to go under the knife again and again until his 4th operation. The leakage at the joints were finally sealed up but then, it was just too late. Cancer had made its way to the liver and lung. Dad was a tough strong man. He fought the battle with extreme courage and persistence. He believed in hope, he didnt give up the fight. He obediently underwent all his chemo sessions with Dr. Low though his body deteriorated in a shocking pace. He lost the battle. Water filled up his lung and needed to be drained out yet by another operation which is his last operation.
It was early morning on 29 April 2009, we received a call from ICU department, asking us to go over and it was the last of him. Dad was already struggling by then, vigorously shook his head, reluctant to give up the battle. Few days ago, dad told us that he dreamt that he was in a place that looks like a palace (or like Ah Pong's house!!) with gold colors and he was forced to sign a book by the guards there and he just didnt want to sign. It was so painful to witness his death in such a way. We took him home in hope that his spirit will rest in peace at home. My sister, kakak and I were with him in the ambulance. At precisely 12 noon, while my sister was playing his favourite song 'Memory' on the piano, he held his last breath and liquid started to pour out from his mouth. Dad left! He left with a good fight.
I can still recall the day before he left, the final moments with him in the ICU room when I hurriedly left for a wedding dinner with Thiam Hin and the kids in Sekinchan. He was on his bed with tubes all over. While I was at the door, bidding farewell, he looked at me straight into my eyes and gave me a warm smile, signalling that I should go ahead and leave for the dinner. That was his last smile. Till death I shall treasure my dad's last smile at me. I miss him dearly. I am now shedding tears recalling that moment and my intuition tells me that he is feeling for me too right now. It's raining! It's 1:38am on Christmas Eve, 24.12.2009
Holiday to Guilin 2009 (by JW)
This is the first time my family and I took Air Asia flight AK102 to Guilin. Today is 13 Dec 2009. My flight departed at 6:45am and arrived at 10:30am. I am very happy and excited. We went to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat by cab. Wow! it was a beautiful small hotel with so many tall mountains around me and a nice river just in front of the hotel.
When we arrived, we had hot tea and some delicious cookies. Then we had bamboo rafting on the river and it was so fun. I like it very much. When we came back to the hotel, my brother and I were so tired and slept like a dead cow..... zzzzz. When I woke up, my mom said that she and father went to town without me. It was midnight, I continued to sleep.
The next day, it was another happy day. We hired a local lady to take us on a bicycle tour to Moon Hill, Banyan Tree and Water Cave. I could not ride a mountain bike. So that lady took me in a tandem bike. My brother had an accident. He rode too fast and fell off his bike. He injured his hand and leg but he was fine. Lucky boy! In the evening we went to see the Liu San Jie show. It was a big show on a river. I did not like it. Boring! I only wanted to rushed back to hotel and play computer games at the lobby with my brother. Tomorrow, I will leave this hotel, so sad:(
Today, when I woke up, I quickly went to lobby and continue to play computer games before we left the hotel. We went to Guiling by cab. When we reached, my brother and I went to the club lounge and continue to play computer games. Then I had lunch and took shower. At night we went for a river cruise. It was soooooo cold. ThenI returned to hotel and watched an interesting movie 'Doomsday' on HBO before sleep.
Today, when I woke up, I played computer games for a while. Then I go to the Reed Flute Cake. I meant cave, hahahah! We saw colorful lights in the cave. Then I went for a day cruise again, boring. Then I went back to hotel and played computer games again until midnight.
Today, when I woke up, I played computer games until we left for shopping. It was so freezing cold and boring too. My dad and mom always buy and buy things. We went to a shopping mall called Niko Niko Abunenek before returned to hotel and play computer games.
Today, we wished goodbye to Sheraton and left for Li An Lodge in Long Sheng. We went there by van. When we reached the parking area, we had to hike for 20mins before we reached Li An Lodge. But I didnt hike, I sat on a chair carried by two strong men. My dad paid them. I was so scared that the chair will fall and me too. When we reached, my brother and I again play computer games, hahaha. Then we went to our room. It is called Four Season and is the biggest room there. All the rooms are special and the hotel has no other guests except us. I like Four Season the most. We explored that place and we are so high up in the mountain. I was so scared to look down. Anyway, the whole Li An Lodge belongs to us because there was nobody else staying there at that time. Bill took care of us. He is a staff there. He is a nice and kind Chinese man. At night, we watched a HK movie together before sleep.
Today, when we woke up, Bill took us to see all the rooms in that hotel. All of them are very nice. About 12:00noon, we checked out and wished Bill goodbye. We checked in to another small hotel in Guilin called Eva Inn. We took a bath and at night, we went out to have a short walk around Guilin and had steamboat dinner at the 7th floor of Eva Inn.
Today, we checked out at 8:00am and wished goodbye to Guilin. Then we went to airport and took the plane and flew back to Malaysia. Home Sweet Home! The END
When we arrived, we had hot tea and some delicious cookies. Then we had bamboo rafting on the river and it was so fun. I like it very much. When we came back to the hotel, my brother and I were so tired and slept like a dead cow..... zzzzz. When I woke up, my mom said that she and father went to town without me. It was midnight, I continued to sleep.
The next day, it was another happy day. We hired a local lady to take us on a bicycle tour to Moon Hill, Banyan Tree and Water Cave. I could not ride a mountain bike. So that lady took me in a tandem bike. My brother had an accident. He rode too fast and fell off his bike. He injured his hand and leg but he was fine. Lucky boy! In the evening we went to see the Liu San Jie show. It was a big show on a river. I did not like it. Boring! I only wanted to rushed back to hotel and play computer games at the lobby with my brother. Tomorrow, I will leave this hotel, so sad:(
Today, when I woke up, I quickly went to lobby and continue to play computer games before we left the hotel. We went to Guiling by cab. When we reached, my brother and I went to the club lounge and continue to play computer games. Then I had lunch and took shower. At night we went for a river cruise. It was soooooo cold. ThenI returned to hotel and watched an interesting movie 'Doomsday' on HBO before sleep.
Today, when I woke up, I played computer games for a while. Then I go to the Reed Flute Cake. I meant cave, hahahah! We saw colorful lights in the cave. Then I went for a day cruise again, boring. Then I went back to hotel and played computer games again until midnight.
Today, when I woke up, I played computer games until we left for shopping. It was so freezing cold and boring too. My dad and mom always buy and buy things. We went to a shopping mall called Niko Niko Abunenek before returned to hotel and play computer games.
Today, we wished goodbye to Sheraton and left for Li An Lodge in Long Sheng. We went there by van. When we reached the parking area, we had to hike for 20mins before we reached Li An Lodge. But I didnt hike, I sat on a chair carried by two strong men. My dad paid them. I was so scared that the chair will fall and me too. When we reached, my brother and I again play computer games, hahaha. Then we went to our room. It is called Four Season and is the biggest room there. All the rooms are special and the hotel has no other guests except us. I like Four Season the most. We explored that place and we are so high up in the mountain. I was so scared to look down. Anyway, the whole Li An Lodge belongs to us because there was nobody else staying there at that time. Bill took care of us. He is a staff there. He is a nice and kind Chinese man. At night, we watched a HK movie together before sleep.
Today, when we woke up, Bill took us to see all the rooms in that hotel. All of them are very nice. About 12:00noon, we checked out and wished Bill goodbye. We checked in to another small hotel in Guilin called Eva Inn. We took a bath and at night, we went out to have a short walk around Guilin and had steamboat dinner at the 7th floor of Eva Inn.
Today, we checked out at 8:00am and wished goodbye to Guilin. Then we went to airport and took the plane and flew back to Malaysia. Home Sweet Home! The END
Thursday, June 3, 2010
DEC 2009
At this time of writing @ precisely 1:40pm on 10.12.09, I am at the library in Selayang with my daughter and my son is away on his very 1st school trip to Penang, Langkawi and Cameron. He will be back tomorrow on 11.12.09 (my hubby, Yap Thiam Hin's birthday). What inspires me to write this is my sister's scrap book containing memories of dad's passing.
Yes, I need to start writing because these days, my black box is deteriorating and I suddenly feel that time is not slowing down and it's like with a split second, my mother left me and next my dad was also taken away. I just needed to write in hope that by the time I reach my golden year, the valuable moments in life will not fade away. It will be so sad not able to recall the fond memories then. With this, I hope I can complete my life with no regrets but pride.
I came into this world on 12.4.60 at 7pm at the Chinese Maternity Hospital in Kuala Lumpur. I am the 1st child in the family and I am the jewel at home where mom and dad adore me and shower me with love all the time. Then, came my sister and brother into the family in 1972 and 1978. My grandmother, Yong Kwai Fong was with us until her old age.
During school days, I recall mom used to wake up extra early just to prepare my breakfast and even prepare my lunch box. She will then walk me out to the main road and wait with me in the dark for my school bus, I was just too precious to her. I also recall memories when mom used to spend time with me in the bed, giving me aeroplane rides with her leg. I also used to share with her excitedly whenever she used to take out her favourite drawer to check out her precious items. Let's see, she has nice pendants, pouch, wallets, old photos, watches, souvenirs from oversea trips, etc. Then, she would tell me the details of each and every item over and over again and that she will give those few items to me when I get older. I was so attached to mom then that at one point, I told myself I just cannot live with mom in this world.
As for dad, he was not as lucky as me. I remember that he was from a poor upbringing where he used to stay with his aunt and eventually with mom's family who took pity of him back then. Didnt really know why his parents were not with him then. He struggled to make a living when he reached adulthood. He was a school teacher before he worked as a clerk in Tai Nam Tin Factory. He normally stay behind after work and was the last to leave the office. He always take initiative to make sure that all lights and fans are properly turn down. Soon, his boss noticed him and decided to give him opportunities. He then had the chance to climb the corporate ladder. He eventually set up his business jointly with public listed company, Yee Lee and was the Director in Can Pac Sdn Bhd. He worked hard and he succeeded in his career. However, he somehow lost his life to his success. When he was on duty, he had to entertain clients so much so that he was addicted to alcohol. Those years when his career went uphill, he ended up drunk on most nights. Until when he was getting old, at about 60's he decided to call it a quit and turn away from alcohol for good. By then, it was just too late, he died of carcinosarcoma (two types of aggresive cancer) at the duedonum. He left me on 20 April 2009.
I was not as close to him as to mom but I know he loves me dearly. He invested his savings in organ and piano lessons for me and my sister for almost ten years, drove us to Yamaha Music School in Jalan Campbell and patiently waited there for us. Mom told us it was dad's career insurance for us, in case we cannot find a good job in future, we can still make a living from teaching music. It was so thoughtful of him.
In nature, I was a naive and reserve girl. I was always protected and loved so much so that I just need not make any attempt to learn to be independent. It was just too comfortable and good. I was also blessed with mom's big family @ Chow's family where I have many cousins to keep me company during childhood. My best cousin sister, Helen Wong Siow Kwan used to share my bed and we had great time pillow talking on most weekends and also when mom followed dad on business trip overseas. I was not left alone. Helen was the one who secretly enlightened me about sex. She was my childhood buddy. We went for organ lessons together with my sister on every Sunday at Yamaha.
Need to pen off now, Jo Wen is late for her tuition at 3:30pm.
Life is so unpredictable. Just last Friday, my friend, Choy Wan met a freak accident. She was pounched by her neighbour's rotweler while she was doing gardening in front of her house with her maid. Though the dog didnt bite her but the impact of her fall had her landed in ICU at UMH. Surgeon had to operate on her head twice and at this point, she has yet to gain consciousness. It was a blow to the family. Life will be tough for Kok Cheong and the 3 kids at home. I hope GOD will take mercy and grant her a speedy recovery.
I can still remember well a day before mom left. It was 28.3.2007, a Sunday. We had our favourite porridge in Kajang together ie mom, dad, Kakak Endang, my family and brother's family . Jong Luen couldnt join us that day. After lunch, I remembered when we headed to the car, I looked behind and saw mom walked last, she was slow and looked haggard. I went back few steps and took her by her hand to the car. We went to a nursery next, to buy potted plants for their new house in Sungai Long. Mom waited in the car for almost an hour. She took few packets of peanut from her bag and offered to Thiam Hin while waiting. She also took mopiko from her bag for Jin Shen who had mosquito bite then. Later, we stopped over at Old Town in Sungai Long for coffee. Mom had her last favourite curry mee there. We talked about arranging steamboat for dad's birthday next Saturday. Thinking back, little do I know that that was the last of mom when she saw me at the door, bidding farewell. She asked me to take some oranges home but I politely declined then. That very morning, when I handed over two sets of bed sheet which she asked me to buy for her, she paid me two pieces of RM50 note (which I will treasure and keep forever in memory of her). I thanks GOD for every remembrance her.
Past midnight that day, at wee hours about 4am the next day, on 29.3.2007, I remember that I had goosebump in the middle of my sleep and I was feeling weird. Within the next hour, my brother called and he was crying terribly on the phone. Mom left! I was stunned and emotionless, somehow my subconcious anticipated it. Mom had complicated health problem and was seeing doctors at UKMH regularly. I used to drive her for her appointments. I knew she was weak with high blood pressure and high blood sugar. I used to scold her for not able to help herself and control her diet. She always says, as long as she can eat she eats and it eating cause her death, she doesnt mind. I kept giving her pressure and frightened her by telling her the consequences of ending up in hospital for the rest of her life. I still do not know whether I did her a favour or I just cause unnecessary upset to her.
I didnt understand her then. I always blame her for not interested or keen at most things like passing most tasks to kakak and couldnt bother to know where things are kept at home. It was only during her funeral did I realized that I was so wrong. It was not that she didnt care. She was too weak, no matter how much she wanted to be involved, she just didnt have the energy.
My bond with mom is so strong and special that I really believe she left behind a song for me in memory of her. I got her message; that song gave me peace and comfort throughout the entire ordeal. That song titled 'YOU LOVE ME' by Wu Bai. Thiam Hin played this song for the first time in his car and because it was a new song and he likes it, he played it repeatedly at that time when we made our journey to and fro Sungai Long for funeral services. It is amazing that somehow, unconciously not only me but my whole family were conditioned in a way that when we hear that song, we remember Mom. It was only a month later did I realize that special song from mom when my 7 year old daughter one day told me that she was scared when we heard that song again. At that moment, all of us in the family know why she was scared. She remembered Mom! Then only I knew Mom left me a gift.
I learnt many valuable lessons throughout my life and I am still learning. It aint easy especially when dealing with 'change' but I have to stay positive in order to see me through life. I am a lucky soul. Most people I come across in life are my 'kwai yan'. Even my adversaries will eventually become my friends most of the time. I have a balance character. I live a simple life.
At this point of writing, I am at the club lounge of Sheraton Guilin at 4:40pm. My hubby, son and daughter are busy at the computers.
We were at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat for 2 days before arriving here in Guilin. Yangshuo is truly the best place on earth by far. It is extremely beautiful with mountains and river surrounding it. It is so full of nature and peace. I had a splendid time and will definitely return someday. In fact, this little retreat welcomes guests to volunteer giving English lessons to the children in nearby villages. Probably I can offer myself when I return, maybe with Susan. We had a bamboo rafting trip down the river just in front of our retreat in a cooling weather (4C) and had great fun. Next day, we went for a countryside bike tour to Moon Hill, Banyan Tree and Water Cave. Had a great day too.
Overall, my Guilin holiday is wonderful. The only shortcoming is that I failed myself in terms of diet. I just enjoyed food too much and over ate. Salute to CALORIES!!!
Yes, I need to start writing because these days, my black box is deteriorating and I suddenly feel that time is not slowing down and it's like with a split second, my mother left me and next my dad was also taken away. I just needed to write in hope that by the time I reach my golden year, the valuable moments in life will not fade away. It will be so sad not able to recall the fond memories then. With this, I hope I can complete my life with no regrets but pride.
I came into this world on 12.4.60 at 7pm at the Chinese Maternity Hospital in Kuala Lumpur. I am the 1st child in the family and I am the jewel at home where mom and dad adore me and shower me with love all the time. Then, came my sister and brother into the family in 1972 and 1978. My grandmother, Yong Kwai Fong was with us until her old age.
During school days, I recall mom used to wake up extra early just to prepare my breakfast and even prepare my lunch box. She will then walk me out to the main road and wait with me in the dark for my school bus, I was just too precious to her. I also recall memories when mom used to spend time with me in the bed, giving me aeroplane rides with her leg. I also used to share with her excitedly whenever she used to take out her favourite drawer to check out her precious items. Let's see, she has nice pendants, pouch, wallets, old photos, watches, souvenirs from oversea trips, etc. Then, she would tell me the details of each and every item over and over again and that she will give those few items to me when I get older. I was so attached to mom then that at one point, I told myself I just cannot live with mom in this world.
As for dad, he was not as lucky as me. I remember that he was from a poor upbringing where he used to stay with his aunt and eventually with mom's family who took pity of him back then. Didnt really know why his parents were not with him then. He struggled to make a living when he reached adulthood. He was a school teacher before he worked as a clerk in Tai Nam Tin Factory. He normally stay behind after work and was the last to leave the office. He always take initiative to make sure that all lights and fans are properly turn down. Soon, his boss noticed him and decided to give him opportunities. He then had the chance to climb the corporate ladder. He eventually set up his business jointly with public listed company, Yee Lee and was the Director in Can Pac Sdn Bhd. He worked hard and he succeeded in his career. However, he somehow lost his life to his success. When he was on duty, he had to entertain clients so much so that he was addicted to alcohol. Those years when his career went uphill, he ended up drunk on most nights. Until when he was getting old, at about 60's he decided to call it a quit and turn away from alcohol for good. By then, it was just too late, he died of carcinosarcoma (two types of aggresive cancer) at the duedonum. He left me on 20 April 2009.
I was not as close to him as to mom but I know he loves me dearly. He invested his savings in organ and piano lessons for me and my sister for almost ten years, drove us to Yamaha Music School in Jalan Campbell and patiently waited there for us. Mom told us it was dad's career insurance for us, in case we cannot find a good job in future, we can still make a living from teaching music. It was so thoughtful of him.
In nature, I was a naive and reserve girl. I was always protected and loved so much so that I just need not make any attempt to learn to be independent. It was just too comfortable and good. I was also blessed with mom's big family @ Chow's family where I have many cousins to keep me company during childhood. My best cousin sister, Helen Wong Siow Kwan used to share my bed and we had great time pillow talking on most weekends and also when mom followed dad on business trip overseas. I was not left alone. Helen was the one who secretly enlightened me about sex. She was my childhood buddy. We went for organ lessons together with my sister on every Sunday at Yamaha.
Need to pen off now, Jo Wen is late for her tuition at 3:30pm.
Life is so unpredictable. Just last Friday, my friend, Choy Wan met a freak accident. She was pounched by her neighbour's rotweler while she was doing gardening in front of her house with her maid. Though the dog didnt bite her but the impact of her fall had her landed in ICU at UMH. Surgeon had to operate on her head twice and at this point, she has yet to gain consciousness. It was a blow to the family. Life will be tough for Kok Cheong and the 3 kids at home. I hope GOD will take mercy and grant her a speedy recovery.
I can still remember well a day before mom left. It was 28.3.2007, a Sunday. We had our favourite porridge in Kajang together ie mom, dad, Kakak Endang, my family and brother's family . Jong Luen couldnt join us that day. After lunch, I remembered when we headed to the car, I looked behind and saw mom walked last, she was slow and looked haggard. I went back few steps and took her by her hand to the car. We went to a nursery next, to buy potted plants for their new house in Sungai Long. Mom waited in the car for almost an hour. She took few packets of peanut from her bag and offered to Thiam Hin while waiting. She also took mopiko from her bag for Jin Shen who had mosquito bite then. Later, we stopped over at Old Town in Sungai Long for coffee. Mom had her last favourite curry mee there. We talked about arranging steamboat for dad's birthday next Saturday. Thinking back, little do I know that that was the last of mom when she saw me at the door, bidding farewell. She asked me to take some oranges home but I politely declined then. That very morning, when I handed over two sets of bed sheet which she asked me to buy for her, she paid me two pieces of RM50 note (which I will treasure and keep forever in memory of her). I thanks GOD for every remembrance her.
Past midnight that day, at wee hours about 4am the next day, on 29.3.2007, I remember that I had goosebump in the middle of my sleep and I was feeling weird. Within the next hour, my brother called and he was crying terribly on the phone. Mom left! I was stunned and emotionless, somehow my subconcious anticipated it. Mom had complicated health problem and was seeing doctors at UKMH regularly. I used to drive her for her appointments. I knew she was weak with high blood pressure and high blood sugar. I used to scold her for not able to help herself and control her diet. She always says, as long as she can eat she eats and it eating cause her death, she doesnt mind. I kept giving her pressure and frightened her by telling her the consequences of ending up in hospital for the rest of her life. I still do not know whether I did her a favour or I just cause unnecessary upset to her.
I didnt understand her then. I always blame her for not interested or keen at most things like passing most tasks to kakak and couldnt bother to know where things are kept at home. It was only during her funeral did I realized that I was so wrong. It was not that she didnt care. She was too weak, no matter how much she wanted to be involved, she just didnt have the energy.
My bond with mom is so strong and special that I really believe she left behind a song for me in memory of her. I got her message; that song gave me peace and comfort throughout the entire ordeal. That song titled 'YOU LOVE ME' by Wu Bai. Thiam Hin played this song for the first time in his car and because it was a new song and he likes it, he played it repeatedly at that time when we made our journey to and fro Sungai Long for funeral services. It is amazing that somehow, unconciously not only me but my whole family were conditioned in a way that when we hear that song, we remember Mom. It was only a month later did I realize that special song from mom when my 7 year old daughter one day told me that she was scared when we heard that song again. At that moment, all of us in the family know why she was scared. She remembered Mom! Then only I knew Mom left me a gift.
I learnt many valuable lessons throughout my life and I am still learning. It aint easy especially when dealing with 'change' but I have to stay positive in order to see me through life. I am a lucky soul. Most people I come across in life are my 'kwai yan'. Even my adversaries will eventually become my friends most of the time. I have a balance character. I live a simple life.
At this point of writing, I am at the club lounge of Sheraton Guilin at 4:40pm. My hubby, son and daughter are busy at the computers.
We were at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat for 2 days before arriving here in Guilin. Yangshuo is truly the best place on earth by far. It is extremely beautiful with mountains and river surrounding it. It is so full of nature and peace. I had a splendid time and will definitely return someday. In fact, this little retreat welcomes guests to volunteer giving English lessons to the children in nearby villages. Probably I can offer myself when I return, maybe with Susan. We had a bamboo rafting trip down the river just in front of our retreat in a cooling weather (4C) and had great fun. Next day, we went for a countryside bike tour to Moon Hill, Banyan Tree and Water Cave. Had a great day too.
Overall, my Guilin holiday is wonderful. The only shortcoming is that I failed myself in terms of diet. I just enjoyed food too much and over ate. Salute to CALORIES!!!
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