The Schedule

SOS

When there is a call to meet Emily's needs dad and I knew that we had to heed the call. While waiting news for a house help there is sometimes the possibility of filling in the gap.

How can anyone resist her? At 4 months she is already crawling and alert to all forms of senses.

Her legs will kick at the keys for music and her fingers grasp the  mobile toys dangling in the air. Entertaining Emily is a tiring affair. She seems to be wanting attention 24/7 when awake and is never satisfied with mere pattings here and there. You can make her happy when you put on nursery rhymes on the u tube and sing along. Oh; it seems easier to handle 1000 children in school.

 A care giver's duty is surely a commendable one.

 Oh yes there is this constant battle to fight when feeding. The mama at work will pump milk for bottle feeding and the poor child has to decide which is which : the bottle or mama's milk? Training a child at least 2 methods of drinking milk is essential for working mothers or hell will surely break lose. Getting her feed fully done is discipline. You can actually be stressed out if not done well but a little reminder once in a while is helpful ; babies will eventually grow. 

Then there is this sleep pattern to handle. Mama at work instructs but a lot again will depend on maternal instincts and the need of the day. You pat her back and put her head against the shoulder? No, no you put her on a sleeping position in your arms?  Or you put her on the stomach and coax her to slumber? You need the pacifier to calm her but she rejects it ? But I brought up all my babies sleeping in a sarong. Oh the sarong ? It's a big no but  I insisted. So when the going gets tough the sarong is the answer; at least it works for me with Emily although her parents still think it is not practical. 

When baby Emily is asleep, it's time to clean, cook and eat. Then you make sure you are around all the time to ensure that length of sleep or she gets cranky and unfriendly. 

Then it is a chore to handle the cries and fuss. 

Oh I hope and pray that Aunt Allie's niece will be able to come soon or everyone will be busy...

My stay here is short just to fill an immediate gap. I will miss Emily but I am also needed elsewhere. It's painful to leave her behind but the needful has to be done.

When doing my favourite hobby , I always have Emily in mind. I think of baby clothes and look out for fine material to cut a pattern for her. Look at my latest sewn a couple of weeks ago. I had better complete whatever I have planned to do or I may not be able to find the time to do soon.

 For Emily I can find reason to do my best.

 I take pains to edge and gather neatly just to make sure she will have a pretty dress.

 Look at the tiny panty I sewed to complete the attire. 

Now she can wear a dress together with the panty. Nice ?

But best of all. I also made a  summer dress for myself using the same material. I look forward to the day when I can hold Emily's hands and stroll along the streets with her. Surely they can tell we are granny and grand child because we have the same 'look'. 

My imagination can definitely run wild with her in mind.

Anything for you Emily.

58

Whatever man may say; we still have this to say.

"We love you Malaysia; Happy 58th Birthday."

May God continue to preserve and protect this land now and forever.

Happy Merdeka

The Release

The Law

It was 7.30 am. The lawyer in the house shouted across to us and said she was ready for court. Today was validity day; guilty or not guilty.

Sara invited me to go to court with her. She said it would be a good experience to witness court proceedings. I will get to see real life dramas. In the ride to the court she was worried if dad's migrant worker would be released, There could be unforeseen hitches and if true it would also mean he may not be released even after the 14 day remand. No bail allowed for an offence of this nature.

He was nabbed for illegal entry into the country; condemned because he did not have his papers with him while on an evening chore. He thought his work identification card was sufficient to tell authorities of his legal status. So a charge in court was made against him and the process of getting him released was not a simple one.

At the courthouse I noticed people of all races mostly fathers and mothers gathering in the magistrate
room waiting for their cases to be called. I wondered what kind of crimes had been committed. I had flash backs of such situations in school when we charge our wards of ill discipline, theft, truancy and the all. It was exactly the same feelings; except this time I was not the prosecutor but the defendant so to say. Later Sara told me that many were drug addiction crimes.

Sara was determined to get the worker out by hook or crook. She spoke to the interpreter who without prejudice reiterated that he was not sure the case could be settled. That got Sara unsettled and she contacted criminal lawyers on best solutions. Being the conscientious one, she would not take chances and had earlier on contacted Tenaganita, an NGO. This pro bono organization had sent representatives to visit the accused and also to make sure he was safe, It was not easy to get official permits for jail visits and only official bodies could get access. Dad was concerned about his welfare and whether he understood that help was on the way and that he should stay strong till then.

On a morning such as this and when you realised that not everyone could do anything unless trained as a lawyer, I am proud to be associated with an institution called school. In schools, we nurtured, taught and guided children and prepare them for the real world. Today, when I think of all that has been done to prepare a child for a vocation, I see with my own eyes how Sara carried out her duties. She was confident and vocal, asking questions to clear her doubts. She spoke to the interpreter, the chief police officer and finally the deputy public prosecutor for answers. I looked at her with much pride. The other criminal lawyer representing many clients knew about the case and was amused to find out that the daughter was standing for the father's case and quickly commented that "it is good to have a lawyer in the home; it helps ". 

After being in remand for a fortnight, the DPP finally confirmed that the legal papers have been submitted to the immigration authorities and she was happy to announce that the worker was indeed granted legal entry into the country and acquitted.That was a real relief indeed and dad broke into a smile. He would be able to collect the worker and send him back on site again. I was eager to see him and give him encouragement. As he was handcuffed to the stand I caught a sight of him. He was shaved and seemed to have aged. We tried to get his attention and reassure him that we were there to see him through.

Tenaganita also sent two lawyers to help and a worker with the organization said that they were very eager to see justice done and wanted to follow the case thoroughly. They were happy that we stood for the truth and were willing to go through difficulties for justice. The release letter from the magistrate took quite a while but the wait was worth the while. By noon, dad finally got  his worker out of the court's jail and finally headed back to site.

It was a learning process for me. I was happy and relieved that I received the assurance from Psalm 121  and knew God was working hardest for us. Sara had occasionally called out " Pray, mum".
Yes, we prayed for God's favour and He was merciful. Thank you dear God.

Happily I gave a lunch treat to Sara at her favourite chicken rice stall in SS3. I further made her day by offering to pay her tailor for a dress sewn. It was a pleasure to give her the treat. She had been a good girl and we are awfully proud of her.

All's well that ends well.

We hope to have a deep sleep tonight.

The Morning Meet

It's good fun.

Somehow mornings are the best hours of the day.

Serene, calm and picturesque.

It's makes you want to stay home and not go to work.

Well. I need not go to work; for quite a while already.

I am getting used to getting up slightly late and not going after the jam.

It's refreshingly attractive.

But when you need not work, you also need to find activities to occupy yourself.

You want to feel useful.

Well. At least meaningfully retired.
My retired friends tell me they chauffeur wards up and down, clean the house, cook, bake,read. 

So, I do this.

Every alternate day of the week I join them and jump up and down.

I need to loosen those joints of mine; keep my weight in check and health of course.

At first, I was a little shy.

I did not know if I could just join in.

But of course what else can I not do? Ask.

... and get in.

I am beginning to look forward to it come morning.

We normally get engaged in the activity for 30 minutes on week days and 45 minutes on Saturdays.

I am really getting into the routine of retirement; exercise, read the Bible, pray and then bathe. Next, read the papers, blog and sew; sometimes cook. Soon, it's afternoon and then evening and then night. Can I go on like that? How long? Learn.

Fun in the morning.

The Cousins

Oh I know I have gone a little too sentimental. But when you received news that another one has left home for studies you cannot help but recap her growing moments.

 Celine, the youngest girl has always been close to my daughters. This photo taken in 2006 is a reminder that indeed time has flown past. Whenever there is an opportunity they would be spending time chatting, playing and posing. She has always been the darling of the home; being the youngest among her peers.

 Celine is seen here with her American cousins, Leyla and Jasper. All have grown. Leyla , now a ravishing beauty is with Disney world ! What a privilege to be an employee of this theme park.

Jasper has finished High School and now preparing for further tertiary education all in the land of fun and joy; Florida.

Esther with her cousin Leyla and Jasper on her trip to the States in April this year. Esther is super playful and will trade in anything for fun; even finishing her work leave all in one go.

See Esther and Celine sharing a drink with straws.

Both enjoy outdoor activities together; the sea, diving,

mountain climbing and feeding elephants. They are happiest

doing things together.

 A couple of Lunar New Years ago, they climbed Gunung Ledang and landed up playing spring waters.

Both reached the Mount Kinabalu peak last year. They got me in fear when the weather turned bad and they were not allowed to continue the climb. But when the skies got clearer bold Esther sighed Celine in as her ward and were finally allowed to scour till they reached the top. 

Adventurous and dare devils.

It's 9 years ago? Why is everyone looking so different? The older ones have aged and the younger ones have matured. Taken in Nuremberg on a family holiday trip, they were days unforgettable. No boyfriends, no husbands, no ties... the girls surely were free and easy. Much have taken place since then. Marriages, broken relationships, growing up and babies. Celine sure is the baby of the house then.

 Ha. This lass has much up her sleeves. Not often talkative, she has the calmness and level headedness of the father and though she looks fragile then, she is in fact strong and sporty. She speaks to por por and kong kong in Mandarin, to her parents in English, sometimes German to her father and definitely Dutch to her paternal granny. So, she is a linguist. No play, play.

 My sister informed us this morning that they are on the way to the Dutch Land. The land where one studies technical things in good order. This is definitely a no play land.

See Celine packing 70kg worth of stuff for another new venture in her life. She must be glad to leave the parents for a change...hahaha. Well, it's time to grow up and no more tied to the Apron's string. Papa and mama have to let go too. Let her go finish her engineering course, get a boyfriend; maybe break up and get another one. Part of growing up well. "If you don't try, you would't know..." I have been reprimanded. But why try when there is so much at stake? Aha, will not try to argue anymore.

Pretty Celine now all grown up ready to conquer the world. 

All the best to you Celine and may God's presence be ever with you wherever you are. 

In 4 years time, you will work as an engineer like Uncle Robert.

Another generation.

The Next Generation

In the blink of an eye.

Time does pass by... fast. 

You think you are still young; but there are tell-tale signs that you are getting older.

Perhaps the best reminder is when I see the generation after us.

 Esther on the right is daughter number 2. Who is next to her? She shot the question a couple of months ago. Oh she does seem familiar and I have seen her somewhere... my old memory failed me. Both met over a meal in Singapore. She poked at me and said I was obtuse to have forgotten her. 

Who was she?

Of course she revealed.

 She is JM daughter to a university mate back in the 70s !

 So, when you are free and easy, you do have the time to dig up some photos and then reminisce about them. The photos were taken in 1980 ? We went for a trip to Lake Toba in Sumatra and since then I have never been back there.That's me on the right and SB on the left. JM is daughter to SB. What a coincidence that the girls met in Singapore.

SB is an old soul mate. We met in the University of Malaya and since then have kept in touch. We also did the teaching diploma programme together and we both landed up as teachers in different schools. SB was friend material the moment we set eyes on each other. As she was a local of Bangsar, it was not uncommon that I would drop over to her place for her mother's best Hainanese chicken rice. Her mother is a jovial lady and today is still a joker. I think it is fun to be around the old dame and listen to her wise tales.

SB has met my parents too and back in the younger days, she even made a trip to Muar to put up a couple of nights. We can share without limit and many a time we talk about loved ones confidentially. There are some souls who click immediately. She is one of them. Though we do not meet often, we do contact each other for important occasions and become happy for good moments. We know we can call on each other; any time; anywhere. Sometimes even when we do not speak, we know each other's  heart beat. That's is friendship.

So, it would be soon when I will invite SB for the next wedding in the home.

Now, this reminds me that I am already a grandmother. A grandmother. Am I really one?

That's daughter number 1, Grace who met Keith a couple of weeks a go. What did they do?

Compare and contrast.

Grace has a daughter and Keith has a son.

Both were school mates and Keith's good wife is classmate to Grace.

Yes. It's the next generation now.

By the way Keith's mum is teacher Molly who happened to be an ex-colleague of mine in Seafield.

What a small world.

But it is a relief too to see the next generations passing on the torch and carrying the family values. As parents we hope to be good examples to them and may they not be slothful and goalless but live as exemplary figures and responsible parents and citizens of the nation.

Of the next generation.

Colorful Community

 In a day

I observed the occupants of the condominium and as usual decipher the happenings; the going outs and coming ins. You cannot help it as you transport yourself up and down the common lift. This is also an exercise to retain one's alertness in retirement. When you have nothing much to do you tend to dwell on details and issues that come along. Then you write; just like me. My girls associate me with busybodiness and frequently chide me on my ill behaviour.

Go and do something more useful la, ma...

...but I thought I was doing that ? Entertaining the world in the blog?

 Muar is a natural. The sea breeze that blows ceaselessly allows you to slumber on some days without the ceiling fan; let alone air conditioners. So, it's pleasant and very liveable even more so in my parents' abode. After this enclave, no where else in this whole universe can be home to them. So, we can only concede to their love for the place and take turns to accompany them in their golden era.

 If you should think they are lonely and left aside you are most mistaken. I observed gladly how occupied they can be what with a community that speaks of no colour and creed in this little enclave.

"Selamat Pagi" dad greeted the medical specialist in the lift and the immediate response was " auntie ada baik, uncle?" I smiled at him and he reiterated " your dad's still strong; he's an inspiration to us". Dad blared away in Hakka " his wife is the ophthalmologist who always treats your mums' eye allergy and Dr. Ali is serving in the specialist centre..." Later, mum told me that the Malay couple is exemplary in manners and speech and often bought articles from them in the past. The specialist on his way out from the lift worded " please ask your parents to call us anytime when in need. We are just a few floors below them." I thought that really was out of the world. Such kindness.

The phone rang. " Ah sister, how are you ?", an old church acquaintance inquired. It was the church elder and wanted to know why the lights of the shop was on the previous day as he did not know that I was with dad while he did some handiwork. My mum has high respect for him for his good deeds have made a significant impact on the local folks. An ex teacher in his 90s he is still actively involved in social work organising dinners and meetings for friends and accomplices. My mum is no less involved " Teacher Ling, please I also want to pledge some funds for the dinners and I still want to contribute as I have always done in the past." So, mum is forever generous in her givings to others. So, it is in giving that you feel best about yourself.

Knock, knock... "Kong kong , por por"...a lady in her late 30s came to the door and called out. " Don't forget to join us for my son's birthday party this Saturday. We wish for your presence." My father shouted across to mum that he would want to give the little boy a red packet for it will be difficult to pick a gift. Mum told me that she saw the birth of the boy some 7 years ago and how the Indonesian maid would be cradling him till he slumbered in a sarong carrier tied across her shoulders. The pretty maid later got herself married to an expatriate there and has since then left the place. Talk about meeting the right partner. Anywhere is a good place when the chemistry strikes.

It is dark. The lady pastor came with friends. " Auntie, thank you for allowing us to put up at your place." The well mannered guests came in and shook hands with the old folks. They must be thinking how lonely they can be. Mum though still walking around with aid is high in spirits warmly ushered them in. Such is the gesture of love. She makes sure she is still of use to the community and willingly help out in times of need. My father is slowly but surely picking up the skill from her.

While dad picks up some social skills, mum also learns to watch the sports channel. As partners you learn to give and take. Since she could not occupy the Taiwanese channels with the badminton season on, she might as well call out aloud " Lee Chong Wei, Lee Chong Wei" and called me as I walked to the terminal for Subang Jaya excitedly " He won, he won". I was relieved to leave when I see them relax, confident and happy. It is time to go back again.

As I scoured the streets of the old place to the terminal, I talked to myself about the childhood memories and how we siblings used to play at the backyard. We had no other playground to turn to. Just a piece of forsaken land behind my parents' shop and we played shuttle cocks, marbles, hopscotch, hide and seek and dolls. The shop was business premise, home, playground and everything into one. Yet, we grew up well and studied well too. We learn English proficiently, picked up Bahasa Melayu just as well and enrolled for POL classes learning basic Chinese language. Simple, happy, contented.
Life should be like that.

 I set foot on these steps. I had frequently stepped on them in my childhood days. Friends and siblings were fearlessly running everywhere unaware of possible lurking dangers. But back then there was little need to fear.

 See, this corridor. We ran like nobody's business along it night and day. The building held by the yellow pillars was where I was delivered. Home delivery by a mid wife. Mum told me she nearly bled to death but was rescued by a doctor. She had to drink concoctions you will not want to know... boiling cockroaches... But that's long gone.

Muar is still warm with people who greet you and want to make connections.

We pray it will still stay safe and natural for many more years to come.