2 Special Ladies

There were 2 ladies in my life that I would like to pay tribute to. Our encounter was brief but they left an everlasting impression.
In the year 1979 when I first step into a rural school to take up my first posting, I got to meet with JL. She was a thin willowy lady with such burst of energy. She laugh and talk direct from her heart and of course that do not go down well with some. But to me, she was the lady who took me under her care, picking me and sending me home. I was that 21 year old ignorant new teacher. In the 7 miles journey thro and fro school everyday, I got to know the sad side of her life. A child who was dying and under the care of parents miles away. When the child did die, she spend minimum time away and came back telling me that she will always love him and he will always be that special first born to her. That was the only 5 minutes I saw her crying. Years later during one of my early meetings as a HEM, I met up with her again.Without a hesitation, she (being a HEM much earlier)took me in and was there to advise and help.I actually remembered her bringing me back to her home to take an afternoon nap in her daughter's room during the meeting and making me refresh myself, towels and soap provided.I remember her for the direct and sincere care she show without any second thoughts.She appear out of the blue and disappear in the same manner but the short time we had presented me with such lasting appreciation of her care. God bless u JL where ever you are. I didn't get to say it then but thanks for all that you shared and gave.

PS. In my second year of teaching, I was relocated to BB (supposing a better urban school) New to the staff room, I was seated in front of PS, 12 years my senior but a history teacher who loved her job. She was a mentor and taught me how to show and accept praise gracefully, how to differentiate envy and jealousy, how to be a graceful lady.She make sure others know the dedication I show to the profession. She shared her precious recipes (she love cooking) and I learn so much about cooking and baking from her.She even had a party for me when I got registered. Again she was someone who gave with no mention of getting back. I naturally became her little sister. Again I didn't get the chance to say Thank You before she goes off my life.My sincere thanks and may you receive as much blessing as you have given me wherever you are.

DEcember 2008

Wow, year end has been busy especially the month of December. It was fun and loving spending time with Au cooking, baking, clearing up stuff not forgetting watching Chinese serial shows.Because of the melamine scare in biscuits found on supermarket shelves, we have resorted to baking cookies for Ed. and of course that means cookies for the family too. Tried out a number of new recipes and it was good cuz a 60+ year old man (who doesn't eat biscuits ) like them That was good enough for me.
Of course not forgetting new cakes and pies and new recipes for pasta. For Christmas, we served seafood pasta with baked chicken and Shepherd's pie, mummy style.
It was tiring preparing 2 dinners and breakfast for Seremban weekly but it was fun and it was all worth it.
For Christmas, 3 families, (ours, sis's and YW's) spend 3 days at Avillion PD. Had good food till we had to pack, tried out the luxurious (and expensive) spa, catch up on family happenings, swam, joke and teased.For YW's new son-in-law, he got initiated into the family.For the kids, it was a long time since they had a holiday together.For the adults, it was relaxing. Of course back from PD it was another round of makan carnival until new year eve.
All in all, though we didn't make an oversea family trip this year, it was a good year end get together. The fact that Au had her results before the trip also helped. Even Ed decided to put his medical books aside!

2009

2008 seem to have pass thro' so fast. Before I know it, it is the new year.
The past year has been quite a year for me personally. Top most on my mind is my second son leaving home for his clinical studies in Seremban. Not far but not next to me either. I believe it has been an eventful year for him too. Physical change, emotional roller coaster and I believe he has either learn to put on a very good show to me OR he has grown up very fast. I believe it is a bit of both.In the new year, I would say a prayer for him to approach life positively whatever it offers. Everything can be overcome.
My little princess too has grown up a lot. She too has got her driving license( which gave her and me a lot of freedom), received 2 major exams results and has demonstrated to be a very strong girl while keeping her feminine side. Although she didn't achieve the best results as she aimed for,I am glad she has tried her best and is ready to move on to the next phase with varsity life. She is independent and I only need to pray that she will continue to be happy and enjoy her new varsity life.
My eldest son is the one child that I always felt I have to be on the alert.At times when I turn morbid and thinks about my death, I always feel that he will be at the top of my mind. Not because I love him most but I always have to pray that God will take care of him and do what I couldn't do for him. He has a very determined character sometime a little bit too strong.He tries very hard and for that I am both grateful and still worried.
My new year resolution is to remind myself to leave or maybe accept things as it is.Some days will be easier than others. Like I said earlier, if I am to die today, I will have to accept Ad as he is, pray that Ed will be strong and Au to find a love that will keep her company.(being the only girl in the family). As for my hubby, He will be OK.He has my blessing to find a new one which I believe he will. With my kids having grown up,there shouldn't be a problem.
With the new year, I think I will be having new thoughts and feelings which I would like to write about as time goes by. I would also like to reflect on good friends who have touched my life.
Happy New Year to one and all.