I was thinking about her last night because it’s about this time of the season that she would request the Christmas decorations be put up. Part of what I was thinking about was that in my early life it was something she did for my sake… and for the latter part of her life the tables were turned and it was something I did for her. For those of you who didn’t know her, Mum …
This is the Savoy in London. Yes, I’ve been here. Inside even. Pretty posh, eh? The year was 1975 and I was 16 at the time. A week before I had arrived in the city after 2 glorious weeks in Scandinavia and met Mum who I had not seen in over 2 months. In two days we were flying to Lourdes for a week. And a week after that back home to Malaysia. We were …
Mum was laying in bed finishing off breakfast. I had turned on the TV and the inaguration was on. She had been bed-ridden for a week as a result of a fall. On the TV Mr. Obama was taking his oath of office. Mum: Who is that? Me: That’s the new President of the United States. (pause) Mum: No, the man with his hand up. Me: Yes, that is the new President. Mum: He’s a …
” If you sit around a campfire. Then you throw a stone into the middle – sparks will fly out of it. Each spark is each and every one of us. We all came from the same flame… the same source.” – Gertrude Fidelis Ninis (nee Skelchy) – Oct. 6, 1922 – June 21, 2009. Her middle means “faith:. Is it any wonder she returned to the source during the Summer Solstice? This was my …
… her easy generous smile. I will not forget her telling me that quitting was not an option. I remember her hugs and kisses as a child to reassure me that I was always loved and safe. I will not forget her easy hospitality to anyone who came to our home. I remember seeing her pain the night before I left for America for college. I will not forget her pride in the independence she …
Having these are worth counting. I’ll let these do the talking.
They are on my tomato plants. Though… all in all it has not been a good vege growing season for me. With other things on my mind I really haven’t been giving sufficiant care to them. Still… bloody mites! I’m going to spray them with dish washing soap and water. Figured if the aphids don’t like that neither will the mites. On the flip side… my lemon cucumbers have come out and are quite delicious. …
… asked about the song “Jauh, Jauh” that Joy sang at Mum’s memorial. It was a favorite of both Mum and Dad… and mine. Here is a great version from Sean Ghazi’s “Semalam” album. I’ve included the lyrics and the English translation. The song was written by the late Malaysian composer, Jimmy Boyle. JAUH JAUH Jauh jauh Nun di sebalik gunung yang hijau Pasir puteh Menantikan laut biru Ombaknya berderai Sayup-sayup kedengaran Bayu yang meniup …
Friends, neighbors, family and loved ones gathered on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate Mum’s life with songs, stories, food and drink. It was a simple service that began with RP singing “The Prayer of St. Francis”. Our friend Kim conducted the service with friends Hooi, John & Jane contributing stories. Blake came on and sang 2 of Mum’s favorite songs “It’s a sin to tell a lie”, and “Who’s sorry now”. I said a few …
