What a roller coaster week it has been!
This week I have 2 persons leaving my life. One moved back to another state physically, another left permanently. Today I feel like writing a tribute to each of them. I wanted to post about my birthday yesterday but somehow I just cannot lift up the mood so let me process my feelings towards these two first through writing.
On Wednesday, a dear family friend who has been with us for about 13 years since we knew him from church had a farewell with us as he headed back hometown, the same place I came from but not staying there anymore. So he asked for dinner together on Monday.
The place he asked us to have dinner at was further away from KL city and we actually crossed the border to enter another neighbouring state, Pahang to enter a small town called Bentong. Here they have very delicious big fishes which I will introduce the restaurant another day. Today I want to focus on talking about people in my life, those who have impacted me.
The children were ecstatic as this was a rare outing for my boys at night on a schooling weekday. They met their cousins so that already was the bonus point. We reached at 630pm and stayed till 9pm, just hanging out with the friend who was leaving back to home to start his new career.
This is Bong Zhou. He is one of the most loyal and laid down persons I have ever known. He is humble and he has such a pure heart. He always, ALWAYS does the extra miles and he is extra sensitive whenever someone needs help. I myself have benefited so much from him. Since we are from the same hometown, we clicked quite instantly when I met him like 13 years ago when he first came to attend college. Though I knew him through his older brother who came first, I feel much closer to Zhou like he is my younger brother. He is also a funny guy who is extra hospitable.
He was my assistant helper in Youth Church for many years since I took over the management of Youth Church. He helped me to fetch the youths, hang out with them, play with them and imparted things into their lives. It wasn't easy to run the youth church as I honestly got discouraged many times but having him and a few other encouraging helpers, I am so grateful.
Zhou was also one of my wedding coordinators. He was sooooooooo helpful when I had things I wanted to do for decorations. I remembered I wanted a tree to hang the wishes, gosh he really found one for me and moved it to the venue! Such a trustworthy guy. Whatever I mentioned, he would find ways to get it done or think of the many ways to execute it. He is almost.... all things are possible with him. Hahahah! Because he does have many crazy ideas and he can carry them out.
He has been the most self-volunteering usher too in church. He would come and self assume the role without anyone asking. That is because to him it was never a duty but his natural helpful self just would do it. I really admire this quality he has. He was also part of my husband's business team when we ventured into opening restaurant last time. He was willing to take risks with us though he could have stayed in a stable paying job.
So actually many of us in the church are reluctant to see such a nice friend go. The night was spent having dinner with him and he got shocked so many of us turned up and some with families too. He has always underestimated how much we value him. Though the place was far and I usually don't go that far on a weekday, I decided I want to do it for him. We had a blast, a very relaxing dinner without needing to worry about anything. The guys talked non stop with him. It was hard to end the night.
A photo of the guys who have similar interest as him - cryptocurrency!
My children were also so patient that night to let them talk, enjoyed themselves too.
The ladies who turned up at the dinner too because we all value this brother in Christ very much and we want to bless him in his future endeavours.
Well Zhou is one of the literal #gems I know in my life. Want to really thank him for all that he has done and who he is, above what he can do. Such a positive energy to be around. Will see him again whenever he comes back to KL for a visit or when I return to hometown with my family. Goodbye Zhou!
So he flew back on Wednesday.
After Zhou has left on Wednesday, I celebrated my early birthday with my family and in-laws. I will write about that another day too. On Thursday night, we received the most shocking news when I was about to put my firstborn to sleep. My mum-in-law suddenly came to the room to tell us "Mama has passed away!" okay honestly, I did not know what to react because I was in utter shock! I asked her back few times, "Which Mama? You mean our mama?"
Good thing my 7-year-old son knew how to comfort his grandma. He asked her, Your mother died? Then he hugged his grandma. He also would go accompany his grandma whenever she asked for his company in the day. What a devastating news right?
Mama is my husband's maternal grandma, my mum-in-law's mother. I have always been warmed by her presence because she was always making sure we are fed well and have enough. She is the most loving and caring old lady I know and she has always been our treasure among us!
Aged 83, she could still walk and go shopping with us or her children sometimes. She is a very rarely found #gem and her health was okay with slightly high blood pressure which is controlled with high blood pressure pills.
This was her with her 4 beloved children.
Us video chatting when it was during the lockdown.
This Chinese New Year, I remember she was so worried seeing my youngest son won't enter the house when we visited. She kept ensuring that I could eat and had food.
Then she always said that while she was alive, let's share all that she had - her money, her love, her food! She was a super generous soul who always always buys drinks and food for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We had lots and lots of durian from her. She even extended her generosity to our friends sometimes whom she knows.
She is a great woman of prayer. She prays a lot for her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. She lived a very very tough life before this. Got married but met not a too nice life partner who cheated on her yet she did not get over bitter with life. In her working days, she had to part with some of her children to meet ends so 2 children were with her and another 2 had to be sent to another relative. But all are now so close with her.
This year they even made a trip up north to spend time together at her hometown. It was just the best timing to have it done because no one expected her to leave us so suddenly.
Photos credited to Esther Ter's Facebook (my aunt)
We had a good gathering with her this past Chinese New Year and her past 83rd birthday but no one expected that we will not see her anymore the next Chinese New Year. We are deeply saddened by her passing and are also missing her dearly.
She was found liveless in the kitchen on the night my husband's uncle returned home from work. It seemed like she was preparing to cook when her body perhaps just suddenly stopped working.
The comfort we take is that she always knows where she was going and she had no fear of death. She talked to us about one day when she leaves even when she was alive. We are also glad she passed on without suffering any sickness and that we will meet her again in heaven.
We will be having a wake service this Sunday for her followed by funeral and cremation on Monday morning.
Mama, thank you very much for your love and presence. You are dearly missed.
Want to engrave memories of her on the blockchain.
I had emotional tears when read this post. Two gems in our midst. Till we see again.... ❤️❤️
Hugs. We take time to grieve and mourn.
I think I had done processing thoughts and now will celebrate Mama's new eternal perfect life at Heaven. 🌹
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What a tribute Connie. Both are real #gems that are worth celebrating ♥️
Very nice post, my dear @happycrazycon 🌺
We love meeting those priceless friendships you gain, and watching you enjoy special moments that will be kept in your heart.💐
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. It seems we will never be ready to receive news like this. Still, your photos reflect a very healthy, dignified and happy woman. She must have been a special person to the family. 💞
We very much appreciate the extensive photographic record in your post. It was a delight to go one by one exploring your lines and what each image also spoke to us. 📸
A pleasure to have you in our community.💚