My first born.

Two days ago Nadiah, my first born turned 25. She is still in university pursuing her interest. Though she has another interest now I'm glad that she is able to focus on graduating. When I was 25, I was expecting her. Since she was a toddler she was independent, insisting to doing things herself. She is a fast leaner. Her first english word was fish. Nadiah was three years old then. Her favourite book was this child encyclopedia with a volume on fishes. So much was her interest in sea life that in her primary school she did a project which was about anemones. Now her interest is on the human anatomy. Nadiah entered playschool when she was about four years old. I remembered her wearing a pair of light orange floral 'baju kurung' with a small batik headscarf carrying a small wicker bag. She looked so adorable. On her first day to playschool she insisted that I do not walked her to the door. She made me stopped at the gate and I watched her confidently met her teachers and entered the school. With your first born there are so many first experiences, cherished moments. I was a full time mom and I was there throughout my daughters growing time. Nadiah has three other sisters. I made a choice to be a full time mom. I had a wonderful time and many many splendour things of my life. Nadiah went to boarding school at the age of sixteen. So sweet sixteen that she attracted quite a few admirers. One of them manage to win her heart and they are a couple since last year. She has grown into a beautiful lady. She is a wonderful sister to her younger siblings. She is very caring towards her grandparents. She is a good companion to my sister when shopping! She is affectionate to her uncles. She is the big sister to her cousins. She is my friend....Nadiah, my dear first born, Allah bless you.  

Gentle Rose

Her husband calls her Grace. Among us, her friends she is known as Rose. She is medium built, slender a soft spoken lady. Fair complexion with short sassy hair. She is very thoughtful and she phrases her sentences very well when speaking. Rose is very observant and she only speaks when necessary. She would give much thought before speaking. She makes good eye contact when talking to. A conscientious character as I would describe her...Rose with her son and daughter left for Morocco two weeks ago to be with her husband. She called me from the airport before boarding. Telling me to take good care of myself, telling me she shall miss me, telling me life will be kind to me eventually, trust in God, telling me she asked God to bless me. I could not speak, I was crying, I could not contain myself, I was sobbing. Three days before her departure date Rose arranged for a small gathering for a group of us. We had breakfast and was served 'nasi lemak'. Rose had a friend to cater for the food. One Saturday before the farewell gathering I bought Rose some souvenirs. Since she enjoys reading novels and loves cooking, naturally I gave her books relating to her interest. To remind myself of her I got the same cooking book for my keeping. I was in tears when jotting down  some compliments in the books then wrapping them.... We hugged each other tightly, looking into each others eyes, crying because we both know that we would not be seeing each other again. I have many friends, only a few are dear to me but Rose is especially close to me in her own way. I guess we are both close to each other because we are both survivors. Rose is a cancer survivor while I am a survivor in lives' matters. We feel for each other. We both endure the sadness, the bitter painful difficult phases life laid for us...'Rose, it was a pleasant surprise when you handed me the picture of both of us. I miss you, Gentle Rose'.