Raya Visits & Happy Time

I am glad to be able to enjoy Hari Raya Aidil Fitri each year. Maybe there's the special sharing of festive mood as for 30 over years I've been teaching in a national type primary school surrounded with pleasant Malay colleagues and pupils . Observing them fast and learning about their culture and listening to their stories have made me feel like one of them. For me, I can adapt and mix well with them. Even putting on my 'baju kurung' or 'baju kebaya' almost every day when I teach in school makes me comfortable and proud. Perhaps, I am a true Malaysian and I have the freedom to choose whatever I wear. Even, got a new orange 'baju kurung' for my grand daughter and she looked pretty in it. When, I heard that my Muslim sister, Nurlina would be back in Penang as our Indon maid had returned to Indonesia for 3 weeks, I was more excited to celebrate raya there. I even thought the 5 sticks of 'lemang' and 2 whole chicken made into 'rendang' was not enough but it was luckily enough to go around. Got treated by my sister and we all gathered at the Christian Home where mum was placed temporarily till our maid, Sumi returned. Must be special too our family is. Muslims, Christians and Buddhists all in one. For me the most important principles in life is respect, care for others and do a lot of good deeds. There are no barriers and should never have any among friends or relatives. Looking at my dearest mum and seeing her growing weaker, my heart aches. I pray hard that she doesn't have any pain and is blessed . Then, there are special relatives whom I've to visit and they are my uncle and aunt. I felt very sad to see my aunt who is suffering from Alzheimer and my uncle devotedly looks after her. It's so touching! I pray both of them are well and strong. I missed my second aunt and niece who were not around and so was my younger sister. As, my second daughter was on a trip overseas, it was quieter . Only my youngest one was around By bringing my little grand daughter home with me, it is an opportunity for her to taste a variety of delicacies. As I promised my dear friend Kartiwi , I made it to her place first. Besides, enjoying her home-made laksa , poh-piah and curry-puffs, we took photographs together. I always support my dear friend and admire this iron-lady, a single mum of 10 smart children, a few overseas and most of them here. Just wish her all the best and will be there when she needs me. Then, I would be in my ex-headmistress's house in Sg Bayor to wish her and see that she's fine. I love her 'ketupat' and 'kuah kacang'. Had a nice chat with her who is now a proud grandmother of 2. I didn't make it to visit my other headmaster, Tn Hj Mat Isa this year because I was rushing to Penang. I would not miss visiting him and used to do so years ago with my children. However, I just called to convey my greetings to his family. Only little Grachael followed me around but sometimes she got moody especially when it's warm. It's been a year that I cared for Kak Long Kamariah and there's such a strong bond between us, just like she's my real sister. Having saved her from poor living conditions and gave her a new breathe of life , I felt satisfied that I've done my best. I told Kak Long that God is great and He is protecting her. I believe that we must do good from the beginning to the end. I followed what my heart tells me and there are the top authorities watching and guiding me. Am glad I am close to them. Kak Long is now safe and well-looked after by the Welfare Department in the old folks' home. I love visiting her and cheering her up once in awhile. I hoped for those who knows what had happened, will realise that relatives who are old must not be bullied , fooled and cheated but instead be loved, cared for and helped . Even neighbours and town folks around had to realise that they shouldn't be looking down upon a dirty , unpleasant lady and calling her names but instead lend her a hand and feed her when she's hungry. However, time flies but promises made will be fulfilled. Managed to bring Kak Long to YB Dato Hj Mohd Daud's open house. YB loves her, I know. I appreciate those praises and words of thanks from YB himself. It's enough to lift up my spirits in helping the poor, sick and people who need my help. I am no YB, but a simple lady with a big heart who loves to reach out to others and make a difference in their lives. Then, there were raya parties in Batu Kurau, one by KRT and the other the ADUN's. Am glad I brought my friends along and they said they appreciated me taking them as they wouldn't have a chance to go far if I hadn't. Then, there was our MP's Raya party and this year our Wanita MCA had to put up a stall serving Chinese food. I didn't help to prepare anything but just went over to Selama Kedah to fetch the kuih ordered. I saw the ladies busily arranging the food and I was happy as it was presentable. However, I wish next year , all of them would dress up smartly especially for this festive occasion. Perhaps, we learn from our own mistakes and improve ourselves. I enjoyed taking photos with MP, YB Dato' Hamzah and his beautiful Datin together with my friends. Janet, Elaine and Way Teng were dressed smartly in baju kurung and kebaya . Janet told me this is 1 Malaysia. by the way, Janet helped me to look after Kak Long for some time and she bathed her just like she did to her mother. This is truly a touching story. Really 1 Malaysia in practice! Well, there are still a few Hari Raya parties around. Went to the Ass. ADO house for the Pejabat Daerah's The Moral Uplifting Society in Selama Kedah, where I ama committee member , held its 49th anniversary celebration. Then , the following day I attended another such dinner in Serdang. Then there was trouble! Was sick from eating too much oily food etc. These few days, I was busy with my family at photo taking sessions and then attending my second daughter, Poh Teng's graduation in USM. Am proud of her and will always be there to guide her as she ventures into her new career. After writing this , I'll be off to pack the clothes needed as we've to put up a night in Penang to be able to reach the university on time for my daughter's convocation the next morning. The rest of the family will be around as well and her godparents' family too. Well got to continue writing my journal later.