Woman Most Beautiful

I wrote this awhile back, hoping that it would come out in the newspapers. But alas, after 3 months, it has not happened; and so...here I am sharing it as one of my entries.

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Woman Most Beautiful

I lost a grandaunt a few weeks back. It was so sudden and unexpected that until today, reality has yet to sink in. I last saw her alive in December 2013. She was not feeling well then but as she always refused to go to a doctor or hospital, no one really took her seriously. Just two days before she died, she was talking to my aunt about the birthday card she sent; and the next thing we knew, she was gone. Her last wishes echoed her lifestyle of simplicity. It was a simple ceremony and for the first time in years, the whole family was back, in one place at the same time. She reunited us.

Her name was Corazon Tomas. My family and I used to visit her every school holiday (she lived in KL while we are from Penang). As time passed and my sister and I left school, visits to Aunty Soon (a nickname she fondly adopted after her Chinese house-help could not pronounce ‘Corazon’) became rare. Years would pass and our visits to her could be counted on one hand.

Aunty Soon was a recluse. After the untimely death of her husband and subsequent demise of her parents, she became isolated from the world. Getting her out of her room was a chore; getting her out of the house was even more difficult. We tried our best to include her in everything but in the end, she felt better being by herself. She would spend her time watching TV dramas and reading countless newspapers and magazines. At least that was what we thought she did. Despite being an O.C.D. and to an extent, a hypochondriac, there was one thing that Aunty Soon had in abundance: LOVE. Oh yes, and she was famous for her handwritten letters and cards. And her handwriting was beautiful!

She never forgot birthdays – in fact, she stuck to the “old system” of sending birthday cards, complete with hand written messages. Each card and every phone call that she made would end with an ‘I Love You’. I can’t speak for my family but I personally can admit that I think Aunty Soon was taken for granted. Come every birthday, it was a joke to ask if anyone of us had received a card from her. She never failed to do so. If there was no card from her that year, it would mean that she was sick. Even then, you would get a phone call at the very least.

The most painful part of the whole process was not about her leaving; but rather, the memories that she left behind that we did not know of. I did not cry at her funeral nor did I feel THAT sad. But I really felt the loss and almost cried when, while cleaning out her room, we stumbled upon boxes and bags of paper cuttings/articles, posters of waterfalls (we never knew she liked them), photos, letters and cards that she had kept since the 1970s and so much more. I think finding the paper cuttings/articles was the hardest part. She had a whole bunch of articles from a wide range of topics: medical, parenting, recipes, tailoring, fashion. But the one set of articles that hit me was of pictures of children holding their parents’ hands. Seeing those pictures made me understand that while being a recluse, she too needed companionship; that she probably craved the love that she did not dare ask nor seek.

Aunty Soon often thought that she was alone even though many people loved her. The sad truth is that she should not have felt that way. Though she had no children of her own, she had two “sons” in the form of my two cousins whom she brought up as her own, giving them so much of her love, attention and care. Her death affected her “sons” more than it affected the rest of us. All I can say is that, while she has left us, she continues to live on nevertheless, as she left her best with the both of them. Seeing them as the persons that they are now and will be, I’m sure Aunty Soon will be smiling.

One invaluable find among her valuables was a handwritten essay (see pic on the right) about her mother (my great-grandmother). It is short but very very sweet. It shows the extent of her love for her mother. Now I know where I inherit the writing genes from. I could not find an appropriate title for this piece and in the end, I decided that the title of Aunty Soon’s essay was the best title for this.

Dear Aunty Soon, as you now reunite with God, your husband, parents and brothers, please know that we all love you and miss you!

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Woman Most Beautiful

By Corazon Tomas

Who do you think is the most beautiful woman in the world?

This was the question asked by a friend during a lunch hour and it was immediately followed by a clamor of voices. Every girl seemed to know who, naming beauty queens, film actresses and other well-known personalities.

I knew who the most beautiful woman in the world was, but I kept silent.

Her beauty is within and without. Hers is not the kind of face that would launch a thousand ships. She is a housewife, known only to a few people. But to the ones who knew her best, her face was always an inspiration and a hope.

She was my first teacher, nurse and friend. She taught me right from wrong. Her kiss and warm embrace in times of sickness were more potent than medicine. Her smile, her understanding, her hand holding mine, made me meet problems and heartaches with strength and fortitude. She shared my experiences, vicarious or actual, and was ever so proud of my accomplishments, no matter how small. She is my most experienced adviser and most dependable ally.

And she cooks like an angel.

Yes, she is the most beautiful woman in the world – my mother. And lovely as the gift of life is, lovelier still it is to be born to a woman like my mother. I think all mothers are beautiful, but my mother is the most beautiful of all. - #

Heartfelt Appreciation

This entry deserves an entry of its own as it is to thank the 2 (OK, 3) people who made my birthday week happen.

First - to my dear dear dear dear sister for being the BEST party organiser ever!!! Having been "given" the "honour" of planning my birthday party a year ago, the end result of all the planning, organising, putting up with my OCD and indecisiveness, was simply fantastic! I don't think I could or will be able to pull off anything close to what she did. Hats off to my little sister!!!! Muax muax muax!!!

Second - my Penang mom!!!! As my sister's helper or rather co-organiser, the party wouldn't have been fun if not for her. I know that it was her who planned to have the "after dinner" party, as I thought having dinner was enough. But as always, she was right! Thank you thank you!!

And last but not least - my father. For a while he was left in the dark as he could not be trusted to keep a secret. But alas, he managed to keep it in despite accidentally spilling the beans a few times.

While I have specifically picked out 3 people, many more were involved and to them, I thank you too!!!

The Week I Turned 29+1

It took me a month to do this but it had to be written

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I am officially 29+1 for almost a month already. And what a week it was, when I turned 29+1!!

It all started with me applying for 5 days of leave from work. 5 days plus two weekends gave me a 9-day leave! The only other times when I have this long a leave is during Deepavali and Xmas/New Year.

(If you guys have been reading my previous entries, you would know that I have wanted a birthday party since last year and had "delegated" the job to my sister).

Anyway, the first 3 days of my leave passed in a blink of an eye. I didn't do much and was still fretting  about the birthday plans. There was going to be a dinner (2 days after my actual birthday, so that it would be a Friday when people could make it) but other than that, I was kept in the dark. I didn't know who was coming or what exactly were the plans for that night.

Come Tuesday (the eve of my b'day), Lawrence (or KT) took me out for dinner as he couldn't attend Friday's dinner. We went to a French-Japanese restaurant in Gurney Paragon where we dined on their signature spaghetti, a souffle-type dish (with rice, broccoli, sausages, mushrooms) and a dessert of chocolate parfait. We then walked around the mall before taking a slow drive home, catching up as the last time I saw him was probably about a year ago (we argued about this though).

I got my first surprise when I reached home that night. Mum and sis were having dinner at the food court near my house and asked me to join them so that they could get gossips about my dinner. Lo and behold, as I reached the food court and approached their table, I saw someone familiar sitting with them. Who was it???? My Singapore mum!!! As my sis had refused to tell me who was or wasn't coming for my dinner, this was surprise No.1!! Back in the house, Singapore mum unloaded her luggage to reveal and distribute lots of gifts, from chocolates to bags to purses. Singapore dad called me too, wanting to know about my "date", who I went out with, did I get kissed....!!! Lol!! I think he was disappointed that there was no "action."

The day ended with the ushering in of my birthday! Sis surprised me with one of those HUGE birthday cards with messages from family and friends who could not make it to the party!!! It was SOOOOO sweet!!!!

MY BIRTHDAY

I woke up fairly early as my sis was working. Penang and Singapore mum were so sweet to also wake up and tag along for the drive. After dropping sis off at work, we went to have breakfast at our usual Koay Teow Thng shop, but alas, it was closed. So we went to Chowrasta market instead and had a very unhealthy breakfast of Char Koay Teow!! By then, messages were already streaming in.

We headed home after breakfast and for the next few hours, we just relaxed and gossiped. It was in fact a lazy day. After picking my sis up from work later in the day, we headed home, had a bath, then went out for dinner. We had delicious Western Food, generously paid for by Singapore mum.

It was a pretty uneventful day but that was soon going to change....

The day after my b'day, was a day of visiting. Singapore mum wanted to visit her other sister in Penang and after much hoo-haa, Penang mum reluctantly followed (Penang mum had a clash with this sister and they haven't spoken to each other in yeeearrsss!). The visit was successful, after which, we picked my sis up (she took half day leave) and we went to my cousin's house for lunch.

Lunch was Assam Pedas and Laksa, all cooked by my cousin with her 6 little kids as helpers. Singapore mum was so happy to see all of them, and of course, photo-taking was a must!!

After lunch, we headed to Prangin Mall where we met up with another cousin and her son. This time, we had tea; after which we met her new Pakistani husband. Singapore mum and I got Pashmina scarves as presents from my cousin and her husband.

As Singapore mum had fallen in love with the food court opposite my house, we went there for dinner. Mum was dying to introduce the garlicky-brinjal dish but unfortunately, Singapore mum did not really like it. But....we had ikan panggang! YUMS!!

FRIDAY - D-DAY

So the day of the dinner began with both mums, sis and I watching Maleficent! Yup....as a homage to my fellow birthday buddy (yes...Angelina Jolie (AJ) and I were both born on June 4th!). If I'm not mistaken, we caught the first show of the day, skipping breakfast and coming out just in time for lunch. The movie was really good, so much so that I wanted to clap at the end!! And AJ was a sight to behold! I really enjoyed the movie and in fact, actually prefer this version to the one I grew up with. Another age thing?? Hmmm....before I forget, thanks Singapore mum for paying for the tickets!!! And lunch!! :p

Anyway, after the movie and lunch, we headed home to get prepared for the night.

THE DINNER

As it was the eve of a public holiday, the roads were packed with cars!! Not to forget that it was also the school holidays!! Thinking that we had left the house with enough time to spare, unfortunately, my colleague arrived at the restaurant before us!!!

Arriving slightly late at the restaurant, my colleague and Trish (yup...we're friends again) were already there. Slowly, people started to arrive and soon things were in full swing. Everyone was getting to know each other, mingling, eating, taking photos. In fact, I was too busy greeting people and mingling that I hardly ate!! And the food was GOOD!!!

About an hour into the dinner, surprise No. 2 and No. 3 arrived much to my delight!! My brother and future sis-in-law CAME!!! I had thought that they would miss the dinner as just that afternoon, my brother was tagged in a couple of photos on FB, playing at a gig. That sort of "told" me that he was busy. I was sooooooooooo happy and excited that I actually wanted to cry; and to later find out that they were there for the weekend....WOOOOO!!!!!!!

After everyone had eaten, it was time for the cake cutting and this was another surprise as well. The cake was decorated with the snowman from FROZEN and it had 29+1 on it! Lol!! PLUS...it was German chocolate. Thank you Robert and Prem for the cake!

So, once everyone had eaten the cake and ice-cream (which was dessert), some of the guests left, while the bulk of us went to Straits Quay to continue partying (or rather, start partying). We ended up in Healy Mac's, where there was a live band.

Beer, stout, cocktails and coke were the beverages for the night. Another surprise was in store as the whole of Healy Mac's sang for me!!! Must have been my brother's work. Not that I'm complaining!! I also met an old colleague of mine - which was nice as we had lost contact. I'm not sure how much I drank but it was enough to give me a hang over the next day! Worse...I actually drove my aunty's car back!! By the time we were home and after opening all my presents, it was already nearly 4am.

The next day, I woke up feeling fine, until I drank a sip of water and coffee. That made me vomit twice and boom! my hang over began!! I slept till about 3-ish, got up, took a bath and then sent Singapore mum to the airport. Apparently, getting me drunk was part of the plan and all were happy to achieve that. But I must insist that I WAS NOT DRUNK!! By then I was feeling much better. That night, dinner was at the food court as Penang mum wanted to introduce the garlic-brinjal to surprise No.2 and No.3. Dinner was followed by a movie, the Edge of Tomorrow, just between us siblings.

It was an early night for us as we (or at least I) was still recovering from the previous night.

The fantastic week ended the next day. We all went to the Occupy Beach Street event just to jalan-jalan, then had the customary nasi kandar lunch. Around 3-ish that day, surprise No. 2 and No. 3 headed back home.

LOVE - that was the FIRST thing that welcomed me in this new decade. Everyone who planned, was involved, came etc made me feel loved. It was more than I could have asked for!!

What a fantastic start to a new decade!!!!!!

p.s. pictures are on FB