2019 was a year that hit my family HARD. After the high of 2018, where my sis and I finally fulfilled our dreams of taking my parents back to HK, 2019 started out pretty good. However, things started souring pretty fast after that. As mentioned in one of my entries, by April alone, we had lost at least four loved ones. By July, we had lost eight.
As I think back of what happened last year, the loss of three people runs through my mind. Ben's mum, whom I only knew for less than a year. It feels like I met her many times but when I really look back, I can't say that I have had a decent conversation with her. She was always welcoming; and she always had that glint of mischief in her eyes and smile. Now, whenever I go to Ben's parents house, her absence is stark - from the quiet of the piano, to the laundry basket full of unfolded clothes, to watching her get ready to go to church. Sigh.
My dear uncle Toning was the biggest loss to my family. We are all still reeling from his demise. Every birthday, Christmas and holiday will never be the same. Even his witty replies on FB will be missed. Slow, jazzy songs remind us of him; funny, odd gadgets makes us think of him; Nescafe Ice will always be associated with him. 8 months have passed since he left, and yet, it is still difficult to accept that he is no longer her physically.
The third person who comes to mind is Prem. A customer at my parents' cafe who soon became a family friend. A friendship that lasted 10 years, severed not by his passing, but by reasons only known to him; and ones that he took to his grave. Mum's last contact with him was before our trip to HK. He never replied. We got news that he moved to KL to be with his brother and that he was working there. The next thing we knew, we heard he collapsed at work, was in a coma in the hospital; and then....he passed. He was only 44. Waking up to news on FB that he had died was shocking. What more that his passing happened so soon after my uncle's.
With all the losses that happened last year and all due to medical issues, I of course became paranoid. Every day I have to tell myself that I am fine, people do get sick but that doesn't mean they will die. Ben too has commented on my paranoia; but I put it down to being concerned.
Onto good stuff that happened....as you all know, I got a new car!! And to top it off, I got a really good appraisal which lead to me being promoted and upgraded! Starting April 2020, I will be starting a new position, which of course comes with new responsibilities and pressure. I will be taking over someone who has 40 years of experience and knowledge, so the shoes to fill are huge! I have been telling people not to expect a clone of my predecessor because I cannot simply learn 40 years of experience in 2.5 months! I need patience, guidance and help! Lots of it! I do have a solid support system in my family, friends and even my boss.
So, as I welcome in the new year (which is coincidentally my Rat year) and decade, I look forward to happier, better, fulfilling and fun times ahead!!!!
