Mum Rose and Memories

When Mum Rose Cheow died on 19 December 2023, I was in Singapore.  There was such a sadness that permeated my being when I heard that she was gone! 

I had known her since I was 14 so we had a connection that spanned over 50 years.  It struck me that she was always in my life albeit not always physically.  In the earlier years, it was our love for Doug that naturally drew us together.  In the latter part of my life, she was always hovering in the background and never let me forget that she had my back!

The one thing that I shall remember most about her is that she took chances in life and made the best of everything.  

I had not expected for her to leave anything to me since I am, technically, out of the family picture.  Hence, it was a surprise to see that she had thought of me and left something tangible to keep.  I don't really need anything, but her kindness and thoughtfulness has yet again reminded me that this is the path to follow.

When I saw her little note, it made me tear up.  I have kept a letter that she wrote to me in 1992.  The familiar writing tugged at my heart.  1992 was an especially difficult year but knowing she would be there for me, offering to be there for me, made it bearable.  I shall always be eternally grateful for her love and support throughout the last 50 years.

Devil Curry

Image from Pinterest

When I was in KL, my daughter-in-law, GG made Devil Curry using a recipe that was given by our beloved Rose Cheow.  This is the curry that I was used to and knew since I was a teenager!  It has always been the standard by which I judged all other recipes.  I suppose it is a matter of taste and preference. Gwen followed the recipe and reproduced the dish exactly as I remembered it to be!

She had made Devil Curry using another recipe before and that also turned out very well.  But this for me, has always brought back memories of meals with family and eating with our fingers!  

There were many highlights during my trip back and this is one of them.  Thanks, GG, for being such a superb cook and for making this with love.  

 

Up, up, and away!

My pic from window of Firefly flight

On 13th March, I made my first trip out of Singapore for 2024.  Of course, the only travelling I am willing to embark on nowadays is to see family!  I'm not a tourist or an adventurer type at all!

I know people travel to experience life on the other side of the world or to just have a change of scene.  For me, it is never something that I liked or looked forward to doing.  It has always been about the family and friends that I will get to see and catch up with!

This particular time was chosen because of Cayla celebrating her fifth birthday!  When they say that time flies, it really has where this girl is concerned!  

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable time watching the kids prancing about and having boundless energy.  Cayla had a Bluey party in a theme park, and it was the first time I had a glimpse of how the kids of the 21st century do it!  It was her first time and probably not the last after that experience.  

 This was on a Sunday so that her friends could be with her!

On Monday, another cake and singing session in her kindergarten!  After which, she could leave early which is every birthday girl's dream.   

Then to the gifts awaiting at home!

One with the grandkid

It is easy to forget how wonderful a birthday can be when we are in our mid 60s!  As a matter of course, I don't celebrate my birthdays!  My 50th and 60th just whizzed by without any fanfare.  I would choose a quiet meal with Stephen rather than a full-blown party.  It's just me!

I was away for twelve days, and it was enough.  I missed my quiet life in Singapore and was happy to return.  In both places, I am always happy because of being surrounded by loved ones.  At this point in my life, I think that is all I need now.