Going back

 

Image taken from I can't remember where 

We were back in Kuala Lumpur recently for ten days.  We've been away for a while, so it was a nice short trip to kill some birds with one stone, so to speak.  We caught up with family and also attended a church wedding as well as a different reception the next day.  It was a busy time as we rushed to do some quick shopping for traditional outfits for the occasion.  Everything turned out to be sensational. 

Although I used to travel by coach almost every weekend before I moved to Singapore, we usually take a flight nowadays.  Stephen says we fly for the speed and convenience of getting from Point A to Point B.  Actually, a coach ride is pretty relaxing these days.  I've seen the newer luxury coaches, and they look pretty comfortable.  However, it is a long five-hour drive and could be lengthened if there is any accident on the highway.

We usually take Firefly now although it costs slightly more than other airlines.  We pay for the ease of immigration clearance and proximity to the KL home.  Firefly is from Seletar to Subang.  Overall, it is worth the extra dollars!  

The picture above brought back memories of when the coach used to reach this area and I realise that I am at the end of the long journey back.  The KL home is just a wee bit yonder from the dark greenery in this picture. 

We'll be back, KL!

Happy birthday, Hubby!

Image from Pinterest

I love him for all the big and little things he does to make our life so great.  He finds immense joy in all he does for our family.  It never fails to make me smile.

He dotes on all of us and is always saving for our future.  He never thinks of himself unless it is pointed out that he needs a new shirt.  It is forbidden to throw his old ones away!  

He loves saying "buy" if his grand-daughter wants something.  That girl is the new love of his life but I don't say this grudgingly, he has enough love to go around. And it warms my heart to see him excited about being a grandfather.

As I write this, I think of the times that he would stand in queue for me.  It doesn't matter if it's when we're out eating or shopping, he'd do what makes it convenient for me.  I also remember how he will suddenly bring home something for tea that I hadn't had in a while.  He praises all the food I make, even if there isn't any recipe and it's all last-minute put together kind of meal.  Heck, he is also happy when I reheat food because he's just that kind of guy.  He helps with all the chores when he isn't at work.  There are so many things that makes him lovable.  

In short, I just want to leave this here for when memories have faded so I can look back and recall how very precious he is to me and to the family.  He's a champion in our hearts and minds.

But what would my greeting be, without some humour.  So ...

You are highly favoured, deeply loved and greatly blessed, Baby Grosse!

Leftover love

 

Image from Pinterest

I believe this to be true and that the reverse is equally valid.  What I mean is that the ones that we love never really leave us.

It's a kind of leftover love.  Leftover as in "remaining" or "surplus".  

And this makes me smile because this only happens when there was so much to begin with.

Remembering Douglas Lawrence Cheow

(2 November 1957 - 26 March 1991) 

with all the leftover love.

22642 days

It's my birthday today!

How many days since 21 March, 1959?

It has been 22642 days since 21 March, 1959

That's approximately 743.86 months or 62 years.

A reminder for me!

And just like that

 

to our grand-daughter Cayla Gail

She is two today.

It's the second birthday that we are not able to spend with her but it doesn't diminish the joy we feel even if we are separated because of covid-19.

Thanks to technology we have seen her growing and learning.  Her vocabulary is amazing and makes us glow with pride when she recognises animals, fruits, food and even insects!

We cannot find the words to describe how we feel for her.  Maybe that's how it should be!  Indescribable because nothing on earth comes close to the emotions we have.

Of two old souls

Image from Pinterest

Approximately 21,919 days ago, Stephen Felix Grosse was born on 20 November 1959.  

It would have been a miracle for us to have met earlier because we grew up in different countries.  Moreover, our paths never crossed, when we were children, even though our families were seemingly linked via the wife of my uncle.

That's real life, I guess.  Perhaps an earlier connection wouldn't have made a difference or impact.  We only met at a time when we were ready to fit in each other's lives.

We are so different yet the same.  Often I think unlike poles attract and yet we are also alike.  

We had a quiet celebration for his birthday.  I did ask if he would have liked a big bash since it was his 60th but he wasn't interested. In this, we are alike.  There was no fanfare or party!!!  Looks like we don't need a specific day to be happy.  On the days that he doesn't work is when we have a date or eat at home and really it is celebration enough.  Not just one day here and there but every time that we spend together is special.  Yeah, it sounds clichéd but isn't this how it should be!

I had always thought that we would celebrate our 60th year because it is a milestone but somehow it has paled in comparison to becoming grandparents.  Having a grand-daughter changed our focus completely!  Our conversations are always about Cayla Gail and how important she is to this new chapter of our 60th year!  

In fact, she is quite like a 60th year birthday present that keeps growing and growing.  We feel so awesomely blessed.

So 2019, thank you for a superb 60th year from two old souls. 

Remembering his life and love

Image from Pinterest

Many years ago, I was told that as long as someone is remembered, then they are never really gone from our lives.  At that time, it was hard to understand this and neither was I interested in analysing it.

Now, however, I do think that it makes perfect sense.  

Day 12 Christmas Gift

Taken by me -Tangs Singapore

The bible is never wrong.  We truly believe that every good and perfect gift comes from above, as is written in James 1:17.

When I saw this over a week ago, I just thought that it was such a fitting tribute to the reason for the season.  We often forget why we celebrate Christmas.

And since every good and perfect gift comes from above, we are thankful for our beautiful Gwen who celebrates her birthday today.

May God bless her abundantly and give her all the desires of her heart.

D and I love you and cannot ask for a better gift from God than to have you in our lives.  

His birthday again!

And so another year to mark the beginning of the next chapter begins!  Level 58 achieved and becoming much more than all he could ever dream of being.

It has been satisfying to see how blessed the last year has been, for Stephen, with so many opportunities falling on his path.  It's just incredible how he has embraced both his spiritual and personal journey.  My birthday prayer is that he continues to know God more deeply.  

1317 hrs

Image from Facebook via Twitter

Today, Jared is 31 and I still remember having him in my tummy!  I'm in awe of how Jared has come so far in his journey.  When I was his age, I hadn't done a lot of the things that he has done.  I hadn't travelled as much either.  He has an adventurous soul.

From pre-school to his "O" levels and then to music, he carved his own path and I dare say that he had the conviction to follow his own dream.  Few people do so, and that is something to be admired.

He has finally settled down with his beautiful Gwen, a wonderful soulmate, from the land below the wind.  Truly it's a joy for me to know he's in her capable hands and that they share a lovely and loving life. 

I've seen him go from an inquisitive and precocious child to becoming the mature and responsible man he is now.  Whenever I have needed a second opinion, I could always go to him as he truly knows my heart best.  

It's impossible to count the many times I have felt so much love that I thought I would burst.  I am so very blessed.  Stephen and I are so very blessed.

And he already knows, apparently when you're 31 years old, you'll live your billionth second.  So at 1317 hours today, I hope you stop for a second and celebrate your billionth moment in time.  I've put an alarm on my watch for it!  

Happy birthday, son.  We love you so much

and pray for you to be happy, healthy and whole. 

May you always hold God close to you and

recognise all the blessings you receive.

You are the love of my life

Happy Birthday, Stephen Felix Grosse!  

Exciting days are ahead for us and a new chapter awaits.  I can't wait to share it all with you.

Be blessed today and always and continue to shine as God's beloved child.

57 years today

Image from Twitter

It was a lovely surprise that the children conspired, with Stephen, to appear suddenly at nearly 2 am on Saturday morning.  There was a flurry of messages going on between them without my knowledge. Certainly a well-kept secret because I was totally taken aback when they arrived.  

I was not at all in a celebratory mood.  I hardly ever make a fuss over my birthday.  It's just another day for me.  This year I did find my thoughts drifting to my dad who died at the age of 57.  And now I'm his age!  He seemed so much older than I feel now.

But the kids always bring a buzz with them.  Their youth and zest for life is catching.  For this reason alone, I did feel thankful and blessed that they came.  As I commented to a friend, "money cannot buy" the presence of my nearest and dearest. It's a present in and of itself.  

As the day comes to an end, it's wonderful to just breathe in the moment and remember that life is to be lived.  

I will go to bed tonight thinking of this bible verse as I begin my 57th year around the sun!

Image from Pinterest

And I love him so...

Image from Pinterest

Image from Pinterest

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY GROSSE!

Memories...

Image from Pinterest

Seconds, minutes, hours, days or even years may pass but it doesn't change what had once filled the heart with love, laughter and even tears.

The heart never forgets. 

34 years to go....

Image from Pinterest

Recently I was at the celebration of a nonagenarian!  Yes, not a birthday party but truly a celebration because not many people reach the age of 90.

I searched my memory for another person of the same age and I couldn't!!

What is it like to be 90?  If my Aunt Therese Fitzgerald is anyone to go by, then it must be wonderful. I watched her sitting so beautiful and poised at the main table and saw how she enjoyed all the family and friends surrounding her.  The love and energy in the room was tangible.  

I wonder what goes on in the mind of someone at that age.  I see others, some even younger, in the Nursing Home who are physically and mentally challenged.  Aunt Therese is still alert and shows a keen interest in everyone and everything.  Is this the secret?

The elegant Therese Fitzgerald

I don't know if I will even see 90 but if I do, I hope that I will have kept my mind intact and still be able to recognise all my loved ones.  I also hope that I will have the ageless beauty and serenity of Therese Fitzgerald

A long way to go......... 

She's 79 today

 

My mom-in-law is 79 today.

I have asked her if she wanted to go out to celebrate but she was not interested. All she wanted is chee cheong fun.  Her simple request made me think a lot about people who want so many things. To me, it's such a practical and down-to-earth thing to ask for.

I've learnt that when one gets older, one doesn't really need much to be happy.  A birthday doesn't bring a long list of requests for this or that.

We did celebrate with a birthday balloon and cake.  But even as she was glad for all those things, she asked, "where's my chee cheong fun?".  That's typical of her, always direct, practical and straightforward!!!!

I hope when I'm 79 I'll also have so few needs or wants and that a simple meal will be enough to cheer me up.

After singing and eating, I asked what her wish is for today and she replied, "Long life".

May she remain well all the days of her life. 
In Jesus' name I pray. 
Amen. 

Happy Birthday AGAIN, Baby Grosse!

Image from WWW

Stephen is 55 today.  A milestone in his life and career too.  The age of retirement in Singapore is 67 so he can go on for another 12 years if he so wishes. Let's see what he decides because part of his daily joy is doing a good job at work and being recognised for it. 

And now back to his special day as I want to give thanks to God for a wonderful spouse.  He's a good man. I saw this online and nodded my head for each point.  

Image from Pinterest

However, in line with his colourful and happy nature, I thought this was also quite fitting and would make him smile!

Babe, you know how happy I am to have you in my life but even if you forget, let today be a reminder that your birthday isn't the only day that I am thankful for you.  I am thankful for you every day of my life. 

May you be blessed, in double doses, for all the good that you have put out in the world.  I love you very much. 

Happy Birthday, Baby Grosse

Image from Pinterest

When I saw this card, it said all that I felt and I decided to share it.  

Years ago, I felt this way and today I feel the same. Years from now, I am sure that it will still hold true.

Stephen Grosse, you are quite perfect to me!  I love you very much and I pray that God will continue to bless you with all that your heart desires.

Happy 55 years!!

57 years today

It's your birthday and, of course, I think of all that could have been and I wonder. I always wonder about how life would have been if you hadn't gone so suddenly.

What comforts me is that many others join me in missing you so much.  

I miss you a lot today. 

  

My beloved child

D and I love you so very much.

May you never forget that you are abundantly blessed and our beloved child in whom we are well pleased.