Just to give an idea of how long we had been here, my late father was born somewhere off Jalan Ipoh in 1909! 101 years ago, yet we feel unwelcome as citizens.
My youngest child is my father's youngest grandchild and she is number 35! It occurred to me to contact some relatives who live nearby but the time pressure would make it unsuitable. I contacted a friend for some information but did not ask him in case he felt obliged to treat us. So it was just us, plus my son's girl friend. We left BG before 4.00pm and arrived PJ just after 6.00pm. Nee just got back from work and we rested before setting off for Jalan Ipoh. Son was delayed at work and had to fetch girl friend. We were there early and ordered (as advised) so that we are in queue and could ask to start cooking when everyone arrived.
When my son and friend came, imagine my pleasant surprise to see a nephew and his family members walking in! My daughter said I always meet someone I know in the vicinity. Why not? Even the chef is a grandson of the original 'Ah Lok' whom I knew as a kid!
I have wanted to mention to my nephew that my son is going out with someone he knew as a former colleague but refrained from doing so. I never knew it could be such a coincidence! Without any initiative on my part, they met. It was also uncanny in that my nephew is now based in the Middle East and happened to be on holiday for a few days. The last time I met him was in a coffee shop in Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Ipoh when he was on his way to Langkawi and I was waiting for my car which was being serviced. I always believe we do not need to fix appointment if we have affinity with each other.
As it was still early, I suggested we adjourn to the Old Town Kopitiam in Riverview (Low Yat's project). Cheng noticed I felt uncomfortable and I told her the reason being her bags were in the car, but visible. Even with security guards around, I was worried, as usual.
Cheng's one-month holiday here (except few days in Bali, Indonesia) seems so short and sweet. While driving back at 1.00am, got a text from her that she was boarding the plane and thanked us for the lovely time. She said it was nice to be back. The now rare and occasional immediate family reunions and heart warming feedbacks are encouraging to us as parents. We have to get used to separation, as even our other two children's jobs in Malaysia require international travel.
Cheng's one-month holiday here (except few days in Bali, Indonesia) seems so short and sweet. While driving back at 1.00am, got a text from her that she was boarding the plane and thanked us for the lovely time. She said it was nice to be back. The now rare and occasional immediate family reunions and heart warming feedbacks are encouraging to us as parents. We have to get used to separation, as even our other two children's jobs in Malaysia require international travel.
I cannot help but be reminded of the guy in BG, who commented that people who are educated have no time for their parents. As someone who placed priority on parents and family, even as househusband, it is time for me to think: 'anything different from me is good for them'!
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