A sad day

This date 12th June, 2008 was indeed a very sad day for me.  My elder sister Huan Ee who is very close and dear to me, passed away!  I would say no doubt she loves me so much especially after we lost our mother at a very young age(I was 15 then).

Fond memories came back. I could recount so many instances where we shared our childhood. For example, she was the one who taught me how to weave the ketupat Melayu and in at least four different shapes.

Her children are especially close to me due to the fact that she always brought them visiting father (their 外公) and us.  We also shared many happy occasions in their childhood at the kampong environment. This close relationship with them also saw me visiting her four children residing in Singapore, namely Kiat, Nge, Keong and Sheow almost once every year.  And I know the names of all her grandchildren there. Last month I was in Miri visiting Hong Pie.

As to the cause of her death, I would call it as delayed treatment of a very emergency case.  Her stomachache turned out to be very serious condition where it required immediate attention and surgery.  Unfortunately for her, with her children all not around at that time(who would have made the right decision for her), she did not make the right decision.  And the delay of a right diagnosis and fast surgery was fatal.  How sad!

I think if an aged person stays alone, there should be an contingency plan in case there exists an emergency like the one experienced by my late sister.  Things like whom to contact for help and which clinic or hospital to go, including the doctors' names should be made known to the neighbor or relative or friend concerned.

Yesterday during her funeral, I saw how her children and relatives grieved for her.  She was such a loving person not only to her own children but to her relatives' children, the nephews and nieces.

So it was a really sad day for many people touched by her love!

May she rest in peace.