Pa was a hopeless romantic, however, he loved Grandma the most. As long as Grandma says "NO", he would immediately end the relationship with his girldfriends - all except for one, Mom.
Pa and Mom met at Genting. Fate (and a Super Bright Red Luggage) brought them together.
Is that the reason Mom loves to go Genting, the first place they met and fell in love?
Pa was the first and only person in his family to graduate from the university.
That really puts a lot of pressure on him to support his family. That's why he started his business selling office supplies. As time went by and business was booming, there were also several business ventures; real estates, interior design, shoes, an almost vanilla seed investments.
Then came the 1997 economic crash. All that peak, all Pa's sweat and blood came crashing down. It was a time of uncertainty, turbulances and difficult choices. That was when you had to choose between keeping a roof over our heads or the business. You kept the business - for you knew that it would feed the family; while our home can be rebuilt. You were much wiser then; I wasn't.
I was devastated when we lost our home. Our large family had to move away.
Those were the times when I learnt about never die attitude when life gets tough and throws you lemons. I remember selling charms at night market and (almost dead) flowers at school. After school, I helped in the office, followed you to customers and learned how you closed deals. During school holiday, I worked as a receptionist from 8 to 5 and continued work in a restaurant in the evening. I enjoyed those times.
We'd looked for "treasures" at Salvation Army and antique stores. That's how I come to appreciate and have an eye for good valued items at a discount. Of course, we bought a whole load of second hand junks too - but it was fun because I needed to convince you why my "treasure" was valuable.
You encouraged me to interview for the student exchange program to Japan, and drove me all the way to KL and waited until it was over. I got selected, all thanks to you. However, I had to reject it because we still need to pay for the living expenses; which we cannot afford. I was also offered the ASEAN scholarship to Singapore but I did not take it. I felt family needed me more at that time.
I put more pressure on myself to excel in my studies. Occasionally, I'll call back home crying after an exam; your advice would be, "It's ok, Fail more! It's because you have not failed enough." I don't understand how that is any good advice when I was already bawling my eyes out. You gave me an honest piece and you were right. I marched back in and gave my all!
Mealtimes were my favourite, I've loved all your life advices and your sharings of how you have rebuilt.
~Life may give us lemons but we've shared the sourest moments together.
Some Vitamin C, a lot of love, and a stronger US!~
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