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May 16, 2006
Visit from Germany
My mum has arrived for a one month visit to Malaysia. The last time she was here in Malaysia was in 1995 for my wedding and in 1999, she visited us in Singapore.
She is actually an amazing woman, now standing at 82 years. I mean, look, for such an old lady, such a,ong travel from Germany is quite an adventure. Especially since her English is not good at all, thus, she is totally dependent on me and my wife.
But she is a traveller. On the "road" since more than 10 years as well - travelling here and there with friends. It is hard to get an "appointment" with her, when I plan to visit her in Germany. Last time we went, our timeframe was squeezed between two other travels.
Most of her journeys take her across Europe even so, she ventures out of the continent every now and then. Last, she was on a cruise that also brought her to Egypt and Libya.
Being old, she has become quite fragile. When she turned 80, she was on a holiday in spain (told you!), fall and broke her knee. As a result, she is limbing quite a bit. Her bones are briddle, but she is coping well.
She had a good trip - was taken care of by check-in counter, in the plane, and in KLIA. Gosh, someone from MAS brought her from the plane to me - through customs, immigration and getting her luckage. I had to sign her out - so as proof that the responsibility has been transferred to me :). Thank you, MAS for doing this!
I was moved when I saw her coming out. Really, close to tears. Even when she saw my kid and my boy was happy to see her. Emotions are some great stuff, so unpredictable, sometimes.
The humidity is battling her, of course. But she enjoys being around, picing up my kid from school, and we went to 1U this afternoon already.
So now I have taken some time off, here and there. Work can wait, and hey, in such situation, life is really all that there is.
Think about it - what is more important - the next call to your client or to your mother. When was the last time you spoke to your parents? When was the last time, you spent serious time with them? How fast they can pass on - so ask yourself, every day: Are there any crutches left between you and your loved ones?
So this is just a personal note. But I am happy and I am alive! And , mum - I love you. Thanks for bringing me to this world and raising me greatly. Stay healthy and live long to see my child grow up too!
Posted by Andreas at May 16, 2006 09:50 PM
Comments
Ask your mom to stay young, discard all the core beliefs about old age.
Tell her not to fear and believe that old age is a time of spiritual/or physical deterioration or the beginning of an era in which all the hard worn attributes of maturity vanish and the reasoning faculties vanish.
Old age must be viewed as a highly creative part of living with much wisdom. The mind actually becomes more itself, freer to use more of its abilities, allowed to stray from restricted areas, to assimilate, acknowledge and create.
The chemical and hormonal changes that occur are conducive to spiritual and psychic growth. Youth is denied its wisdom and old age denied its joy.
Posted by: multidimid at May 17, 2006 12:34 AM
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