My grandmother turned 89 on Monday thirtieth November two thousand and nine. We didn’t throw a big party inviting friends and family – it was just an intimate affair. About two and a half weeks ago, Mama was readmitted into the hospital for blood transfusion and extra care for the bed sores she developed from the lack of mobility after her hip operation.

On Monday, we visited mama at the hospital with a surprise birthday cake. She had no clue it was her birthday (signs of dementia). It has been two and a half weeks since I saw her and I was already starting to miss her. We gently opened the door to her room and peeked in, the minute her eyes caught us, she beamed from ear to ear and sprung upright on the bed… I would give the world to have those few seconds replayed.

We stuck eight big candles and nine small ones into the petite cake and sang the birthday song. Mama blew the candles heartily until all the flames went out and we prayed for her… It was a great privilege to be praying for Mama because she has been my prayer warrior since young. Day after day she would converse with God and each time she would meticulously mention her children and grandchildren’s names. That was her ministry… and she faithfully continued in that steadfastness and persevering faith.

And although she her memory is somewhat fading away (and her conversations with God may come in repetitions), I know that God is still her best friend and He is never bored of listening. Every now and then I would ask her, “Mama, do you talk to Jesus?”She will confidently answer, “Of course I pray. I always talk to Jesus”.

She will always be my prayer warrior despite her old age and frail frame – her spirit speaks strength and tenacity.

Sunday: Mama admitted to hospital. We visited her with dinner and loads of smiles.

Monday: Mama checked my cardiologists to ensure that her heart condition is stable for surgery. She had a triple bypass at 70 in Australia and now a hip bone surgery at 89?! What a fighter! Needless to say we were all worried sick but trusted that God is in control.

Tuesday
730am: Mama got wheeled into the operation theatre. Doc told us that it’ll be a 1hr surgery. She was calm but also had a lot running through her mind. The night before she dreamt of king crabs attacking her and some other nasty dream and even accidentally pulled the blood filled tubes connecting to her veins out. We prayed for her before she went into the operation theatre, kissed her and exchanged “I love you’s”. The sliding doors slammed shut leaving us in a cold waiting room.

930am: Anxiously waiting as nurses pushed other patients out of the theatre. The feeling is unnerving, like knots in your stomach and the ability to only breathe shallow breaths.

1130am: Still no signs of her…

1230noon: Finally out!  Drifting in and out of sleep for the first few hours after surgery. We came back in the evening to find her propped up in bed looking much better than before the op. She smiled as we walked in, ate 2 bowls of porridge and drank loads of water. What a relieve! Her recovery was already in progress.

Wed – Friday: Every morning the Chan brood brings her favourite peanut butter and kaya bread for breakfast. She rests the other good half of the day with constant monitoring from doctors and nurses. We return in the evening with dinner and spends time talking with her.

Doctor has given us the good news that she can be discharged soon! Praise God… It’s now coping with a few changes at home. Mama will need vigilant care and physiotherapy to get her back on her feet. It’s been a whirlwind week but God has kept us at the eye of the storm – His peace truly transcends all understanding.

This year we had the privilege of hosting dinner at our place. Chef Terence ruled the kitchen again this time glazing the oven with honey coated ribs and pasta on the side. Ms. Salad Queen (yours truly) tossed up a Caesar salad, Mommy Ooi brought fish fritters and mash potatoes and Mommy dearest brought desserts.

Fellowship was wonderful, food was rib-a-licking-good and though our dining table extended from wall to wall, we managed to sit 12 people around the table! My personal highlight was having my grandmother there. She turns 89 this November and I am just utterly grateful that God has given her good health all these years and the ability to enjoy occasions like this. Granny has been my pillar of strength and though of recent years her memory has diminish somewhat, I know deep within that she still remembers the precious times we’ve shared. She was my fashion consultant after shopping sprees, watching me parade in my new clothes. When her legs used to be stronger, granny was my walking partner as we diligently and religiously woke up every morning breezing through our usual route. I dearly cherish the times when we would talk each other in the dark until one of us falls asleep (usually she’d beat me to dreamland). And now after I moved out, it is bitter sweet to see granny grow old. She has her stubborn streaks at times and we have to be extra patient with her. It’s part and parcel of aging. Trying to understand her constraints and loving her all the same makes our relationship a lot richer. She’s such a gem and will always be. I would not be who I am if not for the seeds she’s sown in my life.

Such a lot to be thankful about, from now on I not only have one mother to celebrate with, I have three – mom, mom-in-law and granny. My relationship with mom has evolved much over the years. We’ve recognized each other’s temperaments and antics and learnt to communicate around it. We’ve become stronger allies in sharing and supporting one another. We’ve learnt that once a mother and daughter finds a confidante in each other, it can only grow stronger as time goes by. I’ve also learnt that no matter how close I live to my family, I will always miss them, especially mom’s morning kisses and her constant embrace.

All in all, life is a lot richer with a mom-in-law at arm’s reach. I see her tirelessly caring for her family without a word of complaint. Any request is never too difficult to meet. I constantly marvel at the way she juggles between work and the kitchen, cooking top class meals for the family. Her gift of hospitality and mastery at the wok is something I desperately want to glean from. Our relationship too has evolved over the recent years. From being mere acquaintances to someone I’m contented calling mom. I’m truly blessed with a wonderful mom-in-law in whom I’m comfortable being myself and sharing my experiences with.

Blessed beyond words, my moms mean the world to me…

People say that marriage is like wine, the longer you keep it the sweeter it gets. I’m personally savouring the experience day by day and sometimes wonder how it would be like 20 or 40 years down the road. What a wild and eventful 9 months it has been since we tied the knot.

Our marriage is blessed foremost because of our parents and how they have worked at and kept their marriage strong throughout the years. They are the flicker of hope when journey becomes a bit dull or when storms thunder in.

Today my parents celebrate their 30th anniversary! Three decades is a really long time and much has taken place since Sonny met Maggie! From the time I started comprehending situations and circumstances, here’s what I remember most about their marriage:

• Their love for each other is infectious, ever enduring and pure.
• They are not afraid to show affection around their children – I find that rare in the Asian culture. It taught that love is not shy or passive, but bold and affectionate.
• The role of husband and wife can always be intertwined and responsibilities at home must be shared. Dad does the housework while mom works on the computer. Or dad cooks while mom irons.
• Their love for God and their desire to build a Godly family is the reason I have a strong foundation – because it all starts from the family.
• Their ministry as a couple in Children’s Church and Rangers for more than a decade. Imagine my mom was my Sunday School Teacher!
• The line in their vows “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health” was demonstrated in action as mom won the battle over cancer and dad defeated the odds when his kidneys threatened to fail. Love and commitment was felt at the very moment. What a testimony for His glory!
• Love is nurtured and doesn’t come effortlessly but with a resolute decision to stay devoted to each other. Of course there are bumps along the way but the finish line is to complete the race hand in hand with each other.
• Believe in each other’s dreams and be willing to support each other to fulfill those dreams. Dad arrived at his life long dream to become a professional photographer capturing only around the age of 52. Today he takes spectacular shots and shares his knowledge with others too. Mom is his biggest fan! Awesome isn’t it?

Blessed 30th anniversary mommy dearest and daddy ‘o! We love you beyond words and expressions and will be forever grateful for what you have sown into our lives. May your covenant with God and each other be strengthen as you scale the mountains and heights for His glory!

One of many things I love about Christmas is setting up the tree. There’s something warm, magical and fuzzy about it. With Christmas jazzies playing at the background, the entire room just evolves into a big sparkle!

Perhaps it was the memories I grew up when setting up the Christmas tree. Either mom or dad would put the tree together, I would string the lights and then the family would gather around each having one or more tinsel or bauble and we go round hanging it on the tree until the deco box is empty. Every year we’d have a family photo in front of the tree with presents laid all over.

This year would be slightly different. It’s our first Christmas in No.8! Terence and I bought a new tree that fitted perfectly into the empty space in our hall. We both decorated the tree with baubles and lots of tinsels then we added some ribbon around it.

What a great starts to an even greater Christmas! This year there will be no hustle and bustle or mad mad mad shopping. It’ll be a laid back kind of celebration with family and close friends. Above all, as everyday is, this is a celebration of Jesus because He really is the Reason for tis season.