Memoirs of a Daughter...

Yesterday, I told Justin some stories about his grandparents.. I'm sad to say that I can only remember most things in bits and pieces.. I do wish I had been more curious and asked more questions to find out about my parents' lives.. their childhood.. especially dad's.. So, before I forget whatever little detail I have in my memory bank...

Dad was born on 15 March 1934 in Kuala Lumpur, he was the No. 8 son in the family (daughters were not included in those days). His father owned many hectres of rubber estate and his mother had bound feet (although larger than the 3-inch lotus), had a handkerchief in her 'samfu' and held a fan in her hand. Dad's father suffered a stroke in his prime and passed away (I never met him) and 'Ah Mah' lived to a ripe old age of 80+ and died peacefully in her sleep (I was only 5 year old then). Dad was sent off to study at Chung Ling High, in Penang (he took pride in their all white uniform with gold buttons) and eventually, went abroad to the University of London, Cambridge where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. At that point in time, he could hardly speak English.. he ordered 'rare' steak by mistake, gave the bus conductor a 10 pound note for a tuppence ticket.. and learnt how to survive on all types of eggs (which remained his favourite food). He said if he were to do it all over again, he would have probably chosen law..

As for the rest of dad's siblings:

• The eldest brother 'tai pak' was apparently adopted (from one of the uncles) and lived to a ripe old age. His eldest daughter was the same age as my dad (I was told to call her by name cos we were of the same generational 'rank')
  
• No. 2 studied in England and was brilliant in Maths, but unfortunately died in a car accident (not sure how or when exactly)
• No. 3 got married and had children (sadly, I don't know who they are)
• No. 4 was given away (to another uncle and not to 'tai pak's' original family)
• No. 5 self-taught music by tinkering on a child's piano. He eventually sufferred from senile demetia
• No. 6 could fold empty cigarette cartons into animals like giraffes and do magic trick with cards. Unfortunately he also suffered from depression (I was told that it was after the break-up with a girl) and later on, had multiple strokes resulting in left hemiplegia. But he managed to regain independence by himself without therapy!
• No. 7 had four sons, the youngest being one of my 'closer' cousins
• No. 9 has 2 sons and lives in Singapore, we try to meet at least once during Chinese New Year
• 'Koo Mah'.. my dad's only sister.. is my favourite.. hey, we gals have to stick together :0)

Mum was born on 20 March 1940 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. She was the eldest of two girls. Her father was studying at the seminary when World War II hit home. He stayed back to fend off the Japanese soldiers while the rest of the family ran to hide in the jungle (Mum was only 4 years old then). He was inevitably killed.. along with one of his brothers. The family apparently survived solely on tapioca during the war.. which explained why Mum didn't touch that substance for a long, long time afterwards. Her mother had to raise both girls on her own.. by running a hair salon.. She had 'bitter soul' until she found God again and eventually, forgiveness of heart later in life.. 'Ah Yee' has 2 daughters and lives near Mum now.. the two sisters have a enviable close bond till today..

Mum, being very pretty (surprisingly none-Chinese features).. was rather popular with boys (or so she claims). But somehow, she was conned into a match-making date with Dad and were introduced at a club. Mum was not impressed at first cos he danced by himself throughout the night.. Her very words were, 'He cha-cha until dunno where and left me all alone!'. I can just picture the scenario.. knowing Dad was perfectly capable of doing that! Ha ha ha! So how did they end up together? I speculate interest and romance sparked when Dad declared that he was a 'one woman kind of man'.. Now THAT is another story...