Yesterday and Today

37 years ago
University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. It was Maulidur-Rasul, 12 RabiulAwal, but instead of a boy, there I was - filling my lungs with air - the fourth (and last) child to a handsome couple, the third girl. Hence, to commemorate the prophet's day of birth, I bore the name of one of the most prominent female characters in the world, the prophet's first wife. Such big hopes did my parents have of me!

27 years ago
At a tender age, it was the year I learnt a little bit more about life. While my first (step) sister went into matrimony, we later lost our beloved Grandad while we were away performing the umrah. I began collecting the pieces of life jigsaw puzzles left in my possession.

17 years ago
Imagine about a dozen or less lassies sitting and laughing away under the shades of a huge tree in Princes Street Garden, Edinburgh. I had called it the Celebration of Spring, with a birthday coincidentally thrown in as an excuse for a cake. But it didn't need an excuse. Hiding behind shades of all shapes and colours, we'd be feasting on Crawford donuts, cake, crisps and some fizzies.

7 years ago
Carrying my fourth child, my birthday was celebrated in moderation. With my dearest by my side to cheer me up when I was in gloom, hear my laments when I was in a knot, and put a smile on my face when I was all drenched out with the troublesome three, I counted my blessings.

Today
Really catching me off-guard, my Fantastic Four surprised me with chocolates and cheesecake in the morning! HOW and WHEN did they manage to sneak under my noses to get them? Blessed as always, my mobile and home phone almost never stopped beeping with texts and ringing with calls from family and friends near and far.

Whether I'd be able to pause and reflect after another decade remains unknown but I do pray that I'll be a better person altogether: servant, mom, daughter, friend, teacher, etc.