My sister, Kak Long

Excuse me for probably being bias in this entry but I really mean it when I say that my Kak Long is the nicest person in the whole wide world! (though two days ago, I was fortunate enough to meet someone who reminded me of my dear Kak Long).

Kak Long is beyond nice. She's kind, thoughtful, sensitive and caring. I don't think she has actually hurt anyone's feelings. There has, however, been people who have taken advantage of her kindness and hurt her - only making us (sisters) boil in anger! But how does Kak Long react to all these? She smiles and bears them all. Tak pe lah, Allah is just, she'd say.

At times like this, when her health is on the edge, I often feel so emotionally challenged. I never hesitated to come home the instant I heard of her ailment. This was the sister who I started bonding with only when I was a grown up. This was the sister who fussed over me, and who would do all that she could, just for this lousy youngest sister of hers. This was the sister who, in a way, became the mother I never really had.

So, of course I am worried for her and sad to think that I might have to leave her side soon... to return to the UK. It breaks my heart to leave her because I know she'd always say she's fine if I called her up later. Who's going to accompany her in the hospital when none of her kids are around? Who's going to attend to her needs when her hubby is out working? Of course, those are stupid questions from a restless person. Allah will always look after her, hence I should have no worries.

Still, I tell myself and her - not to worry about the future, as Allah knows best and Allah will always help us out (Yeah, easier said than done!). With her, I am always positive, rational and level-headed - never a tear down my cheek! But behind her, I just crumble and melt, seeking for His guidance, strength and blessings.

O Lord, I plead that You give my sister what You think is best, and for her to go through it all with ease...

Sisters

When I was much younger, September has always been a rather busy month of birthdays. Well, I had two sisters who celebrated their birthdays in this month: my biological sister, Kak Ngah, and my step sister, T. This entry is dedicated to both of them, who are never far from my thoughts...

Kak Ngah, my second elder sister, is a perfectionist. She'd have the nicest things, and all in order. Symmetrical, to be exact. And I looked up at her as my idol. However, Kak Ngah has always been the one who was never at home. She went to one prominent boarding school for 5 years , followed by 4 or 5 years in New Zealand, and she later settled down in Kuching, East Malaysia. A few years ago, she just came home from Egypt after a few years there (my brother in law was studying).

Perhaps I didn't have much opportunity to be close enough with Kak Ngah when I was younger but as we grew older, we have become closer to one another. She is always one who could throw in some words of advice in the most natural manner... Kak Ngah makes friends easily and there are many people who are very close to her. There was once a Chinese lady she befriended when she was in Kuching who used to send some money to her when she was away in Egypt. Mind you, the amount was quite a large! That lady had sought some marital advice from my brother in law a few years earlier. Unfortunately, while my sister was away, she committed suicide when she was in despair...

T, on the other hand, is my step sister. Even so, we have developed a relationship that has made us very close to one another. She is five years older than me but the closest one in age. When we were in our school ages, she taught me the wonders and pleasures of junkfood and junk collection: Sanrio products and girly stuff. She was crazy over them and had a tremendous collection.

If I were to describe T, I'd say she is generous, thoughtful and kind. She has developed into quite a personality throughout the years... and strives hard to be a wonderful mother to her children. She supports what her children does and they are growing into bright individuals. Kudos, T!

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Today, September is made more significant (not only because my twins are born in September), as four of my chummies too celebrate their birthdays in this month: Miss N, Mrs Bluewonder, Mrs W and Miss M. They are all my sisters too (Errr, not excluding the other KK members!!).

Ergo, to all my sisters (brothers would have to wait...), here's a piece for you:

Sisters’ are a thing to share
They take the time to show they care
Sisters fill a life with love
Sent to us from God above

Sisters hug when times are bad
They wipe away tears when times are sad
Sisters cry when one is scared
That’s how we show that we care

Sisters are there in times of need
To mend the wound from whence we bleed
Sisters have unending faith
No one else could take your

Sisters share most everything
We laugh, we cry, we even sing
Sisters’ are a special friend
From cradle to grave it will never end

Sisters love no questions asked
They also see right through the mask
Sisters see within your soul
They also see what makes you whole

Sisters are always within your heart
Because of your life they are a part
Sisters live from day to day
But within us all they will forever stay.

Shirley Ann Parkerson 2001