another day

A year ago.

Popo fell ill during Chinese New Year. And awhile later she was admitted to Sri Kota Specialist and the delayed treatment scheduled led to many complications and finally she couldn't proceed with the initial treatment she was scheduled for. She was finally discharged after a little over a month in March and was bed-ridden (most times) since she was home. It was hard for everyone in the family and especially for Popo herself but all made time to come by to visit and comfort her as much as we can.

End of June, Popo was admitted again, this time to HTAR as it was emergency. She was there for about a week. By the time I visited, she was already unconscious. My last visit that I got to spend a little time with her was on a Tuesday of 2 July just before the evening visiting hours ended. Video-called with Mom so that she could speak with Popo. I massaged Popo's arms and legs and letting her know that we're gonna be alright.

On Thursday morning of 4 July, the family Whatsapp group chat notifications steamed in but my phone was on silent and I was at auditee's office in Rawang. Noticed there were also missed calls from YKJ when hubs called and asked if I've checked my phone notifications. And in that split second, I knew time was up. Made some quick arrangement at work while trying to hold in my tears (which was futile, of course), got into my car and burst into uncontrollable cries. Returned my sister's calls and family chats. That hour-long drive home was a good relieve to get most of the shock and tears out of my system.

Gathered at grandparents' house and headed to the funeral parlour where popo will get her spa and dolled up in her best pearls and outfit. Wake service went on for 2 nights. TKJ and Uncle Heng gave an eulogy on behalf of the family. Parents touched down and arrived at grandparents' house late on the night of 5 July. I spent the night in grandparents' house, in the living hall with Popo. The house which I grew up in. The last time I get to be in the same place with one of the person to played a huge role in raising me up.

On 6 July, funeral procession began with the Ps. Richard's sermon and some praise and worship by Ps. Ronald. Dad said a few words in remembrance of his mother-in-law and played the guitar and sang a song. Aunt Brenda also said a few words in remembrance of her mother. We then accompanied popo to her burial grounds. Prayer was said and we bid our final goodbyes as we watched the casket lowered down.

It was a bright, sunny day. A beautiful day. She has gone to be with the Lord and may now rest in peace.

Popo has lived a fulfilled life of 85 years, loved by her husband, 6 children and 5 son/daughter-in-laws, 10 grandchildren and 3 grandson-in-laws and 4 great-grandchildren.

I love you and will always miss you, Popo.

A pandemic called Coronavirus a.k.a. Covid-19 has come to Tanahairku and a Restricted Movement Order (RMO) has been declared on the country for 14 days from 18 March to 31 March 2020. I'm not an avid news followers, so I'm not sure why it was subsequently changed to Movement Control Order (MCO) instead. Maybe the word CONTROL made it sound more authoritative because in the first few days of RMO, the public are still crowding out of the house, having yumcha sessions at the park etc. Despite countless of #StayAtHome #DudukDiamDiamDiRumah propagandas, the statistics on number of cases and deaths continued to rise. By 25 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced the extension of MCO for another 14 days to 14 April 2020. There are rumours of a second extension is likely to happen for another couple of days right up to Ramadhan.

All places of business have been ordered to close except for essential services like hospitals, banking, telecommunications. Eateries are allowed to run but only for take-aways and deliveries. Stricter rules has been imposed continuously as the public are still not adhering much. More road blocks on the highways to disallow unnecessary travelling, a letter is required from the employer to prove that the person is in the essential services required to travel for work; only the head of the household (1 person per family) is allowed to go out to replenish groceries; no jogging at the parks (you get caught, spend a night at the police lockup to enjoy your "Covid-19 exposure" and can only be bailed out at RM1k the next day); etc.

I fall in the category of "Work From Home" (WFH). Unfortunately, the hubs is in telecommunications which requires him to head to office and 3 bankers in the family has to continue working at branch office in times like this.

Praying for God's mercy on this land.

When I spend my day-to-day life, it often seemed that nothing big has changed. Same old, same old. And then you take a few steps back (or maybe 182743924 steps back) and you'll see that it has changed and it's continuously changing. For better, or for worse, it's all in God's plan.