The days after

It feels empty again the next day, the next week, the next month after the wedding day.

Knowing Eunice was sick, Grandma very nicely cooked dinner for us. She and Dad brought the dinner to us at 3-ish. They had to rush off again as my cousin, Ryan, was also down with fever. Grandma had to go back and pack her clothes and then go back with Ryan to his Punggol home.

For both of them in their 70s, it was no mean feat rushing here and there. I really appreciate the effort to cook for us. My dad was just contented to see his beloved granddaughter napping soundly in the living room, fever no more. They left in less than 10 min!

I opened the door for them and lingered a while to watch them wait and walk into the lift. Daddy cuts a sad and lonely figure.

Now that Stanley has officially moved to his new place, there's only Dad and Mum at home. Dad is at home alone during the day. In the evenings, he would be subjected to my mum's verbal abuses. My mum is another story for another time.

His only joy is perhaps to see his 'Cute Girl'.

I wish I could do something more for Dad.

***

The other person is MIL. SIL (ZM's sis) married and is now staying at TPY with inlaws. Naturally, MIL would miss having someone to chat with at the end of the day. BIL (ZM's bro) drives the night shift and she's alone at home at nights with the TV as her companion. One 'parasitic' aunt stays with her but they don't talk.

***

Many parents long for the day to witness their offspring to be independent and form their own family nucleus.

No doubt, MIL and Dad have no worries except their age-related health problems. They don't have to work and can spend their days watching TV, do some cooking, read newspapers, sweep/mop the floor, get to see their grandchild at least once a week etc...and stay cooped up at home for the rest of the week. Their kids are all grown up and have formed their own families. Is this considered the 'good life'?

I am not sure.

I am reminded to spend more time with my Grandma and Dad (yes, Mum and MIL too). I guess I have neglected them bigtime since Eunice came along. Every attention was on the little one. I work hard for her. I rush home after work for her. I make sure she's well-fed, well-rested, well-funned, well-schooled.....all about her. She gets to sit in a car seat by herself. The other 2 adult passengers at the back have to squeeze their bums like squashed oranges.

One day, my hair will turn grey and I too, would be forgotten and sidelined when she starts a family of her own.

This morning I sms-ed my bro. His big day was on 16 May. He only went back once since then - to get his clothes and ciao.

Me: Saw ah ma and dad yday. They're quite poor thing. Spend time with them and mum too when you can.

Stanley: Why poor thing?

Me: Old lor.

Stanley: Ok la. Dun worry i will go back for dinner every week.

Me: Good to hear. Don't forget about them. They love you more than me when we were younger. Altho mum has changed over the yrs, she tried to give you her best. Rem she had to wait outside sch gate for you.

In the midst of sms exchanges, my eye tap went on auto mode. My boss was sitting beside me. I had to go to the ladies. Came out of cubicle and saw that my eyes were glistening and red. No good, no good...emo sappy me. Composed myself before I walked back to the office.

*haiya, tap is dripping again*

Weddings and more weddings

25 Apr was the kickoff to more 2009 weddings.

ZM's sis (aka my SIL) was wedded to Mr Almond in a simple fashion. I was quite apathetic to their big day and preps. Ever since Mr A said Changi Village was too far away for him attend his future niece-in-law's birthday celebration and Mrs A-to-be submissively obeyed and didn't turn up as well, I decided I would accord similar respect to this couple. Yes, I am such a vindictive and spiteful person....but hehe, to justify there were other incidents which caused me to cast such judgments on them. I'm lazy to describe though.

Anyways, on the day itself.....I felt kind of sad. Really, it's like losing a daughter. After all, I recognise the sis' contributions to the family. How she left school after 'N' levels to work and helped out with the family's resources. How she willingly let ZM use her CPF funds to pay for his uni tuition fees. How she was the family's pillar of strength when the dad's leg had to be amputated and was in and out of hospital. How the mum looked forward to her daughter coming home after work each night and watch her sip homebrewed soup while chatting.

Alas, things will never be the same again.

The next wedding is my very own bro's on 16 May. Eunice is going to be their flower girl.

3 more weddings to come on 29 May, 4 and 11 Jul.

***

Work is mundane.

Life starts after I walk out of the office.

Upon reaching the childcare centre, I will be greeted by excited, hyperventilating shouts of "Mummy, Mummy" as she catches me standing at the window. Then she rushes to get her bag and "Bye!! See you friends!'. Once she's released, she'll give me a tight bear hug and whisper, "I missh chew, Mummy...."

That is what I look forward at the end of the work day.

***

Boss just came back from a morning of golf.

Work work work and 5.30pm. Hehe......