Two notes...

Sunday saw me receiving two touching notes.

On early Sunday morning I sent a text message to Laila, my long time buddy - “Happy birthday and may Allah bless you always”.

I used to call up my friends on the morning of their birthday – sometimes to recite a poem, at other times, to sing altered versions of “Happy Birthday”, or simply to wish many happy returns. Nowadays, I just resort to mostly text messages, or sometimes, picture messages, to convey my wishes.

And it wasn't a big deal. After all, I’ve remembered Laila’s birthday since forever – her birth date would be considered as extremely lucky by many Chinese and Japanese; the 8th day of the 8th month.

I did not expect Laila to be so touched by the fact that an old friend actually remembered to wish her happy birthday. Laila’s reply though left no doubt that she was indeed very pleased –

“Tq so much for being such a compassionate friend… May Allah bless u 2!”

Imagine the surprise of being called a “compassionate friend” due to a simple birthday text message…

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I reached home that Sunday evening at about six after a long, tiring over-three-hours journey by bus. Saw a piece of white paper on my bed, and it read:

“Kak,

Mak Tam was here. Pinjam your telekung. TQ.

(Signed)
P/S: Long time no see”

Mak Tam is my auntie by marriage. Ayah’s younger brother, Ayah Tam married her when I was about 8 years old. Among all my aunts, I’ve always been closest to Mak Tam – a high school teacher who could listen well and disperse some great advice.

Since Tok, my paternal grandma, was diagnosed with alzheimer a few years ago (in addition to her diabetes and heart problem) she has been moving from one place to another, staying with her children in some rotation arrangement. Most of the time though, she would be staying with my family, since Ayah as the eldest in the family, feels he should take extra responsibility in taking care of Tok. Otherwise, Tok could often be found staying with my auntie Nyah in Bangi or Ayah Tam in Sungai Buloh.

Whenever Tok is in Sungai Buloh, “tengok Tok” would be the perfect excuse for me to hang out at Ayah Tam’s place and spend time with Mak Tam and my cousins. I shared my latest adventures (or misadventures), showed her the latest photos, ranted about this and that - basically updating her with what's the latest in my life. In fact, Mak Tam has always been my main confidant in the family – I only began to confide more in Mak since she began her retirement last year. Prior to that, Mak Tam probably knew a lot more of the latest happenings in my life than my own mother did.

Anyway, the "long time no see" part is true, it has been a while since I last saw her. Three of her children will be sitting for major exams this year – and all of them had to be cajoled into studying. They will only do some serious studying and revision when Mak Tam is around, so unless it’s absolutely necessary, I tried not to go visit (more like kacau actually) her and my cousins.

Besides, I had been attending some meetings and seminars over the weekend – so we missed seeing each other when she and Ayah Tam came for their weekly visit to see Tok.

Finding her note on my bed after not seeing her for so long just made me realise that I need to see my extended family members more often. I’ve been missing a few kenduri’s, gatherings and what-nots due to some work obligations. Perhaps it won’t be a bad idea to just say 'hi' to my dearest aunt and her kids in Sungai Buloh one of these days…

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At the end of the day – most people won’t remember us for being hardworking officers who stay back long after the official office hours ended. But our loved ones – friends and family - will remember us for all the little irks, quirks and other tiniest details that make a world of difference to them, whether we realise it or not.