We organised ourselves promptly this year- haircuts, spring cleaning, laundry and ironing were all completed a week before actual day.. nothing was left to the last minute. After all, I have risen to the ranks of Commander in Chief and my efficient Indonesian helper got my house AND Mum's house sorted without the headache and the tantrums of yesteryears. Money can buy happiness after all..
The ongoing baby boom for the Ariffin family is still in full swing with the addition of Aqil and Sofia, bringing the bub/tot total to 5 during the Day 2 visiting. Which really meant.. none of us were capable of meaningful conversations, with every minute punctuated by a cry or a scream.
Only she was the quietest..
Bugger off, I need my beauty rest.
But then she's only 4 months... give her time.
And with the coming of some, we mourned the going of others.
Puteh Bte Abdullah passed away peacefully today, 3rd Syawal. She with the pale skin and ash white hair... she with the bubbly personality and humourous self-deprecating manner, I liked her warm maternal ways from the first time we met. We managed to kiss her hand for the last time yesterday as she lay weakly in bed, looking unlike the robust grandaunt she was last year. As I introduced Sofia to her with a "Nek, ni anak Hafidz nombor dua", she squinted in her half-blindness in awe and wonder and held Sofia's soft, tiny hands, not wanting to let go even though a long line of family was forming behind us awaiting their turns to pay their respects.
Please sedekah Al-fateha in her name.