Thebarefootfoodie

Of Ties that Bind. Posted on 14 May 2012 Over the last five days and nights, family, relatives near and far, friends and colleagues of the family, old neighbours, and many others from times past, gathered together to bid a sad farewell to a man who has left a rich legacy behind. There is the only son, stoic and composed, a pillar of strength and support. The daughter-in-law, gentle, gracious, like a flowing stream, unassuming, but impactful. The three daughters, each so different in personality and type, but beautiful in their own way. The sons-in-laws stayed in the background,and with invisible hands, provided the necessary emotional and administrative assistance The five grandchildren, ranging from youths to young adult, stood out with their maturity and devotion. C, with his band of brothers, did the watch for two nights, offering much needed rest and sleep for the more senior members of the family. It was a sweet gesture, full of heart, a tribute to his beloved "Ku...

In Memoriam - Yee Cheong, the best uncle I ever had. Posted on 10 May 2012 When the night is at its darkest, and the music fades, All that remains when you have to say that final goodbye on earth To someone who is loved, treasured and was a significant adult in your childhood and teenage years... Thank you for your legacy of wisdom, grace and blessings which you have imparted to me. As a little girl, growing up in Balam Road, I looked upon you with awe; But would take little liberties to be cheeky, knowing with full confidence you are firm, but always fair. After a day's worth of playing with Mei, I would sneak over next door to linger around some more, Watching you read the Chinese newspapers, occasionally humming a Chinese melody, Or breaking out in the loudest yawn I've ever heard, which never failed to send me back in stitches. You were ever the father figure, true to your four children, a vicarious one to me. Sure, you had your share of quirkine...

Just Being There. Posted on 7 May 2012 When a loved one is taken ill, and the illness rears its ugly head, getting more intense by the day...How does one cope? It is painful to watch that someone suffering,  physical condition deteriorating. There is a heavy weight of sadness and an impending sense of loss.  Dad passed on, suddenly, in 2001, of a heart attack. Death dealt a cruel blow as no one anticipated or was prepared for it. He was seemingly ok one day and was gone the next. I have deep regrets - like not trying to understand his frustrations, his outlook of life. I take comfort that he is now in his heavenly home, safe in the arms of Jesus, and I am sure he will forgive me for the times I have clashed with him, not so much because I am the rebel, but because it is impossible to agree when one sees the hole and the other, the doughnut. In 2003, it was my father-in-law. He was the perenial fighter and though doctors have given him negative prognoses time an...

Reflections on believing, living, dying. Posted on 4 May 2012 Death is not pleasant or pretty. The news report the recent passing of a young,beautiful, talented woman, well-known in local theatre. It is sad when a life is over before it has even begun;with hopes and dreams yet to be realised. It does not get easier for those in their sunset years and their loved ones, when serious conditions threaten, and mortality is perched precariously, on a thread.  Death is impartial to any, a great leveller of all and sundry, and cruel in its finality. Some, in chronic pain and physical suffering, would actually welcome it as a form of reprieve. But is it really the end? What happens after we die? To answer this, it begs the question of how we got here in the first place and what we are supposed to do while we are living.  One group does not believe in a creator - man simply is; the universe and delicate cycles of nature just happened;  life is what one makes of ...