It's Father's Day Again

This is a tribute to my Daddy, he won't read this as he is not on the net but I'm honouring this space for you, Daddy.

One year has passed. It's Father's Day again. And I'm still without a pix collage that we netizens usually post to boast of our pride and joys. Looks like I'll just have to say what I feel.

I am indeed blessed to have a father, my Daddy, who has taught me all I need to know about being a person. Daddy is not the talkative kind (that, I inherited from my mum). But those few things  Daddy had to say, sums up almost everything I need to guide me in living my life. The values and the steadfast principles which I have embedded since my growing up years, largely made me what I am today.

For that, I can never be thankful enough.

Daddy still watches over me. He would be the one to call me and check on me anytime, everytime. The fact that I'm the mother to his only three grandchildren, just pushed me up a few notches more, I know that now.

It wasn't all roses as I went through my years of rebellion way back once upon a time. But Daddy was still the one, who came to me and let me have my way when so many others were close to disowning me.

It hasn't been easy for you too, being the sole bread winner for this family of ours then, you had your ups and downs too. I'm glad I can give back to you now, maybe not in so many ways, but in ways that I believe are meaningful enough for you.

My prayers that Allah continues blessing you with good health, I haven't had enough of having a father. Fifty years on, I still need Daddy in my life.

I love you, Daddy.

Ramadan Kareem

I remember pretty well, fasting during  my growing up years when we were living in PJ for 6 years, then in Bangsar for another 6 years. After that was like 12 years of adulthood in Bangsar before I moved on to a different phase in my life.

I don't remember the big fuss about performing Tarawih prayers at the mosque diligently. Usually, only the old folks so that. Ans then there wasn't such thing as PARAM (pasar Ramadan katanya). And there was no slightest sign of Raya kuih, baju Raya what more jubahs, tudungs and kupiahs.

What I remember clearly was how we had to observe the fasting. Other than not eating and drinking, we didn't do much else either. I guess we were avoiding anything that could batal our fasting.

By early afternoon, mum would be busy preparing for Iftar and sahur. That was pretty routine.

We would go on like that for close to three weeks before the excitement of Raya was felt. After three weeks of fasting, then only we get to be treated to a few baju Raya, get to play fireworks, baked Raya cookies and travelled back to Dad's hometown in Kuala Kangsar in time for Malam Tujuh Likur. Now THAT...was really a festive occasion.

How time has changed so much. Last week, I was at Plaza Angsana in JB to grab some stuffs at the pharmacy. Shocked as I was, the shopping complex was already packed at every possible corridor and corner, with vendors selling BAJU RAYA, KUIH RAYA n all that!!! Hellooooooo, how can you appreciate Raya without going through Ramadan?

Have we lost it? Seriously. Do we really know the true meaning of Ramadan and Syawal?

I really, really thought we are already a more knowledgeable, well-informed and well-learned society. The way so many of us are going on and on about our religion. Oh wow. #speechless