Tree trimming

This evening we trimmed our tree, this year is the earliest yet, that we have put up our Christmas tree.

Ken surprised me by having the branches already fixed onto the tree, than we strung the lights and as our tradition goes .... Rita hung up the first bubble (the NY Mets bubble).

Christmas songs were playing in the background as we continued our business of tree trimming .... in my heart I dedicated the moment to uncle Andrew and Enyak as memories flooded my mind and heart to all the Christmases past when they trimmed our tree during my childhood. Such sweet memories that I now cherish so dearly.

I felt a little sad thinking of uncle Andrew's sudden demise on November 7 of this year and the thought of not being able to see him ever again ....I still cry in my heart for the loss.

Ken and I made a decision to be involved in more Christmassy events this year, and I am so eager and look forward to it ....I just so desperately want to make the most of everything.

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year at Barbara and Sue's, we are eager to be able to spend a stress free Thanksgiving.

And as always in the midst of all the merry making and in the true spirit of Christmas, we remember all those whom we loved and lost along the way ....

May the Peace of Christ remain in our hearts and May the Love of Christ remain in our hearts and in our homes through out the years.

Another Sad Goodbye

Heard the news that my Uncle Andrew passed away today, my heart broke in two, and I cried my heart out ..... it was sudden, it was a shock to my being .... I loved my Uncle Andrew, if only I had taken the time to tell him.

Tomorrow November 8, will be uncle Andrew's birthday, how old will he be, how old is he now .... why did I allow so much time to pass by, without calling him on the phone, without saying hello, without asking him how his life is ??

Memories flood my mind of uncle Andrew's kindness towards me and my family, one Christmas, many, many, years ago when I was just nineteen, he came by and gave me Rm500.00 to do Christmas shopping, I also recall the time he handed me a "Longines" watch in celebration of my final MCE exam, he did not even care to wait for the results, he just handed me the watch (a beautiful, expensive watch that I wore for years) When the results were posted and I did not make the grade all he said to Enyak was, "quitado" (poor thing!!!) - such kindess, so much understanding.

The last time I saw uncle Andrew was in 2009, he was waiting for me and Shanthi by the roadside on his motor bike to guide us to the flats. I kept thinking why is he doing this, waiting in the sun by the road side. He was elated that I was down from America, and wanted me to visit with Auntie Gertrude. We chatted and I still remember him comenting on how much weight I had gained, he said that

he did not recall ever seeing me this heavy .... aaaaah all those fried keoy teow and late night suppers in Malaysia resulted in me gaining the extra pounds.

I know uncle Andrew was pleased that I married Ken, uncle Andrew liked Ken immensely, he kept asking when Ken would visit again ..... I mentioned to him during our last telephone conversation earlier this year that we would visit sometime in 2012, all he said was, "so long ..." he enquired why I was not visiting this year and all I could say was, "Ken and I will visit together next year ...."

Now, I will no longer see uncle Andrew's face .... receive his call .... arrange to meet him and auntie Gertrude .... such a sad ending ... did not even get the opportunity to pay my last respect or get the opportunity to provide any last act of kindness to my dearest Uncle Andrew.

Rest In Peace Andrew  Charles DeSouza ... we love you very much.

It hurst me to have to break the news to Aunt Lily (uncle Andrew's baby sister) she will the last of the remaining sibling in their family ....