This page is dedicated to my beloved
mother Soo Kim Lee who has recently passed away with stomach cancer
at the age of 87.
It is indeed a sad period in my life
and my family mourning her departure from us.
It has quite taken us by surprise
because she such a spirited and fit person for her age and always on
the go although occasionally she felt unwell.
The day that we learnt that she had
cancer was like a dark cloud gathering before a storm. There was
uneasy feeling among the family members.
The news from the doctors wasn't good
but we all held hopes that she might still have a chance of recovery.
Family members took turns to accompany mum on regular trips to the
doctors and taking care of her. She had the best care but even that
is not going turn around the inevitable that was heading towards us.
It was hard for mum too as she struggles with each passing day.
The last few days that I had spent time
with her at the hospital has been an extremely difficult time for me
and my siblings. It was an emotional roller coaster ride for me
watching her lying in bed not able to eat and speak. I wanted to help
but felt powerless to do anything. But it was also a time of
reflection as I stood vigil by her bedside taking care of her.
To everyone who knows her, she is very
kind and generous person. Always happy to welcome visitors and nobody
leaves empty handed.
She is also a great teacher and
adviser. She likes to throw out advise to you whether you like to
hear them. One of her greatest pastime is gossiping which she can
spend hours with you usually talking about the past.
She loves to invite friends back for
family parties and occasions. New year and birthdays celebrations are
exciting times for her. She would often remind us of the grand
children birthday long before they are due. She would often prepare
days in advance and cook up a storm all by herself.
Mum is proud of her cooking. I remember
lividly during my childhood helping out in the kitchen learning how
to start a charcoal fire and cooking rice. She would often make
wonderful dishes that we look forward to.
Quite often when eat some nice dishes
at the restaurant, she will work it out how to make it. These days,
we have to look up recipes on the internet. Over the years, I soon
learned a few cooking techniques from her.
I did not realised that this was the
training ground for my survival skills that I would need it later
when I came to Australia for my further studies.
She's also a keen gardener spending
most of her spare time tending to her veggies plot in the garden. She
had natural green fingers and many plants had thrived under her care.
We enjoyed all the fruits and vegetables that were grown by her.
Among her other favourites plants are her orchids which produce
beautiful flowers.
In her later years, she caught the
travelling bug and loves making trips to many countries and
interesting places with my eldest sister. The many photos taken are a
legacy of her travels.
She is also a great carer often
thinking of others people welfare and likes to help others when
possible.
In my mind, she will always been
remembered as a great mother and carer to us all. She will be dearly
missed. Words cannot express our loss and we will always treasured
her in our hearts.
But I believed she has led a great life
throughout her years and will now rest in peace. OMITOFU
