‘A niece is a gift whose worth cannot be measured except by the heart.’
– Indian professional Kabaddi player, Ajay Thakur
‘Don’t quarrel or fight. Try to love another. One day, when you are older, you will not be able to see each other if you don’t have money.”
I always remember this advice that my mother gave to my younger brothers and sisters whenever they fought.
I come from a family of six children – two boys and four girls. I am the second child and the second eldest daughter in the family. My elder sister and I never quarrelled or fought with each other but my younger brothers and sisters did. Sometimes, the fights were so intense that a referee was needed to break them up. Shocked onlookers might have thought they did not share the same blood or the same parents.
If my mother was the referee, both the winner and the loser would be severely reprimanded and caned.
As we grew up, my siblings and I left Sibu, our hometown, for other towns/cities either to look for jobs or to settle down.
Now, my elder sister, Moi, lives in Bintulu while a younger sister and I live in Kuching City. One of my younger brother now lives in Tatau while the other one has died and my youngest sister, Lan, lives in Johor Bahru.
Even though most of my siblings live in Sarawak, we seldom see each other except for important occasions like the Chinese New Year.
Just as my mother had patiently pointed out to us when we were young, now because we live far from each other, we cannot meet if we don’t have money. Money for the plane fares, money for the hotels, money for the food and money for treating each other.
Last weekend, I welcomed Moi from Bintulu and Lan from Johor Bahru who came to Kuching City for short visits. My niece, Ah Hong, who happens to be Lan’s daughter, sponsored both their trips.
Here earlier on during the Chinese New Year, Hong and her boyfriend returned for their second visit in less than a month.
Lan, who works at a restaurant, only had her leave approved after the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration ended.
Meanwhile, Moi wanted to meet Lan whom she had not seen for at least three years.
All members of the Liong family who have now moved to Kuching City welcomed both sisters with open arms.
Although the Chinese New Year celebration had officially ended with the “Chap Goh Meh” on Feb 24, my family continued to gather for reunion dinners at different venues.
We even stayed at a Sematan homestay for a night just to be together and to enjoy our favourite food like BBQ Chicken and fish and Assam Pedas Fish. The holiday was again generously sponsored by Hong.
On the way to the homestay, we stopped at a market in Lundu to buy fruits, fish, prawns and other things.
On our return to Kuching City, the family gatherings continued at restaurants and eateries with different members acting as hosts.
We ate and drank so much that some of us put on weight. My blouse and dress were noticeably tighter while Hong’s boyfriend was shocked to discover he had put on two kilogrammes.
Before my sisters and niece went home, I sent some of the family photos I had taken during the gatherings for developing. I also bought two simple photo albums, arranged the photos nicely before presenting the albums to them.
Moi returned to Bintulu on Friday morning while Lan went back to Johor Bahru yesterday afternoon.
I hope whenever they miss us, Moi and Lan will look at the photos and recall the beautiful memories they had with the Liong family members in Kuching City and Sematan.
My mother was right. Without money, my siblings and I cannot meet each other. We were lucky to have Hong who made our meetings and gatherings possible. We thank God for her.
Hong, having a niece like you is a great blessing to us. God gave you a big and generous heart. I hope you will continue being such a kind girl. May God bless you.
