Bila Takbir Bergema

What a journey…

Yes, it was. It was on Saturday afternoon – after Asar, to be exact – that I decided to 'balik kampong'. Initially, the journey back was promising even when you take into consideration the mamak who virtually slaughtered us with his pricey (and may I add, unpalatable) curry at a restaurant in a quaint, small town three hours away from Kuala Lumpur. Yes, that was where we broke our fast. But that did not dampen our festive spirit. In fact, my Elvis was singing non-stop his latest craze, a song entitled “But It’s Better If You Do So” by Panic! At The Disco. Musical bands today have such funny names, wouldn’t you agree?

It was only when we reached the next town, that the nightmare began. As we were ascending the steep hills, traffic was at almost a standstill. I had frightening thoughts that probably an accident had occurred ahead of us. Thankfully, it was only a very heavy lorry in the way. Still……

So how was my Raya?

It wasn’t so much of the celebration, neither the place nor the food. Instead, it was more of spending time together with my aged mother. Raya this time around was all about her. In fact, I was hardly moving around, going out. I wasn't even going around visiting my relatives. Time was not only short, but also precious to me and the children. It was more of me staying at home and reminding my children to go sit down and make small talk with their grandmother.

What made me feel so proud was when Bea and my only daughter helped my mother to 'mandi sunat Eidulfitri'. My old mother was so touched by this gesture of kindness that she couldn’t help but cry. In fact, she cries a lot now. When we salam, kiss and hug her on Raya morning, tears roll down her cheeks. Deep down inside, I know that they are tears of happiness. And I am the kind of person that can’t help but feel choked with emotion everytime I see another person crying. As she was being bathed, my mother asked Bea whether she (Bea) had the opportunity to do the same thing with her own mother. Bea replied that she did not have that chance. You see, my mother-in-law suffered for only a brief period before passing away due to cervical cancer, which was only discovered at a very late stage.

That simple episode, to me, was a chance for Bea to do something which she never got to do with her own mother. And for my own mother, it was an opportunity for her to see another side of her daughter-in-law which she has never seen before this.

I’ve told you that I am now helping to repair my mother’s house to make it more comfortable for her. As a result, she is at present staying with my eldest sister, whose house is just a couple of houses away. I was hoping that the renovation work would be complete before Raya, but it turned out that progress was a bit slow. This is how the repaired house looks like, as of now. What do you think? Can it be ready by Raya Haji?

Raya pics

Mama Sarah and Mynn were asking for my Raya pictures, but unfortunately, the only pictures that I can share with readers here would be the one above and the one below. So, to both Mynn and Mama Sarah, can I present you with a bouquet instead?

Sorry Mynn and Mama Sarah. You see, if Pycno shows himself, then he will have to stop blogging. You wouldn’t want that, would you? Both DITH and Ikelah already know the reason to this because we’ve already met in person. But believe me Mynn, as a ‘celebrity’, I am quite sure that you’ve seen me around. Try looking back in all the entertainment magazines that you possess, or you can either go to the World Wide Web. I’m really, really sure that you must have seen me once or twice without realizing that it was me. Here’s a tip for you: Wikipedia hehehehe……Sorry, just kidding Mynn. But don’t worry. I’ll reveal my true self when the time is right.

Lastly, much as I’ve reminded DITH to start on Puasa 6 as soon as possible, I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t started with my own. But I’ll get to it. I promise. Let’s have a challenge to see who’ll finish first, shall we?

Selamat Hari Raya everyone :)