tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56887367776142798252024-03-05T17:23:05.172+08:00eHomemakers MalaysiaOur e-community promotes self-help, business partnerships and entrepreneurship development for those who want to balance work and home life. Our social profit is derived from a pro-poor project focusing on eco-baskets production and service provision to empower women to embark on social-economic self-reliance. If you are interested to know more, please contact us at 603 7726 5271 or email us at adminsupport@ehomemakers.net.eHomemakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02166350711700643826noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-75867966671644425622021-08-19T15:11:00.000+08:002021-08-19T15:11:33.927+08:00Interviewed By The Sun Daily<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">A month ago, Elena informed me that a reporter from The Sun Daily interviewed her and wanted to talk to me. I agreed, as I thought the reporter wanted to interview me with regards to my friend, who is one of the finalist of Miss Plus World Malaysia.</span></p><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866" data-wnd_separable_index="1" id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866_inner_1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;">To my surprise, the reporter wanted to share my story for a column "Against All Odds". Elena had told the reporter about my journey as a burn survivor and she thought my story would be suitable for the column.</p><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;">Link to the newspaper article as below :-</p><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866" data-wnd_separable_index="3" id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866_inner_3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.thesundaily.my/home/burn-survivor-recounts-harrowing-ordeal-and-long-painful-road-to-recovery-DD8216674" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-left-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-right-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-top-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); box-sizing: border-box; color: #77a9ca; font-size: 1rem; padding-bottom: 0.0625rem; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, border 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">burn-survivor-recounts-harrowing-ordeal-and-long-painful-road-to-recovery</a></p><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866" data-wnd_separable_index="3" id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866_inner_3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth77Yb_FAo59mi_Ig8zJtBBf8FD11OFVsrgpKhNA__RZO9VfLOhDoFrtRfwEhVR24aR0Dh2OfUjqPZfKANlgpwwniV0pci06sZmu-E-SX1nf3Ikx67uz3jhbnGK1yWwC7ZY0x4_6R5yI/s1026/sundaily+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="1026" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth77Yb_FAo59mi_Ig8zJtBBf8FD11OFVsrgpKhNA__RZO9VfLOhDoFrtRfwEhVR24aR0Dh2OfUjqPZfKANlgpwwniV0pci06sZmu-E-SX1nf3Ikx67uz3jhbnGK1yWwC7ZY0x4_6R5yI/w534-h306/sundaily+%25283%2529.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br /><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866" data-wnd_separable_index="3" id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866_inner_3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;">Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.cms.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Rising From The Ashes</a></p><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866" data-wnd_separable_index="3" id="wnd_TextBlock_579416866_inner_3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-67699960356269622942021-08-08T11:36:00.001+08:002021-08-08T11:36:43.474+08:00Invited As A Speaker<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM_mfBUHczORBXfCxGnMV4lfxB8B8fE5uqbRWjgBHtmVuI0pcaSqOpBJHNmzZLzbnqQpQ746wKz5tG0T8JWqZB-GV0n5x-yhhHH0AA8MNq2S9x7w9DUrPPoevvq8RORHe5eheLB5sLq8/s720/poster+_MPWM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM_mfBUHczORBXfCxGnMV4lfxB8B8fE5uqbRWjgBHtmVuI0pcaSqOpBJHNmzZLzbnqQpQ746wKz5tG0T8JWqZB-GV0n5x-yhhHH0AA8MNq2S9x7w9DUrPPoevvq8RORHe5eheLB5sLq8/s320/poster+_MPWM.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">I am excited as I received the invitation to be one of the speakers for an online seminar organised by Miss Malaysia Plus World.</span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="1" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;">Women empowerment is definitely an important topic in Malaysia, it is a cause that I believe in. Being a burn survivor, I know I would be able to add value to the event by sharing my experience of body acceptance and letting go of things that serve no purpose.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Join me and other speakers as we share our experiences during this seminar:- </p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/25727?r=web&fbclid=IwAR20lp2aBggFaLFmm-yhGg7seD7zuQYe606PrUUgNPmfIbeHA9sE5hFoaac" target="_blank">Registration form</a></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">For more information you can WhatsApp the organiser at 0122625920</span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">or check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missplusworldmalaysia" target="_blank">facebook page</a></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Rising From The Ashes</a></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_681379512_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-67318901807649796082021-06-30T15:04:00.000+08:002021-06-30T15:04:58.520+08:00Gratitude Post<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">It has been nearly a month since The Spunky, The Rebel and A Mama launched our first chapbook "Life, Love and Passion: A book of Poems". Everything was done in the midst of MCO 3.0 .</span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590" data-wnd_separable_index="1" id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590_inner_1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;">Special thanks to Elena (The Rebel) for the printing, taking orders and co-ordinating the deliveries in the midst of this lockdown (within Malaysia and also Singapore), without her extra effort, it would not have been possible for all this to happen.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">I would also like to express our gratefulness for the support we received from people around us. It is very touching that others could relate to our poems and we truly appreciate every encouragement and comment we get.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCw6CfymByc0AgDLc0HyZL3zA82UPBjLniXrqlPjrj12qJQLgmMBLGrBplfrcrStVxskBwo3R5WEbCzm-tA6OPx88T5xnEFlHVC5uZiTg_fUcwUmhc25OuTHN58vuiHQUkGkq82GTsNQ/s1920/Screenshot_20210628-151943.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCw6CfymByc0AgDLc0HyZL3zA82UPBjLniXrqlPjrj12qJQLgmMBLGrBplfrcrStVxskBwo3R5WEbCzm-tA6OPx88T5xnEFlHVC5uZiTg_fUcwUmhc25OuTHN58vuiHQUkGkq82GTsNQ/w318-h511/Screenshot_20210628-151943.png" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2I91Urxz7xX0praAelr6cUGbXWI9xhZczq9_zYwKlBh1zsqpon3NZn3zOND21fwlQIyVAyzomXIH27fm4NyHVzSqIHplO7ozSIXqApTp_4g7MFN2XU9e-8E8OU2rjE2GYmCE4YbQwElo/s1366/uma+review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2I91Urxz7xX0praAelr6cUGbXWI9xhZczq9_zYwKlBh1zsqpon3NZn3zOND21fwlQIyVAyzomXIH27fm4NyHVzSqIHplO7ozSIXqApTp_4g7MFN2XU9e-8E8OU2rjE2GYmCE4YbQwElo/w743-h600/uma+review.png" width="743" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_91913" data-wnd_separable_index="0" id="wnd_TextBlock_91913_inner_0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem;">A few days ago, I conducted a motivational talk (online) to a group of people from the management team of a company. It was upon an invitation by a friend. At the end of my sharing, I invited the audience to ask any question or even share their opinion. I didn't expect there would be any question or sharing as people do not share personal matters in work environment and neither do they want their colleague (or bosses) to know about their private matters. However, to my surprise, someone openly expressed that he could relate to my talk and opened up about his own personal struggle.<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_91913" data-wnd_separable_index="1" id="wnd_TextBlock_91913_inner_1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem;">I am glad to have given this talk. I don't know what was in the mind of the other participants. However, even if only a few could relate and be inspired, it was worth the effort.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_91913" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_91913_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">All the more during this pandemic, we need to count our blessings and be grateful for what we have.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_91913" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_91913_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_91913" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_91913_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Rising From The Ashes</a></p></div><br /><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_351443590_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-26475302133538383072021-06-02T17:59:00.003+08:002021-06-04T18:47:35.166+08:00The Spunky, The Rebel And A Mama Series<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nWfIrfogcFU685SCZbqb24l0kwZiqO6eP5UaadjdHi0a76ZuNqqFTB6YJPkmL7bPArEZ65koZOLdP2tPih2_gJbdh87p_G9br-b7jn2w3dFRUCfgt93ZrDX8qEajN-DfqHOq2xxhbuI/s1004/book+image+with+order.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1004" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nWfIrfogcFU685SCZbqb24l0kwZiqO6eP5UaadjdHi0a76ZuNqqFTB6YJPkmL7bPArEZ65koZOLdP2tPih2_gJbdh87p_G9br-b7jn2w3dFRUCfgt93ZrDX8qEajN-DfqHOq2xxhbuI/w453-h310/book+image+with+order.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><br /><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: times;">Our first chapbook under The Spunky, The Rebel And A Mama Series is finally out! It is a collection of poems written by the 3 of us. The title: Life, Love & Passion: A book of Poems.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: times;">We came up with the idea of this project as we realised 2020 had been a harsh year for many and the pandemic still continues until today. We are driven to spread hope and light to others who are going through difficulties by sharing our own personal stories and experiences.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">To make your orders, please fill in this form:- </span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSez_2xH4MPDE3H1G5Vv-ZRu7KSyhRbntyk_-fBqovvpZKVoZQ/viewform" target="_blank">Google form to order</a></span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzfaX0BiMTa4ZS7-mR4A63sfD78tMWhlgxnQzkRR-n5PtlLUb11U78InuAV_T5Y3oDQg59IKmsKSVXdUwFTVNBxHGHt-R9c9jssDkLAjy75UaN7yYl25ZBrkMSKnFAO2eeUmaUg7FkiU/s1024/toffees_new.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzfaX0BiMTa4ZS7-mR4A63sfD78tMWhlgxnQzkRR-n5PtlLUb11U78InuAV_T5Y3oDQg59IKmsKSVXdUwFTVNBxHGHt-R9c9jssDkLAjy75UaN7yYl25ZBrkMSKnFAO2eeUmaUg7FkiU/w541-h586/toffees_new.jpg" width="541" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;">For those who are interested in the e-book, you can get our e-book from Amazon:-</span></div><div dir="auto"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096K6JDRY?fbclid=IwAR3QRzQx4bgjODpFpSkebpw4_-QP5gBkKKrkPb1Fhe5gpMI7QEYc6Jfd6Cs" target="_blank">e-book order</a><br /></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;">Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Rising From The Ashes</a></span></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div></div>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-22883713682890249142021-05-23T14:57:00.001+08:002021-05-23T15:03:37.111+08:00Collaboration<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRNac60TOpkdkykqI14W139AAtZ_8YZPNmH7vX2kCFlFdwcvq7m9Pig4T9SIZ7STRCCECNT_kdH-38Rbz8W6R4diLZjR2K4KWRCC3cPZtrwxdyeUCjXWiRWW-KW6lJ8Ov3zJ_iRyKzng/s1532/coming+soon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRNac60TOpkdkykqI14W139AAtZ_8YZPNmH7vX2kCFlFdwcvq7m9Pig4T9SIZ7STRCCECNT_kdH-38Rbz8W6R4diLZjR2K4KWRCC3cPZtrwxdyeUCjXWiRWW-KW6lJ8Ov3zJ_iRyKzng/s320/coming+soon.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> I am happy to announce that I would be
collaborating with 2 of my friends for a special project.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Why are we collaborating?
Because we have our own unique stories to tell. The challenges and difficulties
that we face may be different and yet our vision is the same. Now with the
Covid-19 pandemic and the problems that is going around the world, we hope to
inspire others not to give up hope especially when the going gets tough.</p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Who are my collaborators? Let me
introduce them:-<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUvqLzA_JPBgQ-1jeLqmOV99yVOelW2I3-uAYD_hX1iPZZr9xUIjpffLKbRNiaAR1MD_0BTAL1BDVr3CdZJFvNWwuvZiKx5tsrIescrmxhQfup1m1PK9uaq_wDMhwlUDUt5EGP89yo2U/s385/Elena+Tong.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUvqLzA_JPBgQ-1jeLqmOV99yVOelW2I3-uAYD_hX1iPZZr9xUIjpffLKbRNiaAR1MD_0BTAL1BDVr3CdZJFvNWwuvZiKx5tsrIescrmxhQfup1m1PK9uaq_wDMhwlUDUt5EGP89yo2U/s320/Elena+Tong.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">1.
Elena Tong</span></strong><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">*<strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box;"> </strong>Entrepreneur
- Founder of Hantu Is Cooking Kitchen / Hatiku is Cooking Ventures</p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">* Emcee
for WIEN Group Bazaars 2020 & 2021</p>
<p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">* Creates
Blessed Art since 2020<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">*
Taylor's-CIMB Islamic Program Keusahawanan Trainer 2018 & 2019</p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Elena had always been intrigued in making a difference. She started her journey in the education industry since 2008. Her exploration led her to experience education through the eyes of several education institutions, the non-profit / social enterprise industry and the corporate world before falling into the world of solo/minipreneuers. No matter where she is, her greatest joy is always found during times when her stakeholders become aware of their potential and the opportunities they have at hand.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">She lost her mum in July 2019 and alongside with that, she stopped her business to tend to her family during this trying period. Exactly a year later, she gain support from the public and restarted her food business - Hantu Is Cooking focusing on her famous "One popped, You can't Stop!" Heavenly English Toffees and her Nyonya Peranakan Pastes & Food.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">During Christmas in 2020, she received
requests by her clients to add in messages as part of the Christmas/Birthday
gift package. This had led her into exploring "Blessed Art" with the
intention of blessing others through different artworks. This is done through
meditation, prayers and the intention of purpose / blessings for the given
person.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">She is also an emcee for the WIEN
Group MY community bazaars and an active business partner with Beyond Artisan
(BA), a company that focuses on fermented food such as Kombucha & Kimchi.
Alongside her BA business partners and collaborative partner - KraziliCious,
they created an unstoppable team "The KrazyArtisans" and began
creating Facebook Live reviews to bring other sellers into the public eyes
through WIEN Group MY. The team are now also working towards supporting solo/minipreneurs
in their entrepreneurial journey from scratch - from business management,
business profiling, their mental health and personal growth.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">In her years before becoming an
entrepreneur, Elena was the project strategist for Taylor's Community, a project
under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Group Communication for
Taylor's Education Group. Her focus then apart from strategizing projects was
corporate, volunteer & beneficiary management, volunteer altruistic
training and aligning programme development modules. She was also the project
director "Taylor's-CIMB Islamic Program Keusahawanan" and became one
of their trainers for the 2018 and 2019 batches - working with a total of over
200 entrepreneurs with their business proposals.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">With the non-profit - CyberCare Youth
Organization, she and her colleague recreated their flagship programme
"Made A Difference (MAD)" and the "Self-empowering &
Transition Employability Programme (STEP)". These programmes are designed
for both underprivileged & refugee youths from age 13 to 19 with the MAD
programme focusing on the youths realizing their own potential and empowering
them to create & deliver community project while STEP provides informed
career-related decisions in preparation for independence adulthood through
exposure to real-world challenges. These programmes also provide volunteers
basic coaching skills to support these youths in their challenges.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Elena has run community-based projects
in partnership with ExxonMobil Malaysia, UNHCR Malaysia, Accenture Malaysia,
Yayasan Salam Malaysia, CIMB Islamic, Majlis Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Malaysia
(MKKM) and Incitement Malaysia. She also worked closely with various
beneficiaries such as Dignity for Children, Chin Student Organization Malaysia,
Fugee School, SOLS 24/7, Lembaga Zakat Malaysia and several other children's
homes & Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) within the Klang Valley. </p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">Links:</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;">Her
Website: <a href="http://www.elenatongmy.com/" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; border-bottom: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-left-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-right-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-top-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 0.0625rem; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, border 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">www.elenatongmy.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvsEoiu1LbCv6L7mqSp97XQOAhLn1_j9Tx2trDzmHdtMSz0kSwm4gWJrUIT_5s20GL9XvfgV6qMV8Q8DTncyBYrNAkTabkTgCQ-AGs_0ufnkoAmig4mGjOL6-y-3uEkqtCZJOEByZees/s928/Cordelia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvsEoiu1LbCv6L7mqSp97XQOAhLn1_j9Tx2trDzmHdtMSz0kSwm4gWJrUIT_5s20GL9XvfgV6qMV8Q8DTncyBYrNAkTabkTgCQ-AGs_0ufnkoAmig4mGjOL6-y-3uEkqtCZJOEByZees/s320/Cordelia.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">2.
Cordelia Lee</span></strong><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">*
Qualifications: LLB</p>
<p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">* Meditation
Teacher and Sound Healer (More than 10 years experience)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">* Sock Doll
Maker and Teacher (almost 10 years experience)</p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 1rem; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">For more than 10 years,
Cordelia Lee conducted classes in stress releasing vocal toning exercises (
sound healing) and non religious meditation. She is the co-founder of CordyKet.
Her husband Ket conducted qigong classes as well.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Despite her petite size, she is a strong woman who has been the pillar of strength for many. She is also a blogger at ehomemakers.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Her mental and emotional wellness
journey started in 2009 when in search of avenues to manage her anxiety and
stress. It affected her daily life then in work, in relationships with others
and having daily unrestful sleep. She was constantly overwhelmed by her mental
and emotional state which caused her to be in anxiety and emotional
restlessness.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">During her self-discovery exploration,
she discovered her gift in vocal toning exercises and has taught many even
beyond Malaysia. She also developed most of the meditative practices with the
purposes of mental and emotional management. Together with Ket, they teach
non-religious meditation and developed a set of proprietary Qigong known as
Unity Qigong.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">For many years she has contributed her
time and efforts in community work by using her skills and creativity as
follows:-</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">1) Her collaborative partnership with
empowerment coach Joy Leng and Dr Priya, a certified medical doctor on stress
management techniques to aid in mind-heart-body wellness online projects since
early 2021.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">2) Over the years, she has worked with
humanitarian NGOs ( World Vision Malaysia, Ronald McDonald House Charities
Malaysia, Cybercare Youth Organisation and UNHCR Malaysia on a collaboration
programme for refugee youths, Breast Cancer Group JB, Refugee Network Center
Malaysia and The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom) upon their invitation to conduct
sock doll making workshops for purposes of fundraising, therapeutic program and
as a possible job avenue.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">3) During her spare time, she
sponsored her sock dolls for children in need, especially fundraising for
others' medical needs and for children in the hospital.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">4) She collaborated with Elena Tong to
conduct motivational talk for empowering refugee youths on mental and emotional
wellness at Camp Hope organized by Al-Hasan Volunteer Network.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">She is in collaboration with Reconnect
& Recharge to provide online sessions to assist in mental-emotional
wellness.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">She started a page named Cordy
Creative World to showcase her creativity in poetry, singing, songwriting, art,
sock dolls making and more while encouraging others to explore their creativity
as wellness and self-growth purposes.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Links:-</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Interview with
Motherhood.com.my for Teacher's Day on 16th May 2021.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; border-bottom: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-left-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-right-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-top-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 0.0625rem; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, border 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://story.motherhood.com.my/blog/cordelia-lee-mum-teacher-sock-doll-maker/">https://story.motherhood.com.my/blog/cordelia-lee-mum-teacher-sock-doll-maker/</a></span></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Cordy Creative World</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; border-bottom: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-left-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-right-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-top-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 0.0625rem; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, border 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cordy-Creative-World-101170171412891/">https://www.facebook.com/Cordy-Creative-World-101170171412891/</a></span></span></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Stay tune for further news about our
collaboration!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/">Rising From The Ashes</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-77432949632646904732021-05-05T15:50:00.004+08:002021-05-05T16:10:44.576+08:00Hello Vietnam<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>On <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>04/05/2021, I was
invited by Jen Vuhuong, who is based in Vietnam for an appearance on Facebook Live and podcast. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>The first time I met her was more than 7 years ago, I
remember her as a determined and gutsy young lady. Someone who pushes her
boundary to try new things and bravely travel to foreign places without knowing
anyone there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>It was interesting to note how both of us have grown
throughout the years since the first time we met.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>I am honoured that she considers me as her first mentor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>A recording of the talk:-<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/100000418407534/videos/4194765467214025/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Facebook Live</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr1Q5ovLTiJTikWzDoBiyFboCrN4tbAW8hE8dUhdQlURM3euT_cEMrrBxaPhLF6NGMBye1WCV3WtZ4DkjEFSVmFteQTtxFlNCTmLRtZumL-0Lou2JtDVwzF07k72vGReQIP6sjOCaLWo/s1640/Jen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr1Q5ovLTiJTikWzDoBiyFboCrN4tbAW8hE8dUhdQlURM3euT_cEMrrBxaPhLF6NGMBye1WCV3WtZ4DkjEFSVmFteQTtxFlNCTmLRtZumL-0Lou2JtDVwzF07k72vGReQIP6sjOCaLWo/s320/Jen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Rising From The Ashes</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-33230171148708970572021-04-06T14:41:00.000+08:002021-04-06T14:41:37.386+08:00Find Your Calling<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkwE4O2UykZ5z55Izh4gMIJVjj2YCOGoyZmQLREQRGBiIhToSDVHvY2Da_4uWPvBd0DeSw9YdV-10n0g3K6e4Je5hyncq6zOPo2w7AMgylKyeh4g6uCWEZy6hFq6TtYZybSgGQFFMfWA/s1080/find+your+calling+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkwE4O2UykZ5z55Izh4gMIJVjj2YCOGoyZmQLREQRGBiIhToSDVHvY2Da_4uWPvBd0DeSw9YdV-10n0g3K6e4Je5hyncq6zOPo2w7AMgylKyeh4g6uCWEZy6hFq6TtYZybSgGQFFMfWA/s320/find+your+calling+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span> </span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: times;"> On the 3rd of
April 2021, I was invited by SpeakRight Consultancy to be a part of Find Your
Calling, a program for youth via Zoom.</span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>It was an
honour for me to be able to share my views on life with the younger generation.
It was indeed heartening to see other speakers having the same aim of making a
difference in the life of others. I wish I had gone through a similar program
in my youth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>During the
first session in the morning, I spoke on the topic, "When An Explosion
Knocks You Down". I was grateful to have Hasan Al-Akraa, a Syrian refugee
in Malaysia to share his story with us during the second half of the topic.
Since young, he has gone through so much in life. His strength and
determination in helping others are truly admirable. The link to his TEDX talk: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6lbKiXTPc" target="_blank">Bombs to Books</a></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span><span style="text-align: left;">In the afternoon, it was a forum style of setting. I was invited to
speak together with others from different fields. Youth were free to ask any
relevant questions to us. From the reply given by others, I can feel they truly
care and were thoughtful before answering the questions.</span></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Teenagers are our future; it is important that we support and help them
to cultivate the right mindset and attitude to overcome challenges in
life. </span> </span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Rising From The Ashes</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-70402685549552310322021-03-03T15:21:00.002+08:002021-03-03T15:26:38.842+08:00The Asian Woman<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie61Y9o1I3gnyoGqiRiEso9PWyK3tfmexu-s9hGsW28m5JFJu1Ekyh3eCuIr6aC9skXEQRYAnn0WItDngju5dylJxMLjwP7Ib3EKZk_GKwH79MAO4Zn0vwunI-EovKq6ztrl3dZLUc5M8/s1080/The+Asian+Woman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie61Y9o1I3gnyoGqiRiEso9PWyK3tfmexu-s9hGsW28m5JFJu1Ekyh3eCuIr6aC9skXEQRYAnn0WItDngju5dylJxMLjwP7Ib3EKZk_GKwH79MAO4Zn0vwunI-EovKq6ztrl3dZLUc5M8/s320/The+Asian+Woman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Light shining on me from the light stand. My living room had never been so bright before.</span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="1" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>It was hot, even the air-conditioner did not seem to reduce the heat.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>It was on 18th December 2020 and I took leave from work for this interview. It was finally happening! The interview was canceled a few times before, due to restriction of movements during the Movement Control Order and Conditional Movement Control Order. The interviewers had obtained permission from the police to shoot the film.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="3" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>I admit I was quite nervous as the experience was a first for me. However, Shelin and Quinn were good at what they do, capturing natural moments in front of the camera. There were times they reminded me to smile. </p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="4" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Thank you The Asian Woman for giving me this opportunity to speak up. Keep up the good work in giving a voice to the voiceless!</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="5" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>The video:-</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="5" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/feOGiv6yweg" width="320" youtube-src-id="feOGiv6yweg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_71960" data-wnd_separable_index="5" id="wnd_TextBlock_71960_inner_5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">Website link: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/">Rising From The Ashes</a></span></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-11753164280308774092021-02-19T12:12:00.000+08:002021-02-19T12:12:19.264+08:00Challenging Self On Facebook Live<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IkT7CWxa-SI24EQq24YsdxA1po39nEK6sbce_sf_yDdgZQq3JCRicSmgP9YZqko73ZVzVUYVifh2oLxi08kSGMT-TnTLMEWIe861xn7ifo7uo17QDcR2ZTDiwP3drkzMeutKRcdfcEo/s1470/facebook+live_heartation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IkT7CWxa-SI24EQq24YsdxA1po39nEK6sbce_sf_yDdgZQq3JCRicSmgP9YZqko73ZVzVUYVifh2oLxi08kSGMT-TnTLMEWIe861xn7ifo7uo17QDcR2ZTDiwP3drkzMeutKRcdfcEo/s320/facebook+live_heartation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Cordelia and Joy invited me to share my story as a seven-day challenger attempting the challenge in Heartation. As a first-timer, I was quite nervous speaking on Facebook live. There wasn't any rehearsal either. The first time I spoke to Joy was a few minutes before the live feed.</span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="1" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>The mindfulness and the sound challenge were indeed interesting. Having done meditation before, it was not too difficult for me to be more aware of my surroundings. Once in a while, I needed such a reminder to slow down and see things from a unique perspective. For the entire week, I would receive WhatsApp notifications of different tasks to be completed every day for the challenge.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="2" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>So why did I decide to go on Facebook live? I felt it was time for me to challenge myself to do something out of my comfort zone.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="3" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Having done it, I realised there were areas I could improve upon to be a better speaker. For me to grow further, I needed to experience different things in life and to learn from them.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="4" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Yes, there will always be mistakes and stumbling blocks along the way. More importantly, not giving up when the going gets tough. </p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="5" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>The link to the video : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR06sD8Iaw-evbNDhyyqe7vPNRKLn4uYIZ1ZAPEYN42IwIGqwrx0K7m-Y8M&v=QB4K3tAVcy0&feature=youtu.be" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-left-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-right-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); border-top-color: rgba(119, 169, 202, 0.5); box-sizing: border-box; color: #77a9ca; padding-bottom: 0.0625rem; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, border 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Challenger Eileyn</a></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="5" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"> Website link: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/">Rising From The Ashes</a></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="5" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_5" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p data-wnd_is_separable="1" data-wnd_separable_id="wnd_TextBlock_930168" data-wnd_separable_index="6" id="wnd_TextBlock_930168_inner_6" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;" /></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-58179691808880250162021-02-10T14:24:00.006+08:002021-02-19T12:13:30.118+08:00Chinese New Year Reflection 2021<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOBVI1AP96Oam3bKIWEx6RGZx4gzOe3Z4lgzsafNKhgVBHaBWM1jQTGMQJ8qdTYdNT0M_2OcpDDpEgJTyBmhR9xiljQbZl9eSCFMRpSvgy7o3MIK75LRWscEW-ng6oubh7yOzDVxUeDw/s2048/reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOBVI1AP96Oam3bKIWEx6RGZx4gzOe3Z4lgzsafNKhgVBHaBWM1jQTGMQJ8qdTYdNT0M_2OcpDDpEgJTyBmhR9xiljQbZl9eSCFMRpSvgy7o3MIK75LRWscEW-ng6oubh7yOzDVxUeDw/s320/reflection.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>As Chinese New Year is fast approaching, I am reminded of the true meaning of Chinese New Year. It is not about the buying of new clothes, fireworks, and the gluttony of festive food. Instead, it is being together with our family.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Because of its once-a-year occasion, it is a good time to remind ourselves of family ties and relationships. With the Covid-19 still going on, let us not forget that Chinese New Year will still arrive every year, but a loved one, after he or she is gone, we will not see them anymore. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Therefore, for this Chinese New Year, concentrate on the positive and be thankful that we still have people around us who are still living and healthy. A reminder of not taking things for granted. Though we may not get together or meet up this year, remember our health and their health are more important at this point of time. Prioritising on what matters in the long run instead of what we would miss out during this Chinese New Year.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Happy Chinese New Year to those who are celebrating!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/">Rising From The Ashes</a></div></div>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-936814349691362032021-02-02T15:01:00.005+08:002021-02-19T12:14:26.097+08:00We Are All Going To Die<p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box;"><span> </span></em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BO3PWFMepMKQLKjkwkPBISy3bIssoQ2M_mxqBFzfQV6prXEfz_iIkE4XCuhVqeXJTDRlHihiJaTp-nvncZKHuByGy04yZUaOAJi-rUbSX7yYZAp46XJ4MBi5bugEANpuwofcwiZue8U/s612/flower+at+tomb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BO3PWFMepMKQLKjkwkPBISy3bIssoQ2M_mxqBFzfQV6prXEfz_iIkE4XCuhVqeXJTDRlHihiJaTp-nvncZKHuByGy04yZUaOAJi-rUbSX7yYZAp46XJ4MBi5bugEANpuwofcwiZue8U/s320/flower+at+tomb.jpg" /></a></span></em></div><em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box;"><span><br /></span></em><p></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box;"> We are all going to die.</em></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>It was the second time the same person in the Whatsapp group I belonged to; sent such a message.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>I could feel so much negativity in just one message.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for about a year now and things do not seem to improve. People are getting more anxious. Every day, negative messages seem to flood under the chat column of my Whatsapp. There are days I skip reading the messages altogether.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>We should not let fear get to us. Yes, the situation may seem critical. However, what are we doing about it? There is no use complaining and getting pessimistic over the problem without doing something. Our negative reaction will only give more power to external circumstances and influences. When we complain and whine every day, our emphasis will be on negativity and how powerless we are towards the situation. By continuously doing so, we are giving away our own power day by day. We are also influencing the mood and emotions of others around us. As a result, they would also feel helpless.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>We should regard negativity as a disease. It can be as infectious as COVID-19. Notice how people can be in a group? When a person laments on how unfair life can be, another person will join in and continue with more stories of unfairness. After all the outpouring of emotions, nothing gets accomplished instead, the negative thoughts of each person become deepens without a solution.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>This does not mean that we can put our heads in the clouds or ignore the problem like an ostrich with its head buried in the sand. We need to keep in touch with reality. Facing and knowing the reality of the situation, but yet being positive and be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>So before we react to a situation, stop and think.</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Are we emphasising negativity or positivity? Are we solving problems or creating them?</p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span> </span>Yes, we are all going to die one day. This is the reality of it. What matters most is the difference that we make while we are still alive.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p class="wnd-align-justify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Website: <a href="https://rising-from-the-ashes2.webnode.com/">Rising From The Ashes</a></span></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-42270003543878477042020-11-03T13:18:00.003+08:002020-11-03T13:26:11.609+08:00Chevening Writers Series<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRB_NGo4_OsR3ct3zlxEP4HMC_iA80IDlpFLkxpxu-NERE6rcj2j79veET2lkSZUPWYxNvmdL7BaTNOIJ5yd-siH21EXEvK3xMnlgH-Da4o5_qHZcMu56836l_gD3wSEx45Ma4m7SKeU/s1100/chevening-writers-series.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRB_NGo4_OsR3ct3zlxEP4HMC_iA80IDlpFLkxpxu-NERE6rcj2j79veET2lkSZUPWYxNvmdL7BaTNOIJ5yd-siH21EXEvK3xMnlgH-Da4o5_qHZcMu56836l_gD3wSEx45Ma4m7SKeU/s320/chevening-writers-series.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The first time I saw the poster, I asked
myself whether I should apply. Writing fiction isn’t exactly what I do. Also,
with the Covid-19 pandemic going around, is taking part in a workshop with
others a good idea?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> However, as I am writing
my memoir, I thought it would be fun to apply and just see where it would take
me. Besides, there are not many writing workshops in Penang which are fully
sponsored for beginners. It might also be a good opportunity for me to meet up with other writers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">I submitted my one and only
fiction. I wrote it in 2018 whilst I was bored staying at home. If I am not
mistaken, I was still recovering from one of my surgeries at that time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">On the 5th October 2020, as I
opened an email from Nutmag:-<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i>Thank you for your application
to the Chevening Writers Series. I am delighted to confirm your place for the
full series, Fiction Track. </i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> Yay! I made it!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_oHIEA3ojNzxf2iBShiU913FY6k10KHAZwNzigrmFXnBOq_z0Zs6YZGtbXki5VuwjD6mXSDkf8Frgmd15j1MYKSVf078_0lido1crYHyqK1c05RC_NOtNK6gzXBGugVJc77p_FlYVGE/s360/writing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_oHIEA3ojNzxf2iBShiU913FY6k10KHAZwNzigrmFXnBOq_z0Zs6YZGtbXki5VuwjD6mXSDkf8Frgmd15j1MYKSVf078_0lido1crYHyqK1c05RC_NOtNK6gzXBGugVJc77p_FlYVGE/s320/writing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">On the first day of attendance,
I was happy that the Standard Operating Procedure for Covid-19 was strictly
enforced at the hotel. Everyone was wearing a mask and keeping their distance.
For the participants from other states under Conditional Movement Control
Order, they join the session online.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">So far, it has been three
Saturdays, I am already halfway through the workshop. I would say that the
organisers have conducted the workshop well. There are even experience mentors
to guide us through if we have questions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">I am grateful for this
opportunity to be able to learn from others and also write. Even though I feel
my writing is not up to par for fiction yet, it is always good to try something
different and get the creative juice flowing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">I do not know where this would
lead me, but as long as I am open-minded and willing to learn, I think I will
be fine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-79262992560528299952020-09-13T11:26:00.000+08:002020-09-13T11:26:52.911+08:00Mid-Autumn Festival 2020<p> <span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SaKrP3mbj4qKyI6E_Mvb2z9lwxYBZnMzSFwtd6fPM_FmhEXNG1_RjWxuIAQaG-IYcOY99A9Hd25lu-6FOHKXjUH8wwHeVDv8FQnUrThgfd952QOadfE5bpMzMjofmDYVN-EXi2pz0WQ/s170/mid+autumn+festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="170" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SaKrP3mbj4qKyI6E_Mvb2z9lwxYBZnMzSFwtd6fPM_FmhEXNG1_RjWxuIAQaG-IYcOY99A9Hd25lu-6FOHKXjUH8wwHeVDv8FQnUrThgfd952QOadfE5bpMzMjofmDYVN-EXi2pz0WQ/w213-h150/mid+autumn+festival.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> I measured the shortening and water, then added
them into the premix flour. It is always prudent to measure everything before
mixing them together. Wearing a sterilized glove, I began my work with the
mixture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Last year I made pandan flavoured mung bean snow
skin mooncake and oreo cheese. This year I opted for the plain red bean and
lotus paste for filling.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>As my hand moved to knead the dough, I realised
the mid-autumn festival celebration this year will be different from last year.
In 2019, my sister could return from Singapore. Unfortunately, due to the
uncertainty of the coronavirus situation, most likely she could not do so this
time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Even though our family doesn’t really celebrate
the festival, for the Chinese, we associate it with reunion and togetherness.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu0K1VTmtL6uj65uU3ldAg6LclMn03pl60W4IdKtNaGUa-juGXGaVLICygBDDO593fi97DMDEdy7sVhK0OXgvEuFtbZ_CUdFdTnVLx4Q7JzsXr-bKb1_3vo6UglHSBYG1-dBlTvd3gG0/s2048/mooncake+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu0K1VTmtL6uj65uU3ldAg6LclMn03pl60W4IdKtNaGUa-juGXGaVLICygBDDO593fi97DMDEdy7sVhK0OXgvEuFtbZ_CUdFdTnVLx4Q7JzsXr-bKb1_3vo6UglHSBYG1-dBlTvd3gG0/s320/mooncake+2020.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snow skin mooncake with red bean filling<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkghuRPlR_c03oCjje23xTXT6owWBGm9PH6PPNxyyUlRXCATjgdGE5G9QaK9suGvedWwTIaPaZA7VmMN3FwFcJWwa2g-uMPwrQARJIzDHS1Vh9TeQdSs0M97pkOQeHngBA6T1QwANd4dg/s2048/pandan+mungbean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkghuRPlR_c03oCjje23xTXT6owWBGm9PH6PPNxyyUlRXCATjgdGE5G9QaK9suGvedWwTIaPaZA7VmMN3FwFcJWwa2g-uMPwrQARJIzDHS1Vh9TeQdSs0M97pkOQeHngBA6T1QwANd4dg/s320/pandan+mungbean.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></i></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snow skin moon cake with pandan flavoured mung bean filling</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"> “I wish things were back to normal again” I would
often hear this from people ever since March this year.</span><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Either from those lamenting about the Covid-19
situation, people who are feeling lost because of the changes in their lives or
from other burn survivors who wished for the life they had before the
burn. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Changes can be disruptive and painful when things
are not within our control. It can disturb our comfortable routine and affects
us emotionally, especially when we are unprepared to face the challenges.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>When I was in the ICU, I was afraid of changes.
Discomfort and pain would come with any changes, from the change of tube,
dressing change, procedures, etc. I got so used to the environment there that I
voiced out my concern to my sister when they wanted to transfer me to the burn
ward; nearly 4 months since hospitalisation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Yes, that sounds crazy, right?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span> </span>Being immobile, weak and vulnerable for a
long time, can cause a person to think irrationally. The fears and insecurities
easily surfaced and becomes magnified. I didn’t realise that over 50% of those
who are admitted at the ICU will probably not make it out alive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>“Going to the burn ward is a good thing. You are
getting better,” my sister had to assure me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>She even took the effort to check on the burn ward and
reported the condition there to me, days before the transfer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Yes, my days at the hospital were the most
painful thing that I had to go through. Surviving every day was
difficult. Some days I would wonder whether the suffering would ever end.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>It is not possible for us to turn back time and
change the past. However, it is alright to acknowledge the feelings we are
having, to voice out our frustration at the situation. Being present with our emotions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>On the other hand, it is not a good idea to wish
for something that we have lost and may never return. It is not helpful, nor
will it assist us in facing our problems. “Woe is me” will be detrimental
in the long run and so is denial if we cannot accept the reality of the
situation. For now, the entire world needs to accept that wearing a mask and
social distancing is the “new normal” until we resolve this pandemic. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> Even though mid-autumn's festival for year 2020 may not be the same, as long as everyone makes an effort to keep themselves and their family safe, there will be many more mid-autumn celebrations to come. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-84815494057072645352020-07-22T14:24:00.001+08:002020-07-22T14:52:21.395+08:00The Choice<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Someone lent me a book by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, “The Choice”. Having already read Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search For Meaning” years ago, ( see my previous article </span><a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2018/09/mans-search-for-meaning.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Man's Search For Meaning</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> ) I had the curiosity in me to see what this book had to offer or if it was any different from “Man’s Search For Meaning”. </span></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Viktor Frankl was already an adult and a psychiatrist when he was detained in Auschwitz. His book written in 1946 and later translated into English. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">In contrast, the Nazis brought Edith to Auschwitz at a tender age of 16 years old. She dreamt of being a ballerina and competing at the Olympics. However, her dreams were crushed as a result of racism and later detention at that horrifying place. Both her mother and father were killed on the first day of arrival. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Many were beaten, tortured and executed. As there were hardly enough food, out of desperation, some had even resorted to cannibalism, eating the flesh of the dead. She barely made it out alive herself. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6p42SLen0ztjwMU6O6GMqXkHPAyDHBvAicRpa8en51d7guTv326HY__PZobEq-FunLMJB2I8i4xTkrL0noXjI7Frr_SFZXIjMWX99w-HUGOpYjOqiLOhOIj7R5ZiTGcPjE6ihWlpH-U/s2048/The+Choice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6p42SLen0ztjwMU6O6GMqXkHPAyDHBvAicRpa8en51d7guTv326HY__PZobEq-FunLMJB2I8i4xTkrL0noXjI7Frr_SFZXIjMWX99w-HUGOpYjOqiLOhOIj7R5ZiTGcPjE6ihWlpH-U/s320/The+Choice.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>When “The Choice” was written in 2017, the author was already in her 90’s. She writes honestly of her emotions and her experiences. It was not easy to overcome her trauma and finally resolved it. Through her reflection of life, it gives me an insight of the wisdom that she has obtained through her years of experiencing pain and suffering.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Her book is a reminder that no matter our circumstances in life, we always have a choice, whether to react or respond. Whenever we feel we don’t have a choice, we need to remind ourselves that we DO, no matter the circumstances. By choosing to see the choices we have in life, it is empowering. No one can take this away from us. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>We can make any choice, good or bad. There is always an option in our decision making, in our action, thoughts and words. Whatever we choose, it will have consequences. We can be our own jailor or liberator. Emotions such as anger and fear often prevent us from seeing different options and making another choice. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> As I read through Edith Eger’s journey in facing her trauma, I can’t help but to admire her strength, consistency and resilience in doing her “inner work”. Only by resolving our past issues, it will set us free.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> I recommend both books. They are a must read.</p>Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-26559827603811466572020-05-31T10:28:00.000+08:002020-05-31T10:42:31.324+08:00Exploring Poetry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudvO-2exG8d4fjcDKigwbsY7BEjfgDAIReDeHFq8kqTPMqiNmKo0WPL34DOkArGKozPaB5Zy-lrLBQrx5t9QEiO9YNc4rDJ61smJU0ZEHxGJCawn9b_gtNIANsr3L4uZwCTudpbW77Cc/s1600/poetry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="357" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudvO-2exG8d4fjcDKigwbsY7BEjfgDAIReDeHFq8kqTPMqiNmKo0WPL34DOkArGKozPaB5Zy-lrLBQrx5t9QEiO9YNc4rDJ61smJU0ZEHxGJCawn9b_gtNIANsr3L4uZwCTudpbW77Cc/s320/poetry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I
have been encouraged by Cordelia Lee to explore my creative side, she has
inspired me to use poetry as a form of self-expression. I find that poetry
allows me to express myself in a different way. Though I have to admit, it is
still a struggle for me to find the words to express myself.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently, I was moved for the first time to
submit my poetry for an anthology<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.singlitstation.com/thousandcranes"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.singlitstation.com/thousandcranes</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTzvmbcT4VFPMlNtu5AhADh5UZOV_gtjQdGb6jxjrAPXRf0FfuvYzdyxCTwKtEZyYcY0PhzRoQ9QSwvrfaV8Qw0gJ6GIvHT4ieVbgXblu0b3a2yq3tcupDigvX9M4t3XdFj7PIZRHx2o/s400/a+thousand+crane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="211" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">(Image of poster taken from singlitstation.com)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTzvmbcT4VFPMlNtu5AhADh5UZOV_gtjQdGb6jxjrAPXRf0FfuvYzdyxCTwKtEZyYcY0PhzRoQ9QSwvrfaV8Qw0gJ6GIvHT4ieVbgXblu0b3a2yq3tcupDigvX9M4t3XdFj7PIZRHx2o/s1600/a+thousand+crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">The
theme and subject matter somewhat speak to me.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">The topic of coping with illnesses and death can be a taboo topic and
yet all of us will die one day. On the other hand, if we were given a life of
immortality without pain and suffering, can we truly live? Will we appreciate
our moments in life and the opportunities given to us? Or do we feel empty
without a purpose?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">Indeed, this is not
an easy question to answer.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
felt good after writing the poem. It gave me a different outlet to express my
trauma and the experience I went through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Below
is the poem I have written :-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Gas Explosion<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kaboom!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The
explosive force flung me backwards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pushing
me to the ground,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It
happened in a few seconds,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Intense
heat engulfed all around,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before
my very eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A red plastic dish
drainer became shapeless,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like
wax melted to liquid,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ceramic
plates and bowls were rolling,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Smashing
themselves to the ground,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cupboards
collapsed and their contents spilling, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As
if they were alive,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A huge
black hole at the ceiling,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Directly
above the stove,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Within
seconds,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Darkness
landed with eerie silence,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
survived! I can’t believe I am still alive!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Strange colourful patterns above me, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A melodious song in the background,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Never have I beholden,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Such a sight or hear such a sound,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was floating and flying around,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">An impatient voice reminded me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span lang="EN-MY">"Come on, come on, take your
responsibility!"</span></i></b><span lang="EN-MY">,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jolted out of my dreamy state,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A sudden clarity descended,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I need to find my bed!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Swinging down was what I did,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Images were distracting me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Was that Napoleon? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Did I see Beethoven?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like a spider swinging on a web,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hovered and spotted an unoccupied bed,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Slowly lowering myself down,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I felt a gentle "thud",<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I lay on the sheet, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The webs grew thinner and disappeared,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My soul no longer lost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Opening my heavy lid eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beeping machines behind me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unable to turn even sidewise,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stiff body weighing a tonne,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Throat dry like the desert,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Opened my mouth but I was voiceless,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Never have I felt so helpless,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You had 80 percent burn”, my sister said,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two and a half months have passed,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a coma medically induced,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wrapped like a mummy from toe to head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I nearly died from the explosion,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also from CRE and MRSA,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Causing sepsis a bloodstream infection,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doctors didn’t know what to say,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">whether I would live, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or die the next day,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">God had shown me mercy,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this second chance of life<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But this was only half the journey,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 296.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this painful process of staying alive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Skin,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
love you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
know the hurt you’ve been through,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The debridement
and skin graft surgeries,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even
in coma,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My
brain still knew,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Trying
to understand the pain,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Manifested
through nightmares,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of
imprisonment and torture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
remember being ambushed at ICU,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dressing
change by 8 to 10 doctors and nurses,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One
person at every side of the bed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moving
fast,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But
no matter how quickly they moved,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The
stinging sensations were sharp,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Skin
felt like ripping,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">They
removed primary dressing – PAIN,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cleansed
wound area – PAIN,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reapplying
medication – PAIN,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
screamed in anguish,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Again,
again and again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After 4 months,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember the excitement,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of leaving the ICU,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being lifted from one bed to another,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bed pushed,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doors opened,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am out of here,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Waved my right hand,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doctors and nurses bade their farewell,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Goodbye Eileyn. Goodbye!”,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">They probably had a party after you left,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">That was what my sister said,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Their second longest staying patient,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whose life they have saved, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we headed towards the burn ward,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Warm air melted the coldness on my face,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like being thawed from the fridge,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A sudden foreboding thought appeared,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Am I off to a better place?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every morning,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even the toughest of men would scream or cry,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It did not matter,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whether you have been trained,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the army, navy or police,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">No preparation would have sufficed,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the pain you would face,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dressing time indeed a dreaded time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The nurses are fierce here”,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lamented an army patient,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our screams and pleas for mercy ignored,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you want to get better the nurses said, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You must listen to us”,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If strangers didn’t know any better, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">They would think it was a torture chamber.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Time passed by,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Patients come and go,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most stayed for a few days, weeks or months,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The only thing I could do,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Counting the days to get through,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Am I a permanent fixture?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doomed to be in hospital forever?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your skin is fragile,” the specialist said,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Healing takes time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When will this suffering end?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All my questions left unanswered again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In my darkest time I learnt,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Patience and resilience are important,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take one day at a time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Breathe,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let go of the past pain,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be grateful for what you have,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For there are others who have less,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Patients who seemed to be forgotten,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">By their family and friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or foreigners who didn’t have money to pay,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the duration of their stay,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have seen it all at the burn ward,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The best and the worst in people,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lessons I learnt from others,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the inner strength,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn’t know I had.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a year, three months and twenty days,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 175.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The official day had arrived, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The day I was discharged,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although not fully healed,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a joyous occasion,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the hospital,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Was no longer my home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Four years after the burn,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have learnt to live again,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is life,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is hope,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like a phoenix rising from the ashes,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Time to return the favour to others,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Giving support to those in pain,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Helping burn survivors to find meaning again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> ©
Eileyn Chua<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-76322868817417766242020-03-31T14:54:00.000+08:002020-04-17T09:13:36.253+08:00Movement Control Order From The View Of A Burn Survivor<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the government announced a
14-day Movement Control Order (MCO) throughout Malaysia because of the
coronavirus, chaos and panic happened at the supermarkets, despite the
government’s assurance of enough food and daily necessities. </span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> The government thought that the
message was clear, everyone to stay home, social distancing from one another.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, on the 1</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">st</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> day itself, some defied the MCO and
continued with their merry ways, not taking this pandemic seriously. Now, day
14th has passed, and the government has extended the MCO until the 14th of
April as the numbers of those infected within the country become higher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> This is not the first time I am
being confined to a place, like a bridge between two stories, I can’t help but
to compare and connect it to my post-burn care experience. </span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The feeling of isolation,
uncertainty for the future, unpredictability, anxiety, hopelessness, not being
in control, fear, confusion regarding the situation and most of all, not seeing
the light at the end of the tunnel. These are the emotions that most normal
Malaysians must have been having when they were suddenly being restricted to
their own homes. </span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I remember being in physical
discomfort and pain nearly every day after getting out from a medically-induced
coma. The pain was unbearable during dressing change. The first time I
consciously experienced this, it was over two and a half months after the
explosion. An unforgettable morning, 10 to 12 hospital staff, including doctors
and nurses suddenly barged into the room. I was confused and partly delirious. Covered
from head to toe with bandages, I didn’t know what was going on. They
positioned themselves on every corner of my bed, talking among themselves. Then
suddenly, they removed my bandages on every part of my body. It felt like they
ripped my skin off. I felt the pain three times: during removal of primary
dressing, cleaning of wound and finally during the application of medicine.
I heard a petite middle-aged lady giving orders to the other doctors and
nurses to do it efficiently and as fast as possible. I was crying in agony.
</span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A male doctor was removing the
bandage on my head, “we need to keep the donor area clean”. He was talking
about my head.</span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was shocked, donor area? What did
they take from my head? My hair? </span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I tried to protest but the words
couldn’t come out from my mouth, they couldn’t understand me. Confusion
overwhelmed me. They could only see my tears and hear some inaudible noises. They
had punctured a hole in my throat to put a tracheal tube so a machine (or
ventilator) could breathe for me whenever needed. At that moment in time, I
didn’t know I had 80% burns to my body. They had taken the skin from my scalp
for grafting and transferred this skin to my hands.</span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead of viruses, most burn
survivors worry about bacteria. The burn area, unprotected by skin, has a high
risk of being infected. A hospital can be a breeding ground for bacterial
infection. During my stay at the ICU, I became infected with CRE, a type
of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Dying of blood sepsis can happen in
an ICU. In the burn ward, I was treated for MRSA up to 4 times. There were a
few instances, the doctors thought I wouldn’t survive.</span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking
back, there were times I felt the pain and suffering would be never ending.
Doomed to be like a ghost experiencing the same painful incident just
before death over and over again. Some days were overwhelming, it felt like I taking
one step forward, and the next day, two steps back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In moments of difficulties, a friend
reminded me to be grateful, to appreciate my family and the people around me,
to accept my condition and surrender whatever I couldn’t control to others.
Concentrating on what I could do instead of what I couldn’t was probably the
most difficult thing I had to do. My mind was the only thing I had, not my
physical body. Being immobile, even my fingers were stiff and painful to the
touch. To survive, I had to concentrate on being positive. Convincing myself
that even though I was in pain, I was getting the help I needed. Constant
reminders came from my sister; I was getting better every day, even though I
was not feeling it. </span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">A burn survivor faces his/her pain
alone or with his/her own family members or community, whereas coronavirus
(Covid-19) effects everyone. During this hardship, we need to strengthen
our minds. If we are not clear headed enough or calm enough, we will fall into
a black hole of darkness which threatens to swallow us whole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /> Instead of complaining, living in fear and
viewing things negatively, concentrate on what we can do at home, be creative.
If we have been procrastinating on certain projects with an excuse of not
having the time to do so, this is the time to complete it. Even with the
restriction in movement, we can always be thankful for what we have, for there
are others who have less. </span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
During this period, we can see the best and the
worst in people. On one side of the coin, hardship and suffering can make
a person become bitter, losing hope, blaming others for their misery, resorting
to crime, etc. However, on the other side, there are people who remain caring,
compassionate and helpful despite experiencing the same situation.</span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are not facing this problem alone. It is a pandemic that
is affecting the entire world. It is time for everyone to help each other.
Unlike humans, the COVID-19 does not discriminate. The world needs to cast aside any differences
in race, religion, gender, social and economic status; this is a fight for
humanity. </span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our good values are the foundation of what makes us decent
and rational human beings. If we disregard our values during this time of
crisis, in the process of slaying this invisible beast, we might end up becoming
a beast ourselves.</span><span style="font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-57539228716376382232020-03-08T18:28:00.002+08:002020-03-09T01:35:12.954+08:00International Women's Day 2020<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">International Women's Day is here once more. Some celebrated it. Some feel should not as a celebration of womanhood should be everyday. To me, these days can be served as a reminder to us. We can be preoccupied with our responsibilities, activities, our families and of life that we sometimes even forget our own birthday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I reflected on the women who have impacted me. Because of these women, they inspired me to write a woman song in 2018.</span><br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QY7m9eaB6io/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QY7m9eaB6io?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Women Song sang on 8 March 2020, dedicated to all </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>women readers here. I wrote it in 2018. </i></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are so many women out there who made a big impact on me over the years since a teenager until today. Let me list them whom I can remember offhand:-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) <b>Anne Subashini</b> - founder of <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/inclusiveoutdoorclass/">The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom</a></b>. I have the privilege to get to know her since drum circle days. Her passion is infectious. Her faith, her belief that there should be no division between children no matter of their backgrounds, no matter of their health conditioning is empowering. I have attended a few of her activities which made me open further of my mind and heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) <b>Chong Sheau Ching</b> - founder of <b>ehomemakers.net</b> . I first met her many years ago with Yvonne Foong who gave invaluable advice on how to proceed with publishing her first book. We reconnected years later when I was in the hospital with Patrick. Though years have passed, I am glad to see her heart is still kind, her contributions to womenfolk have been much more today. Her passion to make a difference is inspiring. Her constant encouragement especially to write my blog, "<b><a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/05/birth-of-this-blog.html">Unexpected Living</a></b>" was due to her contribution. I would not have thought of doing so because I have thought I had no time to do so because I need to be on my toes constantly to observe Patrick's symptoms. To me, I will write of my experiences probably a few years later after Patrick is more stable in health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At that time, I was in this constant state of tiredness then which I thought I could not do anything further except to rest my physical body more. When I do not get enough rest, I find myself falling sick easily with flu and cough. I do not want to fall sick when my son's immune system is weak. Her advice on writing my experiences would serve as a guide to other mothers of similarly sickly children. It will also serve as a healing platform for me. I was not certain whether should I commit myself. I dislike giving my word when I could not commit a certain time frame. Luckily, Ching is flexible with my writing. I am to write when I find time available. I also prayed and meditated to get clarity on whether should I commit myself to a blog. And here's my blog today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) <b>Ramlah</b>. She is a mother whose son died earlier this year of leukaemia. I think her son was 10 years old. I admired her strength for willing to share her experiences at Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia. (RMHC) They invited me to attend an appreciation day organised by RMHC, thanking the donors and sponsors. I have taught the staff and parents of cancer children to make sock dolls making. To me, I empathise their mental and emotional state especially when they need to attend to their children in the hospital. I hope my class can be a form of relaxation, smiles and a temporary activity that can uplift their emotions. </span><br />
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<i>Ramlah & myself</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I met Ramlah during my sock doll making class at RMHC last year. She attended twice of my classes. During this time, I have interacted her, I could sense her worries and sadness. I am aware she is parent staying at RMHC, which meant her child probably have cancer or another illness. I did not inquire from her then. RMHC is a home where parents can stay at a cheap cost so that they can stay near to their children in the hospital. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She was the second speaker for the Appreciation Event for sponsors and donors of RMHC. She was to share about how RMHC made a difference for her. However, she could not speak much. Overcame with emotions, her voice occasionally choked up. She cried a little. I wanted to stand up so that I can give her a hug. Before I could do so, a nurse who was standing nearby hugged her while Ramlah continued to cry a little more. I told myself I hope I could talk to her later and hugged her before I leave the event. </span><br />
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<i>Token of appreciation by RMHC.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then it happened. We had a conversation on how she is coping. Sometimes she seem fine. Sometimes she is not. She cannot helped remember the memories of her late son. She is still resting at home, not seeking for any work yet. For a while, she appeared so much fragile compared to the time I taught her sock doll making last year. We hugged before we parted. I listened to her more than to give her any advice. Sometimes in situations like this, being a listener is much more impactful than giving advice on how to manage this. Sometimes we are aware what is the way to overcome grief yet grief is something so personal especially when comes to a loved one. There is no time stamp when we are to heal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) <b>Yvonne Foong</b> - she died last year. She was suffered from Neurofibromatosis 2, a rare genetic disease. The most amazing thing about her was - despite her condition, she went on to assist other people's fundraising besides her own. She became an author, motivational speaker and more. Her heart is open to giving beyond her own physical illness. Sometimes some people have empathy to those who reminded them of their own sickness. For her, she impacted those who seek for her when they have depression, seeking for their worth and of other sickness would approach her as well for guidance, for hope, for more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She was a beacon of Light for many different people; community, gender, race, age, religion and more. When I first known her at 19 years old, already she was an inspiration to me because her passion to live especially to help others were so strong. I hardly hear her complain about her life especially of her challenges. She always adopted a good humour, a good compassionate side and loving side. Although daily she may face physical pain. She has shared this briefly with me when she was alive. I understood deeper when I had my daily physical pain and discomfort when I was pregnant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yvonne wrote two books based on her life experiences. If you are interested to read them, they are still on sale today. She have written two books, each sold at RM25. Currently, the book proceeds would be given to Yvonne's mother who is alive today. A mother who have spent almost twenty years in attending her daughter's medical and physical needs. All the proceeds will be for Mrs.Foong's cancer treatment. You can get more information through this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karen.limky.9/posts/10158076385439534">link</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI7g3mDw1omRykqthsKppbB83ntYr9rGYErcANCmOZKUmMRtINltpVnWV14SKcKeBn3gm5oJO6ob0gIeIggoARUkX4EL8bh_zZeb_5Tmqe_8PbVus9RjHdejBjnJ2QMzXTJ0ns0G-2R2y/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-03-08+at+12.44.25+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI7g3mDw1omRykqthsKppbB83ntYr9rGYErcANCmOZKUmMRtINltpVnWV14SKcKeBn3gm5oJO6ob0gIeIggoARUkX4EL8bh_zZeb_5Tmqe_8PbVus9RjHdejBjnJ2QMzXTJ0ns0G-2R2y/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-03-08+at+12.44.25+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Yvonne Foong attended my marriage registration.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5) <b>Annie Dan </b>- a compassionate humanitarian who spares her time weekly for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mustardseed.soupkitchen.10">Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen</a>'s activities. She shared with me what she has done, how her life becoming meaningful since her involvement with humanitarian work. She also been very kind to Patrick, encouraging him by gifts and even a birthday cake the year before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6) <b>Idayu</b> - She worked in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmhcmalaysia/">Ronald McDonald House Charities</a>. I got to know her through Annie. During the moments of sharing, I got to learn her beginnings at RMHC and how it changed her life forever;more meaningful, more involved with communities. How sadden she was when the children became ill. How happier she is when she is part of the changes that made families stronger and better. I felt touched by her loving side. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5A8z-FNFWqiP0DR-745WdrDifjwuOXZLsB1o-58jvHMqLQ2cI00cb0WmUv79bOhctmAFfZ6vtrbtHeMbmhyGwpieWgT1wkYcffRlbcEJ88Se15xYb0sIU7j4XUdOv5dKRRk666zIg_qTi/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-03-08+at+6.11.40+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5A8z-FNFWqiP0DR-745WdrDifjwuOXZLsB1o-58jvHMqLQ2cI00cb0WmUv79bOhctmAFfZ6vtrbtHeMbmhyGwpieWgT1wkYcffRlbcEJ88Se15xYb0sIU7j4XUdOv5dKRRk666zIg_qTi/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2020-03-08+at+6.11.40+PM.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Annie of Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen, Idayu from RMHC<br /> and myself. The man standing next to us is the founder <br />of Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7) <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/elainewong.art/">Elaine Wong</a></b> - an artist who constantly challenging her boundaries by facing her weakness and fears. With each triumph, Beauty becomes her. Creativity blossoming. Her heart opening. True strength don't come from brute force. It comes from deep within us, the willingness to heal, to face our darker issues that have entrapped us and to give ourselves permission to be who we are without blame and shame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8) <b>Miki Wong</b> - a lady whom I am singing together currently of my songs. She is an Intuitive Rhythm and Sound Healer of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MikiWong4134/">Light of Sound</a> using hand drums, vocal toning and more. She has learned sound healing from me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She is passionate to give back to the community, to be part of the change makers to make a difference to womanhood, to children, to communities and more. Ever big hearted lady who cares for others deeply. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below is a video where we perform sound healing and singing my song, With You and Me during Malaysia Women Marathon. The founder invited us to do so. </span><br />
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<i>We sang With You and Me song during Malaysia Women </i></div>
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<i>Marathon event on 7 March 2020. I wrote this song in 2016.</i></div>
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<i>I sang my song "With you and Me" during a social event in </i></div>
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<i>2017 while I was pregnant. Since I wrote my song, I have </i></div>
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<i>been invited on occasions to sing my song as a song</i></div>
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<i> of encouragement, hope and more.</i></div>
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<i>Our Sound healing @ Malaysia Women Marathon 2020</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been a few years since I last come out to sing among the public. My priority have been of Patrick especially once realised his diagnosis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for sound healing, you may wonder what it is. Before I became more of a stay at home mother, I had been teaching meditation ( non religious), practice Qigong and sound healing specialised in vocal sound toning. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sound and tones have been shown to be an effective in bringing about more positive states of being and has been incorporated as a form of therapy. Medical research can be found <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29800304/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9) <b>Oi Ling</b> - another woman who have lived by Faith to God, who have spent time to teach aborigines and rural children. I have seen photos of her activities. I have heard her passionate sharing. Her sincerity, loving nature in giving selflessly is admirable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10) My mother</b> - she has been a stay at home mother for more than 50 years. Taking care for our needs. She constantly reminded me the importance of family. And she really truly lived by her word when I had been in worse experiences in my life. When I needed encouragement, hope and all seems lost, confusing... I will never forget how my mother despite her fears, with her love for me, took courage to remind me, "Always remember! We are a family. We are a family!" She showed me what being a family means; through storms that threaten to break us apart as a family, we stay united and persevere together. Thank you, mom. I always remember your advice until today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And for the many many women I have not named. Whether you made an impact on me/others. Thank you for your love, efforts, presence. You have made the world a better place. </span></div>
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Cordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068707225947889221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-17196384020065884682020-03-04T16:38:00.000+08:002020-03-04T16:38:04.471+08:00Helping Out A Fellow Burn Survivor<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
do not understand the pain and suffering that a burn survivor goes through,
sometimes it may continue for years from the initial burn incident. The
complications of wound healing and also contracture sometimes get into the way
of healing and makes it difficult for a burn survivor to lead a normal life. Treatment
and managing the after effect of burns can be a lifelong process.
Furthermore, burn care is one of the most complicated and expensive treatment
at the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fatimah
nearly died in a fire at 6 years old. Since then, she has gone through numerous
surgeries throughout her young life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite
the challenges and odds against her, Fatimah entered high school and continued
with her studies at the University of St. Thomas. However, her studies were often
disrupted with her medical needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fatimah
is a kind and caring lady who often shares her experiences with newer burn
survivors on how to cope with their burn injuries. Although she has her own
life challenges, she often motivates and encourage people not to give up,
especially those who are undergoing dark moments in their life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of Fatimah’s hobby is cooking, she loves preparing delicious food for her
family. She dreams of starting a restaurant business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Some of the food cooked by her:-</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTqz5wspxE1Gdji477grytF92P819a5e80RKKjNsx9ooNfaPjMJeyhw1dhd9gjbn09zc-VlBE2Af3HaewHz23T6XdSsSfu_RfL9CmJgg3X_7ZS9kwgbr_VtyC7apAu_8P6KWmGv2a6ag/s1600/fatimah3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTqz5wspxE1Gdji477grytF92P819a5e80RKKjNsx9ooNfaPjMJeyhw1dhd9gjbn09zc-VlBE2Af3HaewHz23T6XdSsSfu_RfL9CmJgg3X_7ZS9kwgbr_VtyC7apAu_8P6KWmGv2a6ag/s320/fatimah3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
at 27 years old, she still has to undergo an operation on her head as her wound
has gotten deeper and could not heal. The last skin graft did not stick,
leaving her skull exposed. Going for a surgery is stressful enough, with the
added expenses, she constantly worries about finances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please
help Fatimah to collect enough funds for her next surgery, give her a chance in
life, with hope, this surgery would make a difference. She has set up a go
fundme account:-<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/6qk25-major-surgery?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR3Z7ngWCccJ20S83a0_io7WkHi4U5zx87qsWEDxmiKhgn0Lp-ldShpUII8" target="_blank">Fundraiser by Fatimah</a></span></div>
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Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-37717583612284386242020-02-11T14:58:00.000+08:002020-02-18T13:05:05.345+08:00What Do You Say When Visiting A Terminally Ill Patient?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl72WBSN-zgqAalXcqxUi1KplkFBH0BoWFDE7lhsbrg4e8HAraLMhBxu2hx2zO5ZIqrHrRWjftFGpGCYTRYowK3HiVn2fTfAMiroUf_F5-m-4O4HY915hqtC-YLUpVbhUEID2hRGeIifE/s1600/hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="612" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl72WBSN-zgqAalXcqxUi1KplkFBH0BoWFDE7lhsbrg4e8HAraLMhBxu2hx2zO5ZIqrHrRWjftFGpGCYTRYowK3HiVn2fTfAMiroUf_F5-m-4O4HY915hqtC-YLUpVbhUEID2hRGeIifE/s320/hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
looked at his pale face and frail body on the hospital bed. Lines and tubes on
his legs and neck. There was a bag at the right side with yellowish looking
water inside. The liquid was not urine but water which had to be pumped out
from his stomach cavity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was difficult
to see someone whom you have known since young to look so weak. He had lost
weight and aged considerably.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was the second day of Chinese New Year. My sister and I took a trip down
to Kuala Lumpur to visit relatives. We visited a cousin at the High Dependency Unit,
he had liver cancer and was complaining of diarrhea. Visiting hours were 11.30am
to 1.30am and 5.30pm to 7.30pm. We had to take turns going in as only 2 guests
at a time are allowed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfyho3E7bM9C4oTHpVBwpVT6EE6ajL8IeiQcVV0dq4xUhCjHvTWlqAIMnVng5RqCnOP02k0yt-t7FJAWXrxOa2gL6jqLxOv68HvaiMQ-IepOmlD9zEeEPJxan7_-JhhSeGip7TaVZffY/s1600/hospital2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfyho3E7bM9C4oTHpVBwpVT6EE6ajL8IeiQcVV0dq4xUhCjHvTWlqAIMnVng5RqCnOP02k0yt-t7FJAWXrxOa2gL6jqLxOv68HvaiMQ-IepOmlD9zEeEPJxan7_-JhhSeGip7TaVZffY/s1600/hospital2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite
having the experience of a prolonged stay at the hospital and being immobile, I
was tongue tied. I didn’t know what to say or how to comfort him. I could
only share with him of my previous struggle at the hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
our second visit before our trip back to Penang, my cousin complaint of back
pain. He grumbled the fish being hard despite my other cousin’s attempt
in mashing and mixing it with the porridge provided by the hospital.
After some persuasion on our side, reluctantly, he took a bite.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Tasteless!”
he said, refusing to eat anymore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few minutes later, a doctor came, “you need to eat as you are on medication.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
doctor continued, “we may have to put the feeding tube through your nostril if
you are not eating enough.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
could see the sudden fear in my cousin’s eyes. After the doctor left, I
informed him the same thing, based on my personal experience, feeding tube
can be unpleasant and he needed to eat more as his nutritional intake was not
enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
greyish dark eyes seemed to be in a dazed state, not looking at us. I wondered
whether he could hear what we say. Perhaps he felt overwhelmed. It must have
been difficult for him to be in such misery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
was the last time I saw him. He died a few days later. His blood pressure
suddenly plummeted bringing him into unconsciousness. I reflected on my last
words to him; it sounded like nagging. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyEKHibxx5Dq9C7GnwyO0J9TKoNWxZgVhRDlu1tFCnmw91iNdb64jUcDZ3rdbHzwhrJvuA3axGvn1tTPYVU6mkuMmnMCvGAl8jL9jkqJ_9FWTq1U8i8FQ6ESkybxBKOvwe1OqQCmx734/s1600/hospital3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyEKHibxx5Dq9C7GnwyO0J9TKoNWxZgVhRDlu1tFCnmw91iNdb64jUcDZ3rdbHzwhrJvuA3axGvn1tTPYVU6mkuMmnMCvGAl8jL9jkqJ_9FWTq1U8i8FQ6ESkybxBKOvwe1OqQCmx734/s1600/hospital3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Upon
reflection, I realised there are better things to say to a patient, especially
someone who is suffering. That visit had got me thinking of what we can say to
a terminally ill patient at the hospital. Below are just my opinion and
not intended to be exhaustive:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Don’t</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.
Don’t nag. You are not there to tell the patient what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.
If the patient asked about his mortality, answer as honestly as possible. Don’t
give him false hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.
Do not make the person worry unnecessarily. Keep your fears to yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.
Do not irritate or anger the patient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.
Unless the person specifically asks for it, don’t persuade the patient to buy
your products, especially MLM related. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Do</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.
Talk about other topics instead of focusing on the patient’s illness. It can be
depressing when visitors keep asking about the person’s health all over again.
When I was conscious in the ICU, I wanted to know what was going on outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.
Ask about the person’s concerns and feelings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.
If the patient complains of pain on certain parts of the body, listen to him,
ask how you can make him feel more comfortable or be more comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.
Listen with compassion. A patient needs someone who can empathise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.
Ask if he needs anything at that point of time while you are still there.
Sometimes the patient is shy to ask the visitor for favours, for example, to
help him get comfortable on his bed, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6.
Ask the patient whether he wants to settle any unfinished matter or talk to
anyone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7.
Do ask the patient what he wants to do? Where does he want to go from
here? How can he get there? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
example, if the patient says he wants to go home, tell him that he needs
to fight for it and do everything that he can. This includes eating, having
enough rest and a peace of mind to get well. Think positively while in bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
family and friends will sorely miss my cousin. We had not expected him to leave
so soon as he was looking forward to Chinese New Year. While
hospitalised, he had invited relatives and friends to his house during Chinese
New Year for a meal of chicken and beef rendang which he had earlier ordered
from a caterer. However, the invitation had to be canceled when it became
apparent that he could not be discharged anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Koko
Hock, wherever you are now, may your soul rest in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-20192307472964506612020-02-10T07:37:00.004+08:002020-03-04T16:35:04.811+08:00I'm Still Standing<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I'm still standing...yeah, yeah, yeahhh..."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I'm still standing..."</div>
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His high chirpy voice reaches my ears as Patrick swayed his body slightly while singing. Eyes sparkling, his body wriggling like a worm moving on the ground. His lips parted in a smile while he kept on going "I'm still standing."</div>
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It is the latest song he likes. His favourite songs can be seasonal. At one time it was Baa Baa Black Sheep. Then another phase he had was Five Little Monkeys. Another time it was Humpty Dumpty.</div>
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It is cute seeing him in this state; full of excitement, wonder of Life. Sometimes he can spontaneously laughed or dance on the spot if he hears any song he likes.</div>
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Today it has been <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/11/life-after-liver-transplant.html">7 months since his liver transplant</a> last year. Eileyn has observed the big changes in Patrick before and after the transplant in her <a href="http://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2020/02/meeting-up-with-patrick.html">recent blog post</a>. Her blog also made me reflect on this young child who is suffering from liver failure. He is two years old named Abdi. The doctors have assessed him to have 6 months to live. His life supported on medication.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I52lcOMpaDLK4TBNeYNIPOSO8v3RTQaqU-jBjLyYqJC78wRvy2T7SNhgi85aQLcy90FV69xnVNcnbEJjp119_vq5qhpWkJyuIH-7RrLkNSJTzt3RBHlX-HdIRWj4KOX-JKjLs7NAKuOZ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-02-09+at+10.13.26+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I52lcOMpaDLK4TBNeYNIPOSO8v3RTQaqU-jBjLyYqJC78wRvy2T7SNhgi85aQLcy90FV69xnVNcnbEJjp119_vq5qhpWkJyuIH-7RrLkNSJTzt3RBHlX-HdIRWj4KOX-JKjLs7NAKuOZ/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-02-09+at+10.13.26+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Abdi ( photo taken from Suzanne Ling's Facebook post)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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His case has been highlighted by prominent Malaysian humanitarians such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinizainudin/videos/10158130017469878/">Dr Hartini Zainuddin of Yayasan Chow Kit</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/721706477/posts/10157098949861478/">Syed Azmi</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sookshian/posts/10156772123317765">Suzanne Ling of PichaEats</a>.</div>
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I have a few friends who highlighted his case to me by giving the Facebook posts.</div>
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Seeing him in photos and video made me reflect on my journey with Patrick; when we have to rush for time, hoping and praying we have enough time to do the liver transplant. It was emotional, stressful and an intense experience for any parents to go through. I empathize with Abdi's parents.</div>
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I am touched by Suzanne Ling's heartfelt appeal to save this young's boy life. This made me reflect on the many humanitarians among my family members, my in laws, my friends and strangers who step forward to help to save Patrick's life. By sharing in social media, Whatsapp and more. We feel moved and emotional by the help given to us unconditionally. <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/05/thankfulness-and-gratitude.html">We were so thankful and grateful</a> for the fast manner the fundraising had been for Patrick.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pg_Yp5ZpXaw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pg_Yp5ZpXaw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Our thank you video to humanitarians who </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>contributed to save our son's life</i></div>
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Time is ticking for Abdi now. Like it had been before for Patrick. Please in the goodness of your Heart to pray for him, to have enough time. For the fundraising to reach its target. For his parents continuously to be strong to face this challenging experience with their son, Abdi. If you have some cash to spare, please contribute any amount. Each will contribute to save his life.</div>
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He may be young. He deserve to have a second chance at life.</div>
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Abdi, I have yet to meet you in person. I have observed you in photos and videos taken by the people whose heartfelt words try to save your life. </div>
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We are standing with you now, Abdi. We are trying our best help you to beat the clock so that to have sufficient time for you to have that life saving surgery. The funds raised are also for medications and treatment to manage his disease. I hope arrangements to do the liver transplant can be arranged as soon as possible. </div>
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May God bless you on your journey, Abdi.</div>
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You can make a donation to <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.simplygiving.com%2Flife-saving-surgery-for-2-year-old-abdi%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1y6dDknpxvYu-1TM-zMsYI07kAzA4lVTM3T5ZDP_SKPrwSEk1MAeOYvFY&h=AT131CaV2XIgEgYISZpskoDuim_kj7MLoe5zIXJEo9m1IvtVS27cW8hcUhyKc5gRVBhl5XGS_ape5VWiXH1ntBnHIPaYT-r3RRjTRNh_rV7je62yi9T85Obr32WlgSy_ikGrco-94h-eDk4k68qotSQizFuNlFINgg" href="https://www.simplygiving.com/life-saving-surgery-for-2-year-old-abdi?fbclid=IwAR1y6dDknpxvYu-1TM-zMsYI07kAzA4lVTM3T5ZDP_SKPrwSEk1MAeOYvFY" rel="nofollow" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.simplygiving.com/life-saving-surgery-for-2-year…</a></div>
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<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: justify;">
Alternatively, if you prefer bank transfer, please bank in your donation below:</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PERSATUAN UNTUK ANAK KITA</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MAYBANK AC no:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">514271633539</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swift code: MBBEMYKL</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">email address: puakpayong@gmail.com</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reference: ABDI</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: justify;">
For ( Malaysians only) tax exemption, please deposit the money and send in details here:</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yayasan Chow Kit</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">CIMB Bank Berhad</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8001143146</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ref: ABDI</span></div>
<br />
<div style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swift code: CIBBMYKL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please email personal details to admin@yck.org.my</span></div>
</div>
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<br />Cordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068707225947889221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-18455847840936619562020-02-06T13:47:00.000+08:002020-02-06T14:02:51.449+08:00Meeting Up With Patrick<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
glanced at me while smiling cheekily. His mouth revealing his short front
teeth. An active boy. If one does not know his history, he looks like any
other toddler. From his cheerful appearance, there was no hint of pain
and suffering he went through the previous year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was last year during the Hari Raya holidays that I visited Patrick and his
family. Just 2 weeks away before his appointment for a liver transplant
in China. When I first met him, his eyes were unnaturally yellowish and his
belly was protruding. He looked sickly. My sister who is usually chatty by
nature was quiet as she dropped me at their house, she didn’t know what to say
to Patrick’s parents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Patrick seemed cautious when he saw
me. Someone whom he had not met. His mother, Cordelia, informed me, he
viewed strangers with suspicion as they might be doctors and poke him with
needles. After assessing for more than an hour, he decided I was not a threat.
He became friendlier and brought his toys to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was constantly scratching and asking his mother for “Oil”. Cordelia had bought
a bottle of oil for itchiness, hoping that it would offer Patrick some relief
from his ordeal. Sometimes he would look uncomfortable, gets agitated and
cry loudly. I remember him screaming in pain when he accidentally bumped his
stomach on the edge of the couch. It must have been difficult for the toddler
to understand what was going on with his body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
second trip to see Patrick was about 7 months after the operation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was having lunch, Cordelia, had just fed him. I took out a pink-coloured box;
he was looking at it curiously. I gave him the box and said, “cookies”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
looked at the box. “Hua” he uttered. Meaning flower in mandarin. I didn’t
notice the flower pattern on the box until he pointed it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Clever
boy,” I said to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Holding
the box, his fingers moved to the side of the box. He had a puzzled look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do
you want a cookie?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
looked at me and handed over the box. I pushed at the “open here” located at the middle of the box and out came individually wrapped cookies, I tore a foil packet and gave the round object inside to
him. He grabbed it and ate quietly. After finishing the last crumb, he pointed
at a wrapper. He wanted another one! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
looked at him, “Are you sure? You just had lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
replied, “Cookie”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
he ate another one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_Edtdr2yIUF4mzvQyxP-JICLaMOv4W5jum1Fp1JRahIC1WSAJKn-Z6zuJ0xogY8z9L_XbgVqO_8-grnnb2dGiUGhq9zJWVG_YZg0p0Xjy3erdYLydF8b0lOsTpokp4E3o5oNWFaJ_P0/s1600/p+enjoying+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_Edtdr2yIUF4mzvQyxP-JICLaMOv4W5jum1Fp1JRahIC1WSAJKn-Z6zuJ0xogY8z9L_XbgVqO_8-grnnb2dGiUGhq9zJWVG_YZg0p0Xjy3erdYLydF8b0lOsTpokp4E3o5oNWFaJ_P0/s320/p+enjoying+cookie.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <i>Cookies!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2kYKMualHBewjEa65_NTsJ8vDkUSRRBz6dQZKIpSaVc8fNFEJzkNYEdc-IahjVfQwnwrnBSv1KXlTq8uU9r2dmRQscj_ZUxwDFDAo0BgFMK8yyroGCxzaMkN5zE8_Ng-2smDyKVcRsg/s1600/p+enjoying+his+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2kYKMualHBewjEa65_NTsJ8vDkUSRRBz6dQZKIpSaVc8fNFEJzkNYEdc-IahjVfQwnwrnBSv1KXlTq8uU9r2dmRQscj_ZUxwDFDAo0BgFMK8yyroGCxzaMkN5zE8_Ng-2smDyKVcRsg/s320/p+enjoying+his+food.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Patrick enjoying his food</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In
contrast, during my first trip, he hardly ate. He had a feeding tube through
his nose. He could only drink liquid and lick at solid food. I remember
Cordelia was concern about his weight. The liver transplant from father to son
could not be done if Patrick did not meet the required minimum weight as set by
the hospital. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the operation, Cordelia sent via WhatsApp a photo of his previous liver. The
liver had uneven bumps and looked swollen with black marks on it. Even with no
medical knowledge, one can see that his former liver was badly damaged. Thank
God they did the operation on time. He may not have survived if the surgery was
further delayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicLAfMtKGTVWz9Ed7EvQ-OG_wkG5JSPdwd1vzkvrP19iJT7WlL-egreg_J7GpI_cFOJswcZCORlNbUIoPWZno3xjpUx9Rx67fRS8CsYYuou-3uxQMGJV6nunDp95Xk2xpnzMSA57Gb8U/s1600/P%2527s+liver.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicLAfMtKGTVWz9Ed7EvQ-OG_wkG5JSPdwd1vzkvrP19iJT7WlL-egreg_J7GpI_cFOJswcZCORlNbUIoPWZno3xjpUx9Rx67fRS8CsYYuou-3uxQMGJV6nunDp95Xk2xpnzMSA57Gb8U/s1600/P%2527s+liver.jpeg" /></a></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> Patrick's former liver</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Overall,
I am happy to see the changes and improvement in Patrick. Even though he is
still underweight, he looks like a normal active toddler now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Eileynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901763617356321071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-23790537112781398662020-01-23T11:29:00.000+08:002020-03-04T16:35:50.378+08:00Finding My Voice Through Creativity<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is my first post for 2020. How have the year been for you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since 1 January 2020, I have been baking, stitching sock dolls, writing and singing. I would never imagine my creativity can go beyond poetry writing. I used to have a rather fixed mindset on who I am; what I am capable of and what I am not. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaba_ZF4MNrmWhrF-6SjC8yYuyC2v8YyMIEU-Q432jbll2R-ycN14yRV9APJY7C6LKr7g_eARl7ZjxJcBuT7zYZIxjy95GgIuRjfCNgJHO9wXgwNPMpuQRHVpF3Bo0KrPltP0U_vdCTh8/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.42.04+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="979" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaba_ZF4MNrmWhrF-6SjC8yYuyC2v8YyMIEU-Q432jbll2R-ycN14yRV9APJY7C6LKr7g_eARl7ZjxJcBuT7zYZIxjy95GgIuRjfCNgJHO9wXgwNPMpuQRHVpF3Bo0KrPltP0U_vdCTh8/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.42.04+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Handsewn up to 70 sock dolls since 1 January 2020. I have gifted <br />most of them to hospital children during Patrick's regular medical <br />appointment in January 2020 & to Ronald McDonald House <br />Charities for cancer kids in HUKM. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few friends shared they could not see me as a sock doll maker or a baker. I could not vision myself as that too. I considered myself an inept cook. I do not consider myself much of a cook and a baker. I have no interest to learn too. Because of Patrick, I encouraged myself to make some attempts. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSttUmI8zWdH5a3W2JAM4oBSrHD3xcJTFcF2gsmih8jzC1ckX3_GBcTiNusKznRxpYRg9P2NITW8t-lvUgPw21evcMx-VyK74A_XTWIb7evXGGigglMJ4DgdceGIxZ7JSuHLXsNSjD2XEC/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.36.30+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSttUmI8zWdH5a3W2JAM4oBSrHD3xcJTFcF2gsmih8jzC1ckX3_GBcTiNusKznRxpYRg9P2NITW8t-lvUgPw21evcMx-VyK74A_XTWIb7evXGGigglMJ4DgdceGIxZ7JSuHLXsNSjD2XEC/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.36.30+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My initial failed attempts in baking muffin, cookies and chocolate cake.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI1kwhapGzftAsBwP4x9L5erg6R_rOHXodDGX2WkTmcI6pM0vmgedJbg_0wJaY8eTdZsB8b8In0liZn_7AJjFNG2ANtxUdHuTsHR-bnh5l5Tm_XPH8DXg7PSnW2dymB9WLYK8ojJJ8iRr/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.40.24+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI1kwhapGzftAsBwP4x9L5erg6R_rOHXodDGX2WkTmcI6pM0vmgedJbg_0wJaY8eTdZsB8b8In0liZn_7AJjFNG2ANtxUdHuTsHR-bnh5l5Tm_XPH8DXg7PSnW2dymB9WLYK8ojJJ8iRr/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.40.24+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cooking meals and soup for the family.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPksjXJcyjvpLOWaY67LNcVLZlcnnyIzh4Uh8nDqr47rqXoe6AiJcT9NE5MED6RLfIsQ6japXFpm24SeTeeJVhTx5tMSUxh-1dQvxTRLoKUQ3WEitiY0Dh-bkzZlKIxwzWXHVlMEfm0Ler/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.27.08+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPksjXJcyjvpLOWaY67LNcVLZlcnnyIzh4Uh8nDqr47rqXoe6AiJcT9NE5MED6RLfIsQ6japXFpm24SeTeeJVhTx5tMSUxh-1dQvxTRLoKUQ3WEitiY0Dh-bkzZlKIxwzWXHVlMEfm0Ler/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.27.08+PM.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Latest crafted cookies I baked on 23 Jan 2020. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghebI74zTl7vwWElLnEqrOw4QfYRJL_-eWt_fOnmb0RkO6LIhtFmveuakaAOBdP89onbcjkSHyHVAY3-0M7Ra241m5RZsUmBd52tp5WsJdJov10OfaexlfLM-6EZ0Plls9LqcTmVpL5Paf/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.26.15+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghebI74zTl7vwWElLnEqrOw4QfYRJL_-eWt_fOnmb0RkO6LIhtFmveuakaAOBdP89onbcjkSHyHVAY3-0M7Ra241m5RZsUmBd52tp5WsJdJov10OfaexlfLM-6EZ0Plls9LqcTmVpL5Paf/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-01-23+at+12.26.15+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My successful attempts in baking almond flavoured mouse <br />cookies, butterfly shaped butter cookies and muffins ( banana <br />muffins, vanilla muffins and blueberry muffins.)</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years ago, the only creativity I allow myself to channel was through poetry. My voice hidden from many others. I would allow myself to feel the raw emotions and of my vulnerability through poetry. When I could not consciously process my thoughts, it is through poetry when I would pause and release what is stored within my subconscious. When I wrote it out, I became clearer in my perception of myself and of the situation I was in earlier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For a long time I lacked confidence in my voice, in sharing my thoughts aloud. So usually I kept them to myself unless I can trust the person would not hurt me. As time goes by, I brave myself to share my poetry to friends and acquaintances. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always assumed the only source of a creative outlet for me would be to write poetry and some amateurish writing that serve more for my self-expression outlet rather than to share with others. I used to feel I have nothing to contribute and no one would be interested to read my writings. It was until I reached my mid-30s I got awaken to the possibility of challenging myself to write to the next level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have read we may grow bolder with age. It appeared to be so with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, I courageously explore my creativity through different outlet; writing, singing, baking, sock doll making, crafting and more. I no longer tell myself such creative endeavour I cannot do. I will say why not I make an attempt and observe what comes next. If the activity sparked some initial interest, I chose to explore further. If not, I would appreciate the experience as it was then and move on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you told yourself you cannot do this or that without even making an attempt first? Why not instead of saying no to yourself, give yourself the opportunity to try something new. We will never know what we could be capable of until we give ourselves a chance to do something different from our usual expression. You may surprise yourself along the way. </span></div>
Cordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068707225947889221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-28962256316158632502019-12-31T09:23:00.001+08:002020-03-04T16:36:23.652+08:00Reflections And Coming Of New Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last day of 2019 have arrived. Much have happened in my life; mentally, emotionally, physically, in my relationships especially in my family. I have been in reflective mode since Christmas Day. Moments which awakens me to the best of humanity. Moments that were worrisome when Patrick appearing to have symptoms which at first were not positive during his new liver transitioning stage. I finally took part in a workshop that unleash the creative expression in me after a long absence from experiencing and experimenting with the creative side of me. On the month of November and December 2019, an NGO invited me to <a href="http://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/12/from-nothing-to-something.html">conduct doll-making workshops</a> whose major work involved hospital patients and sickly children. I have amazing encounters and moments with Nature’s creatures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>My first witness of the birth of a ladybird coming </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>out from its cocoon. </i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>This </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">happened in my garden. </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ladybird interacting with me after I offered my hand in friendship.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqNNMxycdIWlI2bjMw5tL-4MpOMgDTwRM_HHo-KQNVcO9xPXK7I6RiY2dmcPoovOGkfWnSZuL2e0A8347v8-2O1NKySNmRVhyphenhyphenqMIHSFFXXXWmX0ng0PciJM2vFWljR-W8plg34xcmqF9V/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-31+at+8.18.47+AM-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqNNMxycdIWlI2bjMw5tL-4MpOMgDTwRM_HHo-KQNVcO9xPXK7I6RiY2dmcPoovOGkfWnSZuL2e0A8347v8-2O1NKySNmRVhyphenhyphenqMIHSFFXXXWmX0ng0PciJM2vFWljR-W8plg34xcmqF9V/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-31+at+8.18.47+AM-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>My encounters with Nature's creatures.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My encounters with Nature's creatures</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was in December 2019 I got reminded how far I have changed today. One of the mothers I befriended last year during the time Patrick hospitalised for a month found a photo of us in her mobile memory. She decided to whatsapp me our photo. Looking at it, it shocked me. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Changes in mother and son after one year have passed</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How exhausted I looked. How sickly Patrick looked. I was in this moment after moment of endurance, perseverance, resilience especially patience during my journey with Patrick. I was not much in reflective mode until I was <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/05/birth-of-this-blog.html">invited to write this blog</a> last year. I was often in the state of reacting to each moment. To stay focused in having a clear and stable mind to identify when or if his liver has failed by observing his physical symptoms daily. To be able to recognise the need for a liver transplant in order to save his life. To ensure I would not be too exhausted until I make mistakes in my assessment of Patrick's medical symptoms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Based upon the sharing from the support group, once the liver starts to fail, time is of great essence. It can be a few weeks or a month plus before the child succumbed to the disease. Since last year until today, I got to know more than 16 babies and young children who died from the Malaysian support group. My heart always grieves for each death. This would always make me grateful Patrick is still with us today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hardest part was the exhausted state of mind, emotions and physical. Since I was pregnant until <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/11/life-after-liver-transplant.html">Patrick had his liver transplant in China,</a> 2-3 hours of nightly sleep was a regular part of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The exhaustion sensation that clung onto my skin have often become an unbearable part of me. I would have this feeling I need to hold myself together otherwise I would erupt like a volcano anytime as the lava within me growing hotter and ready to explode. It had caused my mental and emotional state to be unstable. I could hardly smile and my facial expression looked as if I am ready to eat anyone who unwittingly tip me over in mental and emotional state. My husband had misunderstood my looks and assumed I was upset with him until I explained my facial expression was the state of my exhaustion. When you cannot smile, you just cannot. However, I would not allow myself to remain that state for too long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did not want Patrick to see a sullen looking mother who hardly smile and misunderstood my body language. I constantly reminded myself Patrick needs a safe space, to feel comforted. That he need to feel positive in facing his challenges which he cannot understand yet. Already so young he has so much on his plate; the confusion of constant medication, the regular hospital visits, the discomfort of having nasogastric tube in his nostril, the daily itchiness on his body because of his high bilirubin in his blood stream among others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was not easy sleeping for two to three nights on average before the liver transplant. Patrick would constantly wake up crying and fussing due to the itchiness of his body. The itchiness of his body was due to the levels of bilirubin in his blood stream. The higher the bilirubin, the higher the level of itchiness. Every day he would be in that state. Sometimes the itchiness can be unbearable until his skin would be bloodied due to his constant scratching that could never ease his discomfort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made a <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/05/managing-stress.html">commitment to destress</a> and release myself from this daily exhaustion state through meditation, qigong and prayers. When I am able to do so, I would look refreshed as if I had 8 hours of sleep. When I could not do it deeply enough, I looked exhausted and my body language would reflect its state. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWwQRrgIbyhOC5W33enyxy8S1D6V5yYtvWGrdU3ydji1wkUfNOYltrjC1UYeRrfVnc0EpUFE4k2RjIZTFQpQS_kT7oEV_u35Ggb0lYV260tCbCZ3lUzeaB5ckSNTC-Nl0t860sR68L7FJ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-26+at+4.18.30+PM-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWwQRrgIbyhOC5W33enyxy8S1D6V5yYtvWGrdU3ydji1wkUfNOYltrjC1UYeRrfVnc0EpUFE4k2RjIZTFQpQS_kT7oEV_u35Ggb0lYV260tCbCZ3lUzeaB5ckSNTC-Nl0t860sR68L7FJ/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-26+at+4.18.30+PM-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My fresh looking face although I slept<br />on average 2-3 hours nightly in 2018.</span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Simple meditation exercise I do in my garden.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the coming of the new year, resolutions may be in store. I have <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/12/seeing-hearts.html">some specific ideas and plans which I hope will materialise in 2020</a>. At the same time I would continue to monitor Patrick's medical condition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2019 is an emotional year for me; A year of Hope, Resilience, <a href="https://ehomemakers-malaysia.blogspot.com/2019/05/to-have-faith.html">Faith</a>, Perseverance especially Love. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I experienced the best of my husband in facing his fears, having strength, resilience, endurance and perseverance in becoming a liver donor for Patrick. My love for him have grown for the sacrifices he was willing to make for Patrick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do not know what 2020 holds for myself, my husband and for Patrick. All I know is that I will continue to do my best for myself and for my family. I will continue to remind myself this too shall pass whenever challenges may arise. I will continue to look at the brighter side of life and humanity although occasionally the experiences may not be positive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish my readers to have abundance in your life next year; enough money to sustain your lifestyle, enough love to fill your heart and soul, enough strength and courage overcome any trials, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">enough healthiness to keep your physical in check, enough ambition to blaze off own trail, enough support for your ideas in business/career growth and enough peace in your heart and mind so that clarity shall always be within your hands and in your journey of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are still struggling in some aspects of your life and of yourself, you are more </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">courageous and strong than you thought of yourself could ever be. Seek help when you could not do it on your own anymore. Do more of self care when you could not cope with life's pressures and tribulations of life. You are not alone in your struggles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May God Bless you wherever you are and whatever you do. </span></div>
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Cordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068707225947889221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-84083001414150021112019-12-13T13:28:00.001+08:002020-03-04T16:36:41.370+08:00From Nothing To Something<div style="text-align: justify;">
For a long time, I preferred certainty. To have precise plans. I know what I want for myself for the day. I make my choice for lunch before the actual lunch hour. I know where I am going in my life. What I want for myself. I know my likes and dislikes. I want to be in control of my life and my emotions. If I became emotional due stresses of life circumstances, I usually be hard on myself by saying these words to myself, "enough is enough. Time to stop this. Don't complain. Move forward." And onward I go, believing this was the way to be without processing my emotions especially if I considered them to be of negativity and unproductive.<br />
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And then...life happens. <br />
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In time I learned no matter how planned I try to make my life to be, something plan may end up nothing. And nothing planned may end up to something.<br />
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Let me give you an example. Look at the doll below.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV0EvpN3gNZjMrOZO8quzEBpP1SR8HzJalUhFb28sZziuAkOht5oyp96zUJU6xy68ssUHtPIzP54pYDqpckOG9Hdx0y7qm3k6cbStx3ANQTMeY8GyyTwgS8p-fNDv1IeCCqxhBnFbH2Pw/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-11+at+10.55.01+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV0EvpN3gNZjMrOZO8quzEBpP1SR8HzJalUhFb28sZziuAkOht5oyp96zUJU6xy68ssUHtPIzP54pYDqpckOG9Hdx0y7qm3k6cbStx3ANQTMeY8GyyTwgS8p-fNDv1IeCCqxhBnFbH2Pw/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-11+at+10.55.01+PM.jpeg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Olaf doll I made in early December 2019</span></i></td></tr>
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I made this doll out of socks. If you tell me in my 20s and 30s that one day I will make dolls in my 40s, I will laugh at you. Me? A doll maker? The last time I was into dolls was probably when I was 9 years old. I outgrew them. I would never consider myself making dolls. Yet here I am today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaKZkLB2tY7VvQlfRTBXi_RREoYc99kRDn0d-nBMYQSSlna5E4CK6RbOMrYT5mahFBFIb8PawW7a_xDUDp3Naqau-3bepDCXpVcNFmLso6rFIipQWvY2BHv3-zFsFBQt5e7A_9GOO0oZa/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+4.22.28+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaKZkLB2tY7VvQlfRTBXi_RREoYc99kRDn0d-nBMYQSSlna5E4CK6RbOMrYT5mahFBFIb8PawW7a_xDUDp3Naqau-3bepDCXpVcNFmLso6rFIipQWvY2BHv3-zFsFBQt5e7A_9GOO0oZa/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+4.22.28+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Dolls I made for fundraising and to give away for charity.</i></span></td></tr>
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From attempting to make sock dolls as part of my creative awakening journey in 2012 to making dolls for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cordy.lee.9/posts/10156861480078025">a friend for love, comfort and hugs.</a> She died a few years ago. Along the way, I made dolls for fundraising, given as gifts to orphanages or charity homes (whom I feel require gifts of love, companionship and comfort). I have given as gifts to friends; adults and children. When they come to my home and see these dolls displayed at the glass cabinet, sometimes they will request for the dolls.<br />
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Over the years, I have been teaching sock doll making on an invitation by NGOs. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cordy.lee.9/posts/10153426369088025">Cybercare-UNHCR</a>, World Vision Malaysia, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cordy.lee.9/posts/10154243817773025">Breast Cancer Group Support Johor Bahru</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cordy.lee.9/posts/10154539180373025">The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mustardseed.soupkitchen.10/posts/206714200331719">Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia</a>). Through these experiences my understanding of refugees, special needs children, breast cancer survivors among others widen my life perspective. My understanding widens regarding the work scope of each NGOs do to assist humanity. I always feel humbled, more appreciative of my life with each encounter.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcN_b1bfuv5lyOImZb7jgjMtHbtFbXYl-ioLTzIoKwMNMAXuTssTrATJnZIv2FIIrepbuexXW5GTN44Y-jXv7N8n9BbKCeZ4VYeFLf0nRWGqNIQAoIikEZBO1UyPpCrYASL2GOKhspBPN/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+11.40.20+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcN_b1bfuv5lyOImZb7jgjMtHbtFbXYl-ioLTzIoKwMNMAXuTssTrATJnZIv2FIIrepbuexXW5GTN44Y-jXv7N8n9BbKCeZ4VYeFLf0nRWGqNIQAoIikEZBO1UyPpCrYASL2GOKhspBPN/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+11.40.20+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mustardseed.soupkitchen.10/posts/211207319882407">Doll Making Workshop with Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia.</a></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVuSIv9eKlon3tN-XHTNwYTc7djC1HavRUeUOhaIpNb6LmG-2C3iK_FFgxk0qeOto0fYvdPPRJHMf4XeO8cRT5X9GwFMYm1gEByVLCdbOGFnu9u9EgPHQmCCXysc3Xv0GB45pRm_W9bZQ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+11.59.26+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVuSIv9eKlon3tN-XHTNwYTc7djC1HavRUeUOhaIpNb6LmG-2C3iK_FFgxk0qeOto0fYvdPPRJHMf4XeO8cRT5X9GwFMYm1gEByVLCdbOGFnu9u9EgPHQmCCXysc3Xv0GB45pRm_W9bZQ/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+11.59.26+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doll Making Workshop with The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieszCy2EqBQRbKNzOsdUyoGwM7D7UC-K5BuOXca1kQoC0wHP_B-c777M0DMiT7YD5eKy3l2YTV4xE5eBe_VkwMht3NQy_hMuZra-JuinIgFHOgEeWdfhDRg3q_9Aff5bH8HWSd0UdG9qBk/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+11.46.23+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieszCy2EqBQRbKNzOsdUyoGwM7D7UC-K5BuOXca1kQoC0wHP_B-c777M0DMiT7YD5eKy3l2YTV4xE5eBe_VkwMht3NQy_hMuZra-JuinIgFHOgEeWdfhDRg3q_9Aff5bH8HWSd0UdG9qBk/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+11.46.23+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doll Making Workshop with Cybercare-UNHCR</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwuuaeXWmr-1rbl79S9NQJ8tCBFoESqMdEjQNenka4wSiadTx4RRuXBzK6jAr53L-nXepZp03gwI1Zgvh30Z1f-YoP4WFuB_nKDOe1pECX-x4RtksRY36TukkJ98-gbbwVLgGPLqIPSpz/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+4.22.28+PM-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwuuaeXWmr-1rbl79S9NQJ8tCBFoESqMdEjQNenka4wSiadTx4RRuXBzK6jAr53L-nXepZp03gwI1Zgvh30Z1f-YoP4WFuB_nKDOe1pECX-x4RtksRY36TukkJ98-gbbwVLgGPLqIPSpz/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2019-12-13+at+4.22.28+PM-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doll Making Workshop with Breast Cancer Group Support JB.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Doll Making Workshop with World Vision Malaysia</span></i></div>
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Through this journey, I got to experience incredible human experiences, enriching my heart and humanity. Because of this, a stranger asked me for a hug although I knew her less than an hour. She was a cashier in a shop, a young lady of 21 years old. She noticed the quantity of socks I bought and inquired out of <pwa class="pwa-mark" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="curiousity" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Unknown word: curiousity" data-pwa-id="pwa-DE60B6DC6536705543208DC4CD8DA2FC" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="curiosity~crossed~crust~creosote~crest">curiousity</pwa> <pwa class="pwa-mark" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="wht" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Unknown word: wht" data-pwa-id="pwa-A7A099D38BC51D0C7434CCB0A07BAB1D" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="what~why~who~wit~wet">why</pwa> that quantity. That sparked our conversation beyond the sales. Just when I want to leave the shop, she suddenly requested for a hug from me. I was taken aback and wondered why. I decided not to think too much. To be at the moment with this young lady. Our hug brought her to tears which led to further conversation.<br />
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That she was lonely. She honestly shared that she did not have many friends and working hard to<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope this doll continues to give her love, </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>comfort and hugs whenever she needs it</i></span></td></tr>
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support her family's finances. That she is stressful over her<br />
family issue and of trying to make ends meet. I was growing concern by her openness.<br />
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I remembered I gave her advice not to approach any stranger with such vulnerability as not everyone is nice, unfortunately. There are those with bad intention based upon my experiences. She shared that it was the first time she did this. She shared that she could not help but be touched by me. I reminded her of someone she knew. When she first met me, my face gave her good vibes.That if she did not make that request, she had a feeling it would be the last time we would connect. So, she took a risk to ask for a hug from a total stranger. <br />
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We met up once more with a gift in my hand for her. I made a rabbit sock doll, hoping it shall give her the comfort and love especially during moments of loneliness.<br />
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Thereafter, we connected for a few more years. Today no longer. I wished her well wherever she is today.<br />
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I had no desire to make dolls, to be honest. I was feeling tired and stressed then. I assumed it may be a one-time experience to help me unwind my stress and lift my spirits up. This activity has unexpectedly become much more today.<br />
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Over the years I discovered a doll may not be just a doll. A representation of hope, love, comfort, hugs and kisses even. When Patrick was in much discomfort during his recovery from the liver transplant surgery, a few friends made arrangements to deliver dolls to the hospital room. Patrick would touch each doll with a smile and showered it with hugs and kisses. His face would look more relaxed, no longer stressed by the daily hospital procedures. He would be happier at the moment although temporarily. The dolls made a big impact on lifting his emotions up.<br />
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I end this article with my poem below.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Stitch by stitch, our fingers moved, </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Like dancing birds in a groove </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Winged Hearts glow throughout and soar</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Dreams came to life, to explore</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Let our visions come and be</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Dolls’ll soon reveal for us to see. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">From nothing to something</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Magic in the making.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Life can be like a rainbow</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Yet it is WE to make it so.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Don’t wait for others</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Just let your beautiful colours show. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">11 Dec 2016</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">© Cordelia Lee</span></div>
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Cordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068707225947889221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688736777614279825.post-37586845551626850362019-12-09T11:51:00.001+08:002020-03-04T16:36:54.714+08:00Seeing Hearts <div style="text-align: justify;">
The moon, stars and clouds accompanied our usual night walks. Occasionally we get to see neighbours walking on the streets. There would be a few who walked their dogs. A couple always brisked walking at night. When they see us, they would say hello with a wave of their hands. Patrick would respond with an enthusiastic "hi!".</div>
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I would point out the trees, bushes and flowers on the side of the road to Patrick. I would take this opportunity to teach him what they are. He would sometimes observed with interest. Occasionally he wished to touch them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mother and son walking on the streets </i></td></tr>
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On the night of 8 December 2019, something else accompanied us. Something different.</div>
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"What is that?"</div>
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My finger pointed on the road. On a wet patch on the road. Earlier it had rained. </div>
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Patrick's eyes stared steadily.</div>
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"Heart".</div>
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<i> Patrick identifying Heart on the road.</i></div>
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Before that Heart shape on the ground, I was pondering on the earlier discussion with a few friends. We were discussing on a project which I considered being love based. In seconds, suddenly I saw "that" on the road. I paused. I wondered am I seeing what I want to see. Then I asked Patrick what was that. His answer confirmed with me that we both see the same thing.</div>
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Along the way, I thought to myself. It can be a mere coincidence. Unless I saw another Heart on the road. With that thought, in seconds I saw the second one. Once more I paused and asked Patrick what was that. Again, he said, "Heart."</div>
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Although it happened again, seeing two "hearts" can still be a coincidence, I argued with myself. Unless it happened the third time. </div>
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And then it did.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three Hearts on the road in one night</i></td></tr>
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Patrick confirmed with me he was seeing a heart shape on the road for the third time. I always find young children are purer in thoughts and emotions. They see things as they are. If they dislike the food, they will say yucky. If they like it, they will respond with a yummy. Patrick even insisted with me that the lady next to daddy in the photo was "Auntie", not mummy. ( My face had full make-up on with nicely set hairdo. That photo was taken during my registration of marriage with my husband)</div>
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With the three "Hearts" seen together with Patrick, it may appear that the project I had the earlier discussion with may be of future positive possibilities. Let's see what happens next afterwards.</div>
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It was truly an unusual walk for mother and son. For Love accompanied us on our walks last night. Especially of each other's love; Patrick and of mine.</div>
<br />Cordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068707225947889221noreply@blogger.com0