Memories

You know the feeling of having memories come rushing back to you when you received news of some one passing away?

I always have this kind of feelings. I believe no matter how close or distance you are from the person at 1 point or another since your path crossed,  there bound to be some memories attached to the relationship isn't it?

We received news a few days ago of the passing of my mum's cousin who is in her late 40s. Though we grew quite distance recent years but I cannot but feel affected by the news. 

Memories came gushing like a huge wave.

I recall her bringing me out when I was 8 to shop at the Orchard which was a very (am still) atas place for a 8-year old girl. Brought me a Chomel pink hair band which costs 8bucks for me. You know how much I treasured that hairband since it was the most expensive 1 I owned? My pocket money was 50cents per day back then. 

I remembered her bringing me to watch Spider man at Shaw Lido with her friend Auntie Rose and brought me a pop corn combo and allow me to finish on my own. This is something my parents never did. Mum always make us bring our own water bottle. 

I remember her asking me to help tend her sofa shop at Shaw center during 1 of my school holidays when I was in my early teens. I would try every other sofa she have in the shop and would go back to her house after closing the shop. 

I remember her buying peanut butter and crispy M&M for me from USA since it was not imported into SG during that time. She knew how much I love M&M and brought them specially for me. 

She will always bring me to her workplace in Paragon where she worked as a jewellery shop assistant and send me off to buy cakes from the then Phoenix hotel after 8pm because of the 50% discount and let me have them for supper.

I remember her having a lot of branded bags and she gave me 2 LV bags during my teens which I returned as I found them to be too small for my liking. She always tell me that she will passed them to me when I grow up. 

I remember her showing me a big diamond ring during 1 of relative's wedding and told me she will reserve it for my wedding. I got married 2 years later but she didn't turn up and I have not seen her since even during her mum's wake. It was later then we learn that she is ill.

I remember staying over frequently at her condo during my poly school holidays as she gives me more freedom to go dating with Mr Love during that time. She always make it a point to stock up my favourite yogurt ice cream when I was there. Knowing I cannot stand hunger, she would make sure there is always snacks in the house during my sleepover. 

I would sleep with her during nights and I remember her lighting up the aroma therapy telling me it would make me sleep better.

You know Ah Yi, with your passing, I realised all I can recall are the good times we had together. I am still wearing the Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty pajamas you gifted me during 1 Xams. I am so sorry not able to see you one last time and sorry for not making an effort to look for you while we were in Hong Kong the other time. 

I really hoped you are better off in wherever you are know. Perhaps you are keeping Yi-po company now in the other world. I know you need not suffer any more due to your illness. Rest in Peace Ah Yi. I hope you have finally found peace.