Mr. hubby just came back from a 7-day work trip yesterday evening. So today is my “hari layan husband sedunia”, which is about to end very soon. Kononnya he was working from home (whoever coined the idea was a genius!) earlier today but between you and me, when he hasn’t seen his kids and his lovely wife (in particular...ehem ehem) for 7 days, working from home = spending time with us at home *evil grin*. For me, it means that I have to be within 5-feet radius from him ALL the time.
From early morning with breakfast until the night end we did everything together-gether. Rindu yang teramatlah kononnya...but sedih coz the kids got their toys which he bought from KLIA (yeah, he bought everything from KLIA every time after he landed – toys, chocolates, you name it. Never once he brought stuff from the country which he visited, never ever! Unless I specifically tell him what to get there...pity me, I’m stuck with a hubby who doesn’t know how to spend) and moi got nothing *sob sob sob*. Oh wait a minute, he did brought home something from Birmingham, a Snickers bar which he forgot to eat there!
Until recently, he used to buy me the super duper expensive (for me it's expensive, for others it may be nothing) Godiva choc (again from KLIA) but after a few occasions I told him to stop doing so. They are way way wayyyy to expensive for us and honestly I don’t think it’s worth the money – they aren't that good anyway. The cheaper Belgian choc tastes so much better. Buang duit ahkak saja (remember this concept? his money is my money, my money is my money hehehe). There was even a time when I had to hide them away from my kids coz they’d eat them like eating Cadbury choc. Hellooo, each small piece cost RM15 you know...you people got your toys and let me enjoy my choc till the last bit (momma kedekut tahap gaban hihihi, boleh?). But of course I shared them with the kids laa...I'm not that mean.
Anyway, I don’t know what drives me to write this piece. Perhaps to tell you how busy I was today attending to Mr. Hubby’s needs. Till then, ta ta... Tomorrow is 15 Sya'ban y'all and my marathon puasa ganti continues. Ramadhan is only 15 days away yippeee!
Monday, July 26, 2010
A new leaf, a new book
A friend said recently, she is now seeing the world in a totally different way after she lost her loved one to cancer. In all honesty, I am in the same boat with her after the passing of my brother. It was an eye-opener for me. Only God know how his death has affected me in such a big way, more than anyone would ever know.
In conjunction with Nisfu Sya’ban, (the Closing of the book of practice) I hope to start a new spiritually fulfilling life in my brand new ‘book of practise'. May Allah show me the way.
Pengertian nisfu Sya'ban:
Nisfu dalam bahasa arab bererti setengah. Nisfu Syaaban bererti setengah bulan Sya'ban. Malam Nisfu Syaaban adalah malam lima-belas Sya'ban iaitu siangnya empat-belas haribulan Sya'ban.
Malam Nisfu Sya'ban merupakan malam yang penuh berkat dan rahmat selepas malam Lailatul qadr. Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a. meriwayatkan bahawa Nabi saw tidak tidur pada malam itu sebagaimana yg tersebut dalam sebuah hadis yg diriwayatkan oleh Imam Al-Baihaqi r.a:
Rasulullah saw telah bangun pada malam (Nisfu Sy'aban) dan bersembahyang dan sungguh lama sujudnya sehingga aku fikir beliau telah wafat. Apabila aku melihat demikian aku mencuit ibu jari kaki Baginda saw dan bergerak. Kemudian aku kembali dan aku dengar Baginda saw berkata dlm sujudnya, “Ya Allah aku pohonkan kemaafanMu daripada apa yg akan diturunkan dan aku pohonkan keredhaanMu daripada kemurkaanMu dan aku berlindung kpdMu daripadaMu. Aku tidak dpt menghitung pujian terhadapMu seperti kamu memuji diriMu sendiri.”
Setelah Baginda saw selesai sembahyang, Baginda berkata kpd Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a. “Malam ini adalan malam Nisfu sya'ban. Sesungguhnya Allah Azzawajjala telah dtg kpd hambanya pada malam Nisfu syaaban dan memberi keampunan kpd mereka yg beristighfar, memberi rahmat ke atas mereka yg memberi rahmat dan melambatkan rahmat dan keampunan terhadap orang2 yg dengki.”
Hari nisfu sya’aban adalah hari dimana buku catatan amalan kita selama setahun diangkat ke langit dan diganti dengan buku catatan yang baru. Catatan pertama yang akan dicatatkan dibuku yang baru akan bermula sebaik sahaja masuk waktu maghrib, (15 Sya’aban bermula pada 14 hb sya’aban sebaik sahaja masuk maghrib)
I hope and pray that this will mark a new leaf for me, a new beginning, a brand new me. Semoga kita semua di beri keampunan ke atas dosa2 terdahulu dan mulakan 'buku' baru kita dengan penuh keinsafan. May Allah continue to show us the way...insyaAllah.
In conjunction with Nisfu Sya’ban, (the Closing of the book of practice) I hope to start a new spiritually fulfilling life in my brand new ‘book of practise'. May Allah show me the way.
Pengertian nisfu Sya'ban:
Nisfu dalam bahasa arab bererti setengah. Nisfu Syaaban bererti setengah bulan Sya'ban. Malam Nisfu Syaaban adalah malam lima-belas Sya'ban iaitu siangnya empat-belas haribulan Sya'ban.
Malam Nisfu Sya'ban merupakan malam yang penuh berkat dan rahmat selepas malam Lailatul qadr. Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a. meriwayatkan bahawa Nabi saw tidak tidur pada malam itu sebagaimana yg tersebut dalam sebuah hadis yg diriwayatkan oleh Imam Al-Baihaqi r.a:
Rasulullah saw telah bangun pada malam (Nisfu Sy'aban) dan bersembahyang dan sungguh lama sujudnya sehingga aku fikir beliau telah wafat. Apabila aku melihat demikian aku mencuit ibu jari kaki Baginda saw dan bergerak. Kemudian aku kembali dan aku dengar Baginda saw berkata dlm sujudnya, “Ya Allah aku pohonkan kemaafanMu daripada apa yg akan diturunkan dan aku pohonkan keredhaanMu daripada kemurkaanMu dan aku berlindung kpdMu daripadaMu. Aku tidak dpt menghitung pujian terhadapMu seperti kamu memuji diriMu sendiri.”
Setelah Baginda saw selesai sembahyang, Baginda berkata kpd Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a. “Malam ini adalan malam Nisfu sya'ban. Sesungguhnya Allah Azzawajjala telah dtg kpd hambanya pada malam Nisfu syaaban dan memberi keampunan kpd mereka yg beristighfar, memberi rahmat ke atas mereka yg memberi rahmat dan melambatkan rahmat dan keampunan terhadap orang2 yg dengki.”
Hari nisfu sya’aban adalah hari dimana buku catatan amalan kita selama setahun diangkat ke langit dan diganti dengan buku catatan yang baru. Catatan pertama yang akan dicatatkan dibuku yang baru akan bermula sebaik sahaja masuk waktu maghrib, (15 Sya’aban bermula pada 14 hb sya’aban sebaik sahaja masuk maghrib)
I hope and pray that this will mark a new leaf for me, a new beginning, a brand new me. Semoga kita semua di beri keampunan ke atas dosa2 terdahulu dan mulakan 'buku' baru kita dengan penuh keinsafan. May Allah continue to show us the way...insyaAllah.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sendiri mau ingat
I find today’s headline rather amusing and I feel like bitching about it here *evil grin*.
The ulamak says a fatwa or a religious ban is not necessary on Muslims wearing certain football jerseys, i.e. those carrying the images of satan or a cross in their emblems or crests, plus some that bear the logos of alcoholic beverage and betting companies. I laud their statement, way to go Tan Sri Hussaini!
In other words, the Ulamak are saying to the football fans “sendiri mau ingatlah bro”. Don’t tell me you need a fatwa on every single matter on earth. I feel like knocking some people's head really hard. Why do you think Allah gave you an akal for? To sit on it?
Come to think of it, a few years ago I bought MU jerseys for my 2 sons...how naïve I was then. But they have since outgrown it, phewww! Right now my wish is for Chelsea to have some un-Islamic elements on its jersey so that I will have a concrete reason to say NO to my son the next time he ask for a new one. But damn it, it doesn’t...cehhh.
I say be careful with our every action. Like most people say, niat tidak menghalalkan cara. Wallahuwa’lam.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Zikir harian
Berzikir mengingati Allah itu adalah ubat yang paling mujarab untuk jiwa...insyaAllah
Fadhilatnya:
Hari Jumaat : Allah akan memberi ketenangan hati kepada orang yang membacanya
Hari Sabtu: Setiap kali kita menyebutnya, Allah akan hampir kepada kita dan Allah akan memberi segala kebaikan kepada kita
Hari Ahad: Memperolehi harta yang banyak dan membawa berkat, serta dicintai oleh setiap manusia
Hari Isnin: Setiap bacaan, Allah memberi pahala sebesar bukit uhud dan menghindari sifat-sifat mazmumah dalam diri kita
Hari Selasa: Setiap kali baca, Allah akan ampunkan dosa kita selama setahun
Hari Rabu: Setiap satu kali bacaan, Allah akan hilangkan satu titik hitam dalam hati
Hari Khamis: Setiap kali bacaan, Allah akan mengampunkan dosa kita sebanyak buih di lautan dan Allah akan menghidupkan satu pohon buat kita di syurga.
Fadhilatnya:
Hari Jumaat : Allah akan memberi ketenangan hati kepada orang yang membacanya
Hari Sabtu: Setiap kali kita menyebutnya, Allah akan hampir kepada kita dan Allah akan memberi segala kebaikan kepada kita
Hari Ahad: Memperolehi harta yang banyak dan membawa berkat, serta dicintai oleh setiap manusia
Hari Isnin: Setiap bacaan, Allah memberi pahala sebesar bukit uhud dan menghindari sifat-sifat mazmumah dalam diri kita
Hari Selasa: Setiap kali baca, Allah akan ampunkan dosa kita selama setahun
Hari Rabu: Setiap satu kali bacaan, Allah akan hilangkan satu titik hitam dalam hati
Hari Khamis: Setiap kali bacaan, Allah akan mengampunkan dosa kita sebanyak buih di lautan dan Allah akan menghidupkan satu pohon buat kita di syurga.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Peer pressure
OK, I’m very the very sleepy. Sleepy to the power of 1000. I’ve been experiencing extreme sleepiness throughout the day ever since I got another writing job. I think my brain is unconsciously ‘rejecting’ this job *sigh*. To combat this, I could either take a long nap or blog. Of the two, for today I choose to blog...hehehe. Work can wait. Now let’s see, what should I blog about - the recent price hike? the proposal to abolish UPSR & PMR exams? Boringgggg... Ahah, I have something better - peer pressure!
If you think peer pressure is only pertinent amongst teenagers, you were wrong! Today, you can't escape peer pressure, it's everywhere. You experience it at every stage of your life. Sometimes you feel like you have to conform to your peers by dressing up in certain ways, you feel like you have to live up to the expectation by carrying handbags of certain brands, drive imported cars and even use certain models of hand phones. If you are a corporate citizen, the higher your status in the company hierarchy, the pressure gets more intense. Am I not right about this?
For men, peer pressure could come in many forms too - the pressure to smoke cigarette to measure up to their peers (thank God my hubby never felt the pressure to do so, Alhamdulillah), drive luxury cars, own a superbike, play golf, own certain gadgets, etc. God forbid, if they mixed with the wrong crowd, there could even be pressure to participate in certain extra curriculum activities that involve girlfriends, masseuses dan yang sewaktu dengannya (you get the idea right?) or have more than 1 wife...na’uzubillah.
For a full time mom like me, at times I succumbed to peer pressure too. When you live in my kind of neighbourhood, peer pressure is even more eminent. Sometime it even makes me feel like I live in a wrong neighbourhood, seriously! Me with my Cik Kiah look and attitude, definitely don’t belong here...hehehe. But, ahkak ok saja...I can go with the flow anytime.
Peer pressure is definitely not good, it’s plain BAD. And if you can’t handle the pressure, the consequences are certainly not healthy. It could break you and subsequently it could lead to a hell lot of other complications...again, na’uzubillah.
A reminder for myself...
"Sebenarnya orang-orang mukmin itu bersaudara. Maka damaikanlah di antara dua saudara kamu yang bertengkar itu dan bertakwalah kepada Allah supaya kamu beroleh rahmat."[surah al-Hujuraat, ayat 10]
For teenagers, peer pressure is more than just about conformity. It’s about a whole new competition to see who have made it. Recently it was reported that a group 15-year old girls was competing amongst each other to see who has more sexual partners, and the girl who won has over 30 partners...astaghfirullahal’azim (do take note that this event took place in Malaysia OK). I have goosebumps each time I read stories like this. I have to worry about this at least 4 times in my lifetime. “Ya Allah ya Tuhanku, jauhilah keturunanku dari penyakit alpa dan zina. Jadikanlah anak2ku hamba-Mu yang beriman dan beramal soleh."
My 2nd son asked me the other day “Momma, what is zina?”. I have to explain to him about the boundaries between a man and a woman in Islam and the sacred institution of marriage. I don’t know whether he could understand it yet but I hope at least some information did register in his brain for the time being.
Presently, my eldest son is experiencing peer pressure to have a girlfriend. How do you convince a 15-year old that having a girlfriend at his age has no benefits whatsoever? I guess to him conforming to his peers is more important than listening to advise from me. But fret not, I shall not give up! Momma boleh!
Last week the entire pupils of my eldest son’s school were given a talk about “Menjauhi Zina” or something like that. He told me that they were shown pictures of STD, explained about how abortion was carried out and things like that. This is so typical of Malaysia, we rule by FEAR. Instead of explaining to the children about HOW to avoid it and WHY they should keep away from it, they were shown the consequences of the action and instilled with fear. I say fear does work, but it doesn’t last long. We must make the children understand the why(s) and the how(s) to leave a lasting impact on them. Betul tak?
I told my son (while fighting back my tears so badly) in the car on the way back home from school, that the most important thing is we must know where we stand as a Muslim. I wanted to enlighten him further but I choked badly, I was too distressed to talk (I’m not kidding y’all!). Things like this always worry me to death. I wish I could just lock them up at home until they turn 30. News about children getting pregnant as early as 12 years old in the neighbourhood and children sneaking out from home at the wee hours make it even worse *sigh*.
I say fear not anyone but Allah. Our every action has its consequences, good or otherwise. I have seen with my own eyes seksaan Allah ke atas manusia yang alpa. Allahuakhbar!
If you think peer pressure is only pertinent amongst teenagers, you were wrong! Today, you can't escape peer pressure, it's everywhere. You experience it at every stage of your life. Sometimes you feel like you have to conform to your peers by dressing up in certain ways, you feel like you have to live up to the expectation by carrying handbags of certain brands, drive imported cars and even use certain models of hand phones. If you are a corporate citizen, the higher your status in the company hierarchy, the pressure gets more intense. Am I not right about this?
For men, peer pressure could come in many forms too - the pressure to smoke cigarette to measure up to their peers (thank God my hubby never felt the pressure to do so, Alhamdulillah), drive luxury cars, own a superbike, play golf, own certain gadgets, etc. God forbid, if they mixed with the wrong crowd, there could even be pressure to participate in certain extra curriculum activities that involve girlfriends, masseuses dan yang sewaktu dengannya (you get the idea right?) or have more than 1 wife...na’uzubillah.
For a full time mom like me, at times I succumbed to peer pressure too. When you live in my kind of neighbourhood, peer pressure is even more eminent. Sometime it even makes me feel like I live in a wrong neighbourhood, seriously! Me with my Cik Kiah look and attitude, definitely don’t belong here...hehehe. But, ahkak ok saja...I can go with the flow anytime.
Peer pressure is definitely not good, it’s plain BAD. And if you can’t handle the pressure, the consequences are certainly not healthy. It could break you and subsequently it could lead to a hell lot of other complications...again, na’uzubillah.
A reminder for myself...
"Sebenarnya orang-orang mukmin itu bersaudara. Maka damaikanlah di antara dua saudara kamu yang bertengkar itu dan bertakwalah kepada Allah supaya kamu beroleh rahmat."[surah al-Hujuraat, ayat 10]
For teenagers, peer pressure is more than just about conformity. It’s about a whole new competition to see who have made it. Recently it was reported that a group 15-year old girls was competing amongst each other to see who has more sexual partners, and the girl who won has over 30 partners...astaghfirullahal’azim (do take note that this event took place in Malaysia OK). I have goosebumps each time I read stories like this. I have to worry about this at least 4 times in my lifetime. “Ya Allah ya Tuhanku, jauhilah keturunanku dari penyakit alpa dan zina. Jadikanlah anak2ku hamba-Mu yang beriman dan beramal soleh."
My 2nd son asked me the other day “Momma, what is zina?”. I have to explain to him about the boundaries between a man and a woman in Islam and the sacred institution of marriage. I don’t know whether he could understand it yet but I hope at least some information did register in his brain for the time being.
Presently, my eldest son is experiencing peer pressure to have a girlfriend. How do you convince a 15-year old that having a girlfriend at his age has no benefits whatsoever? I guess to him conforming to his peers is more important than listening to advise from me. But fret not, I shall not give up! Momma boleh!
Last week the entire pupils of my eldest son’s school were given a talk about “Menjauhi Zina” or something like that. He told me that they were shown pictures of STD, explained about how abortion was carried out and things like that. This is so typical of Malaysia, we rule by FEAR. Instead of explaining to the children about HOW to avoid it and WHY they should keep away from it, they were shown the consequences of the action and instilled with fear. I say fear does work, but it doesn’t last long. We must make the children understand the why(s) and the how(s) to leave a lasting impact on them. Betul tak?
I told my son (while fighting back my tears so badly) in the car on the way back home from school, that the most important thing is we must know where we stand as a Muslim. I wanted to enlighten him further but I choked badly, I was too distressed to talk (I’m not kidding y’all!). Things like this always worry me to death. I wish I could just lock them up at home until they turn 30. News about children getting pregnant as early as 12 years old in the neighbourhood and children sneaking out from home at the wee hours make it even worse *sigh*.
I say fear not anyone but Allah. Our every action has its consequences, good or otherwise. I have seen with my own eyes seksaan Allah ke atas manusia yang alpa. Allahuakhbar!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Dinner @Il Divo
On Saturday nite, albeit my lack of mood to celebrate my anniversary, my hubby and I went to Il Divo Ristorante Italiano at Jalan Nibong off Jalang Ampang. I was not in my best frame of mind just hours before the dinner but then I thought, I am not the only person celebrating this anniversary. Why should I make this a solemn affair for my hubby too? That’s quite unfair for him kan... Hence, I forced my lazy butt off the bed, took a quick shower, got ready in record time and off we went to Ildivo.
Thank God that I did. The food was fantastic, love it, love it, love it! We were even greeted by the owner, the bubbly Vincenzo who did his best to chat with all his customers and recommended the yummylicious entrées upon request. I am a sucker for this kind of personal treatment, hence I had a lovely time there. If you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine, this is definitely the place to be. Take my word for it!
Vincenzo...
Thank God that I did. The food was fantastic, love it, love it, love it! We were even greeted by the owner, the bubbly Vincenzo who did his best to chat with all his customers and recommended the yummylicious entrées upon request. I am a sucker for this kind of personal treatment, hence I had a lovely time there. If you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine, this is definitely the place to be. Take my word for it!
Vincenzo...
Friday, July 16, 2010
An open letter to my children
I’m celebrating my 16th anniversary tomorrow. Time flies so darn fast that I still feel that it was only recently that I celebrated my 15th. It was almost like a blink of an eye another year has passed us by.
With the recent passing of my eldest brother, I am really not in the mood for celebration – zilch, none whatsoever. My thought goes especially to my young nieces and nephews who just lost their father. All my life, orphans always have a special place in my heart. It breaks my heart into pieces thinking of young children of my own children’s age growing up without the love and attention from both their parents.
Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda, maksudnya: "Sebaik-baik rumah kaum muslimin ialah rumah yang ada anak yatim yang diasuh dengan baik dan sejahat-jahat rumah kaum muslimin adalah rumah yang ada anak yatim yang selalu diganggu dan disakiti hatinya." Riwayat Ibnu Majah.
Therefore, instead of writing and brag about how I celebrate my anniversary, I’ve decided to write an open letter to my kids for a change. So kiddos here it goes...
My dearest children,
Tomorrow marks the 16th anniversary of my union with your Papa. 19 years ago I met a man, the love of my life, whom I know will be a great father to my children, a partner for life and a companion during good and bad times. The man you call Papa today, who has been providing for us selflessly, who has sacrificed his youth to be a wonderful father and a husband he is today. Only God knows how much I love your Papa - the man who came into my life, swept me off my feet and changed my life forever. I could not find a word to describe my love for him.
Papa and I married at a very young age, we were both only 22. It was our destiny to marry and start a family quite early in life. Never once I regretted my decision and I’m certain that all of you could see that too. Unfortunately I have shattered many hearts along the process, and for that I could only hope that they could find it in their hearts to forgive me.
Papa and I spent our youth together as husband and wife. We ‘grew up’ together being clueless parents when we first had Daniel – our "chubby little alien" as Papa called you when he first saw you. He nursed me when I was recuperating from labour, cook, bathed you, washed and even fed you at night because he wanted me to have enough rest. He did all these while he was still finishing his Engineering degree and working part time to support the 3 of us. He did that without complaining, not even a word! Daniel, remember that. Remember the sacrifices your Papa had done for us. I know I can never repay him for what he had done for me. And remember that you will always be the little chubby boy that we fell in love with.
It took us 5 years to finally be ready to welcome a new addition to our family. Kyle, you arrived just when we felt that we were matured enough to be parents. The first thing Papa said about you was “he’s so hairy” and indeed you were (you still are and you will always be. It's a gift!). Having 2 kids was a whole new experience for us. It was so testing at the beginning that we almost lost it. But together Papa and I learned to be better parents. It was an adventurous ride for all of us. The little short tempered toddler will forever have a special place in my heart.
Nana’s arrival was a joy to us. I remember vividly what Papa said to me when he first saw you in the labour room “she has your chin”, he said. Of all the strong features you inherited from me he noticed that first. You will always be Papa’s little girl. And I know, you will always remind him of me because we look so alike. Alhamdulillah, like my mom always said to me, “setiap anak ada rezeki masing-masing”, as I continue my journey into my midlife together with Papa with more kids in tow, more rezeki seems to come our way.
Sophie was our last chance at being ‘young’ again, having a baby always make me feel young at heart somehow. When we first did the 4D ultrasound scan Papa said that you inherited my best feature – my nose, which I begged to differ. And guess what, I was right, you have your Abang Dan's nose. Sophie, having you was not without its complications, starting from my early pregnancy till after you were delivered. I am sure all of you can’t remember or even understood how I struggled throughout and right after my pregnancy. Dugaan Tuhan comes in so many ways children, remember that. Sophie is always special – you’re the heartbeat of our family.
Daniel, Kyle, Nana & Sophie, each of you are special and extraordinary in your own ways. You are the results of our undying love and hope. You are us.
One day, I hope you will find your soul mate, just like Papa and I did...
To my sons, I hope you will find someone who will not put her interest above you and who will always look at you and treat you with much respect you deserve. In return, I want you to not take her for granted, provide for her responsibly, treat her deservedly and love her with all your hearts. Remember that.
To my daughters, I hope and I pray that you will find a man who will take good care of you, provide you with undying love and allow you to be what you aspire to be in life. No man should ever take that away from you, you can be what you want to be, remember that. In return, I want you to be a dutiful wife, treat him with respect he deserves and not put your interest above his. He is your imam. Remember that.
In the last 16 years, your Papa has given everything that I deserve and need. He has never once let me down. And for that I’m thankful. He is my imam, my guide, my everything. In return, I hope that I have given him what he deserved and hoped for in a wife and a companion. But I also know that I can’t run away from mistakes. I could only hope that he could find it in his heart to forgive me of my shortcomings.
When I breathe my last breath, I want all four of you to take good care of him. Remember all the sacrifices he has made for the family. Love him with your life. If you could do that for me, I know that I have brought you up well and that I have succeeded as a mother.
My children, I’ve never asked for a gift from you but on my 16th anniversary, I am asking for these 2 gifts:
1. Islam is our religion, Allah is our God, Nabi Muhammad is His Messenger, Kaabah is our qiblat – REMEMBER that, never ever forget that. Jadilah anak-anak yang beriman dan beramal soleh, it’s the best give you could ever give to me and Papa. Your iman will dictate and lead your every action, insyaAllah.
2. Education will take you places. Jadilah orang-orang yang berilmu. Knowledge is power and it’s the best investment in life. Never let other people lead you to think otherwise. Papa and I may never leave you with mountains of money, but I know with the gift of education, you will find your way. Just like Papa and I did. REMEMBER that.
If you can deliver these two gifts to me and Papa, our job as parents is complete. I am only asking for these two gifts, nothing more nothing less, and you have the rest of your life to deliver them.
All four of you - Daniel, Kyle, Nana and Sophie - are the greatest gift Allah has given upon us. And for that I am thankful, Alhamdulillah. I love each and everyone of you with all my heart and soul.
I’m also thankful for another great gift, the wonderful husband that Allah has sent upon me. Sayang, YOU ARE MY LIFE. Happy 16th anniversary.
Love,
Momma
16 July 2010
With the recent passing of my eldest brother, I am really not in the mood for celebration – zilch, none whatsoever. My thought goes especially to my young nieces and nephews who just lost their father. All my life, orphans always have a special place in my heart. It breaks my heart into pieces thinking of young children of my own children’s age growing up without the love and attention from both their parents.
Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda, maksudnya: "Sebaik-baik rumah kaum muslimin ialah rumah yang ada anak yatim yang diasuh dengan baik dan sejahat-jahat rumah kaum muslimin adalah rumah yang ada anak yatim yang selalu diganggu dan disakiti hatinya." Riwayat Ibnu Majah.
Therefore, instead of writing and brag about how I celebrate my anniversary, I’ve decided to write an open letter to my kids for a change. So kiddos here it goes...
My dearest children,
Tomorrow marks the 16th anniversary of my union with your Papa. 19 years ago I met a man, the love of my life, whom I know will be a great father to my children, a partner for life and a companion during good and bad times. The man you call Papa today, who has been providing for us selflessly, who has sacrificed his youth to be a wonderful father and a husband he is today. Only God knows how much I love your Papa - the man who came into my life, swept me off my feet and changed my life forever. I could not find a word to describe my love for him.
Papa and I married at a very young age, we were both only 22. It was our destiny to marry and start a family quite early in life. Never once I regretted my decision and I’m certain that all of you could see that too. Unfortunately I have shattered many hearts along the process, and for that I could only hope that they could find it in their hearts to forgive me.
Papa and I spent our youth together as husband and wife. We ‘grew up’ together being clueless parents when we first had Daniel – our "chubby little alien" as Papa called you when he first saw you. He nursed me when I was recuperating from labour, cook, bathed you, washed and even fed you at night because he wanted me to have enough rest. He did all these while he was still finishing his Engineering degree and working part time to support the 3 of us. He did that without complaining, not even a word! Daniel, remember that. Remember the sacrifices your Papa had done for us. I know I can never repay him for what he had done for me. And remember that you will always be the little chubby boy that we fell in love with.
It took us 5 years to finally be ready to welcome a new addition to our family. Kyle, you arrived just when we felt that we were matured enough to be parents. The first thing Papa said about you was “he’s so hairy” and indeed you were (you still are and you will always be. It's a gift!). Having 2 kids was a whole new experience for us. It was so testing at the beginning that we almost lost it. But together Papa and I learned to be better parents. It was an adventurous ride for all of us. The little short tempered toddler will forever have a special place in my heart.
Nana’s arrival was a joy to us. I remember vividly what Papa said to me when he first saw you in the labour room “she has your chin”, he said. Of all the strong features you inherited from me he noticed that first. You will always be Papa’s little girl. And I know, you will always remind him of me because we look so alike. Alhamdulillah, like my mom always said to me, “setiap anak ada rezeki masing-masing”, as I continue my journey into my midlife together with Papa with more kids in tow, more rezeki seems to come our way.
Sophie was our last chance at being ‘young’ again, having a baby always make me feel young at heart somehow. When we first did the 4D ultrasound scan Papa said that you inherited my best feature – my nose, which I begged to differ. And guess what, I was right, you have your Abang Dan's nose. Sophie, having you was not without its complications, starting from my early pregnancy till after you were delivered. I am sure all of you can’t remember or even understood how I struggled throughout and right after my pregnancy. Dugaan Tuhan comes in so many ways children, remember that. Sophie is always special – you’re the heartbeat of our family.
Daniel, Kyle, Nana & Sophie, each of you are special and extraordinary in your own ways. You are the results of our undying love and hope. You are us.
One day, I hope you will find your soul mate, just like Papa and I did...
To my sons, I hope you will find someone who will not put her interest above you and who will always look at you and treat you with much respect you deserve. In return, I want you to not take her for granted, provide for her responsibly, treat her deservedly and love her with all your hearts. Remember that.
To my daughters, I hope and I pray that you will find a man who will take good care of you, provide you with undying love and allow you to be what you aspire to be in life. No man should ever take that away from you, you can be what you want to be, remember that. In return, I want you to be a dutiful wife, treat him with respect he deserves and not put your interest above his. He is your imam. Remember that.
In the last 16 years, your Papa has given everything that I deserve and need. He has never once let me down. And for that I’m thankful. He is my imam, my guide, my everything. In return, I hope that I have given him what he deserved and hoped for in a wife and a companion. But I also know that I can’t run away from mistakes. I could only hope that he could find it in his heart to forgive me of my shortcomings.
When I breathe my last breath, I want all four of you to take good care of him. Remember all the sacrifices he has made for the family. Love him with your life. If you could do that for me, I know that I have brought you up well and that I have succeeded as a mother.
My children, I’ve never asked for a gift from you but on my 16th anniversary, I am asking for these 2 gifts:
1. Islam is our religion, Allah is our God, Nabi Muhammad is His Messenger, Kaabah is our qiblat – REMEMBER that, never ever forget that. Jadilah anak-anak yang beriman dan beramal soleh, it’s the best give you could ever give to me and Papa. Your iman will dictate and lead your every action, insyaAllah.
2. Education will take you places. Jadilah orang-orang yang berilmu. Knowledge is power and it’s the best investment in life. Never let other people lead you to think otherwise. Papa and I may never leave you with mountains of money, but I know with the gift of education, you will find your way. Just like Papa and I did. REMEMBER that.
If you can deliver these two gifts to me and Papa, our job as parents is complete. I am only asking for these two gifts, nothing more nothing less, and you have the rest of your life to deliver them.
All four of you - Daniel, Kyle, Nana and Sophie - are the greatest gift Allah has given upon us. And for that I am thankful, Alhamdulillah. I love each and everyone of you with all my heart and soul.
I’m also thankful for another great gift, the wonderful husband that Allah has sent upon me. Sayang, YOU ARE MY LIFE. Happy 16th anniversary.
Love,
Momma
16 July 2010
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