Literally translated, the phrase means, "Water, even when chopped with an axe will not break/split."
That is a Malay proverb that deals with family ties.
Very often, no matter how bad the relationships may sour, somehow, blood ties will prevail.
The past two months have been a time for family...
to meet new challenges, to mend frail ties, to welcome new kin and also to celebrate, and at the same time cry. It is also a time where we put aside differences, and embrace each other's individuality.
Above all, it reminds me that family, kith and kin, are important.
We celebrate...
with weddings and births....
I would like to think of how the family has expanded. I feel that nenek would have loved to have seen these moments when her clan are drawn together.
I saw in my cousin's Dinah's eyes...the elation of a new-bride. I am sure that her late mother would have finally approved. Twenty-years ago, she had sacrifced her own happiness, for her mother, worried that she would 'lose' her daughter, had disapproved of the relationship. But 'kalau dah jodoh, tak kan ke mana.' Who would have thought that now, he reappeared in her life. This time round, the blessings flowed readily.
My cousin Azhari flew down from Melbourne. He has migrated to Australia, and that had brought a lot of heartache for his mother and sister. But the news of Kak Ani's illness brought him back on the first flight home...to ensure that he puts things in order. He does not shirk around from his responsibilities. And what a pleasure it was for me, to have been able to 'steal him away' for a short while:- this cousin who is as close as a brother to me. I miss him...
More weddings...
I watch with mixed feelings at the rows of my aunts and uncles who are getting on with age.
Why does it seem that with each rare gathering, we realise that there is someone missing...a loved one who has passed on?
Yes, the younger generation is there, but will they ever be able to build such strong bonds like that of their parents, or grandparents? Perhaps, there is always hope...as I introduce my children to the myriads of second and third cousins...I can hope and pray...
No family is without secrets, no family is picture perfect.
We have our fair share of black sheep, and skeletons in the cupboards.
I may have my ups and downs with them.
But I am assured, when it comes to the crux of the matter, my family....will rally around me.
In sickness and in health
In good and bad....
Allah, watch over the people I call family...I love them so.
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