He will never walk alone!

It is the last day of the month. I ended the month by buying Baskin Robbins ice cream. (They give 31% discount every 31st.) Ice cream is one of my dad's favourite. However, he has to abstain from it but I'm sure looking at the pints that I brought home, he'll be motivated to get well faster so that he can enjoy ice creams once again.

My dad celebrated his birthday yesterday. There wasn't much of celebration as he is still recovering from his surgery. My mum suggested to just stay low key.

His treasure hunt mates dropped by last Saturday after their treasure hunt. I could see that my dad was very happy to have them around. They came with a birthday gift and my dad was stuck with a big smile when he opened the gift. :)

BIG SMILE! :)

The hunters got him a Liverpool scarf.

Daddy demonstrating how Liverpool fans usually hold it in matches. 

It's usually held upside down and he's wondering why.

My sister & I also bought my dad a gift. Which is no surprise that it is something to do with Liverpool Football Club. We also had a simple dinner at home on Sunday since Han wasn't around on Monday.

We suggest that he wears it when he goes for treatment.

It's for sure that daddy will never walk alone.

20th March 2009-The return of the Ele!

The Woo Family is REUNITED! 

:)

My sister came home to an empty house, greeted by Nougy and some balloons! I bought the balloons yesterday and it's read as "Welcome Back Elephant!" :P

These balloons had to sleep with me last night cause it's suppose to last longer in an air conditioned room. When I brought them downstairs to show it to my dad this morning, my dad immediately exclaimed "ELEWEN!" (It's a family joke.) :)

I was rushing back from my office. Unfortunately, my parents were stuck running errands that they couldn't pick me up immediately. So we had to "welcome" my sister home when she was already home. :P

My dad walked straight into the house into the arms of my sister and there were tears. :)

Hugs hugs hugs! and some tears of course. 

sorry for the blur photos. Camera woman not so professional. :P

My sis and my daddy! :)

Woo family & Elephant! :)

Spot the white balloons with paws? I got those to represent our doggies welcoming my sis home. :)

Elephant & Ee Wen!

Now you can see the "Welcome Back" balloon better.

My sister got me a pair of Mikimoto earrings! :) 

I've always wanted something from Mikimoto but it's just way too expensive to get them in Malaysia. She made my dream come true! hehe.. Thank you so much sis! *HUGS*

Some of my sister's luggage. She was taking out our gifts & showing us stuff that she brought home.There's more to come as she has just packed 11 boxes of clothes & etc which will only arrive much later.

Reunion Dinner, the West way!

My sis was too lazy to go out for dinner & my mum was lazy to go out and buy food home. So we had Domino's instead. As we were eating, my dad kept saying that he would love to have some but he knows he can't. He kept asking us to finish it faster so that he won't have to drool any longer.

My dad went for his check up this morning. He gained 0.9kg. (my mum later told us his "trick" in adding some weight when he stepped on the weighing machine.) The Dr referred him to an Oncologist, which he will be meeting on Monday.

After his check up he went to do another round of his treatment. From the treatment, they detected progress and we are very happy to hear that my dad is progressing very well. He still feel uncomfortable at the intestine area which he was told that the discomfort may last up to 6 months! We'll just have to keep praying for him to heal & feel more comfortable each and every day.

It is a wonderful day. I could sense a lot of happiness at home.I could be feeling the "extra happiness" because I'll be on leave for the whole of next week. 

Whatever it is, the return of the Ele was definitely the highlight for today! :)

18th March 2009-2 more days!

My sister has been counting down on her blog. So I thought of joining her.

This is my first time feeling so excited about her coming back home! :) Ok.. I know that it's bad that it's my first time but let's look on the positive side, I am getting better and I AM actually very excited to have her home.

My dad is excited too. Asking me a few things regarding my sister's home coming. I can't tell you what just yet cause my sister does follow my blog. :P

We were suppose to go for Qi Gong today but dad felt tired. We went for Qi Gong yesterday and it's 2 days in a row of Qi Gong for him. 

He also went around Ikano with mum today looking for a chair. He was looking for a similar one that the place he goes for treatment has. He said that that's the only chair that he feels comfortable resting on at the moment. They told him that they bought it at about RM600-700 from a shop at Ikano but my dad found out that it actually cost much much more than that! 

Well, I do hope we will be able to some day soon to find that chair at a more affordable price for my dad so that he can sit comfortably at home. 

Meanwhile, daddy will just have to make his own "chair" using pillows, bolsters, blankets and extra mattresses.

Here's my dad's way to play with Nougy.

Since he can't bend down to play with him. He uses his feet to play with him.

No worries. It's not painful! :)

My dad tend to get along with dogs very well. 

So it's just TWO more days til the Woo family is reunited! Can't wait!

14th March 2009-Free the spirit

My dad has been requesting my mum to make different kinds of soup these days. He is into soups now. Hopefully it will help him gain more weight by Friday. :)

Today he had Onion & Tomato soup for lunch and Mushroom soup for dinner. My mum home made them. Tomorrow he requested for Pumpkin soup or French Onion soup. YUM!

My dad's colleague came over for a visit today. I call him "the colleague that goes out for lunch with you". Well, I do bump into my dad having lunch with him since our offices is only 5 minutes apart.

 

My dad reading the brochure that his colleague gave.

He shared with us his brother's experience as a cancer patient. The chemotherapy that his brother went through and also the alternative treatment that he is undergoing at the moment. My dad had a good chat with him and somehow the topic of "freeing the spirit" came up.

It came about when he mentioned that it's the Goddess of Mercy's birthday tomorrow. He will be going to a temple at Kuala Selangor to celebrate it. Then he mentioned about releasing captive creatures as a form of "freeing the spirit". 

Then my dad thought about the tortoises that we have at home. He said that he's been wanting to let them go as they deserve a wider space. (They have been kept in a tub at home. My dad interacts with the tortoises every time he changes their water.) So when his colleague mentioned it, it just came to him that he would love to free them.

My dad's colleague then offered to bring them to the river near the temple that he will be going to tomorrow. He said that it's a normal ritual for the temple to "free spirits" during the Goddess of Mercy's birthday. 

My mum went back to her place to clean up the tortoises and brought them over for my dad's colleague to free them tomorrow. There was a touch of sadness as these tortoises has been with us since I was 7-8 years old. But they do deserve a wider space and we pray for them to be able to survive and live happily. :)

Our tortoises.

One of them is named Snappy! We had 3 tortoises.The 3rd tortoise was snapped by Snappy and we separated them. A little while after the separation, the "single" tortoise passed away. Snappy got the name Snappy because of this incident. Snappy also likes to snap our fingers when we try to carry it back to the tub. The other one is very tame, that's why it doesn't have a name. :)

My dad with the tortoises.

My dad writing his name in chinese at the bottom shell of the tortoises.

He also wrote tomorrow's date.

My dad blessed them before they were taken away.

12th March 2009-Start young!

I just realized that the last time I fell ill  was 1-2 years ago. (I had stomach discomfort but only when I was preparing for our wedding & if I ate something that is not clean.) Perhaps my body is telling me that I need rest. 

I haven't been sleeping 7-8 hours a day. I really miss those days where I can hit the snooze button by 10.30pm and wake up at 6.15am. Since I started preparing for my wedding til today, on average, I can only catch 5-6 hours of good sleep. I think my body is telling me to switch it back to sleeping by 10.30pm every day.

When I was younger, I use to sleep at 10pm. My family would tease me and call me "Miss 10 o'clock" cause I would automatically wish everyone good night at 10pm. :)

Our body needs to rest. I know some people think that sleeping is a waste of time or our life is too short, why sleep so early.. ENJOY!!

Your life will be shorter if you sleep less every day. :)

My dad has an amazing career. One thing that he didn't have enough was sleep. Now that he has gone through it all, his advise to us is to always catch enough sleep, take supplements, drink more water, exercise, meditate (to de-stress), try your best to stay off drugs (meaning don't fall sick.) & eat more greens & fruits.

Apricot Kennels

I've been eating 20 of these every day since last Saturday. Apparently it helps to prevent cancer.

Water is essential!

After all, majority of our body is made of water. :)

My daily supplements. :) 

I admire people who still have their parents with them even though they have aged. Like my mum, my grandma is still around even though my mum is already 52. My colleague & her elder siblings still have their parents around even though they are now at the age of 40s-50s.

I would want my children to still have their parents when they are 50 years and above and I pray that I would still have my parents with me when I reach that age too. It'll be nice to have them around. Watch them grow as how they have watched me grow. :)

I'm watching my parents grow old. :) 

My dad with his newspaper & my mum with her PDA. (she's actually playing games on the PDA.) My mum has a new hair cut. Only about 2inches longer than my dad's hair now. COOL! 

My dad made a progress today. He gained a little more weight and he could eat some fish & okra with his porridge today. :) My mum was so happy that she could cook nicer food for my dad today. :) 

Do your best to stay healthy and as they always say, start young!

Oh, it's 10.15pm! Time to hit the snooze button! :)

10th March 2009-Thoughts over the weekend

I had an eventful weekend until I couldn't find time to update my blog.

Change

It was definitely one of the highlight of the weekend. Han & I met a friend after lunch and we were talking about "life". We were talking about how we see things differently as we grow.

It is true that we have all changed. It is also true that we will grow up to accept the changes that we have made. 

Some people choose not to grow up and when we have, they would say that we have "changed" and start saying how we have changed and all.

Change is not necessary a bad thing. If we have changed to become a better person, a wiser person.. why not?

I've changed and I admit that I wasn't very much a fan of change when I was younger. 

Something happened between a close friend & I when we were in University. We grew apart and I couldn't accept how much things have changed because she is my closest friend. As we were pursuing our studies separately, I soon became more adaptable to change. I'm proud to say we are now more acceptable of each others' opinion & our relationship is closer than before.

Now, when I see someone changing, I would acknowledge it and learn to accept that he/she has changed. If it's not a bad change, why not learn to love that "new person". Of course, if you know that the change is making the person a worse person, then it's good to voice out. At least you have said your opinion. They have to take control of their own life and make their own choices.

Ask and you will receive

My husband was the one who taught me this. Before I knew him, I was always shy to ask and just accept things as it is.(I still do but not all the time.) He is the opposite. He will always be curious and ask whenever he don't know the answer.

When I became a Catholic, one of the moments that I remember is during one of the sermons our Father said "Ask and you will receive". He meant, pray and you will be blessed.

I believe that and I apply that to my daily life. I pray every day that my dad will receive the treatment that he believes in. It doesn't matter what treatment, as long as it is a treatment that my dad is confident in.

In my opinion, a cancer patient should receive the treatment that he/she believes in. Even if he/she believes in just praying that would help in curing this disease, so be it. If a cancer patient is not confident in the treatment that he/she is about to receive, he/she may not survive. (If my mum reads this, she would beg to differ.)

Over the weekend, I found out that my prayers were answered. Thanks to my dad's treasure hunt mates. You guys are amazing and I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful gift. My dad is truly blessed to have such beautiful friends. I will pray for all of you and your loved ones to be blessed with gifts that would bring you joy, love & peace.

My grandma (seated next to my dad), my aunt & grand aunts came up from Kluang to visit my dad. On the right of my dad are my mum's friends. Her bestfriend (also our family optician) and her husband.

A little note from the treasure hunters.

MORE PIRATES IN THE HOUSE! 

haha..just kidding. These are the treasure hunters that came over to visit last Saturday.(Photo taken by VK. So he's not inside. Thanks VK!) Some of them I haven't really spoke to for more than 10 years. (And you guessed it right, first reaction "WAH! So big already ar?" hahaha..) My dad said they skipped lunch just to hang around and chat. :) Thanks everyone!

Family vs Career vs Life

My husband and I have been trying to sort this out. We are trying to strike a balance between our career, our time with our family (both sides), our life together & our time alone with/without our friends.

We are working hard to find that balance. We have yet to find the perfect "mix" but we are currently making sure to have a meal with our parents over the weekend. We try to have a cup of coffee/tea as a "young married couple", just the two of us, sitting down and talk. (We like to do this even before we were married, we find ourselves falling in love with each other again.) We would encourage each other to hang out with our own friends. However, since we only meet during weekends, we would prefer to have the weekends away from friends but we know that it's unhealthy not to be hanging out with friends. So we made it a point to hang out with our own friends, once in a while. Have some "seperated" time. Like they say.. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

My dad is currently guiding Han and teaching him some skills to help him in his career and life.(I've mentioned that it is my dad's wish to pass on skills to Han, my sister & I) 

Han told me something that meant a lot to me. He said "Please tell dad that I need him. I don't want him to leave."

It touched me that my dad receives love from his son-in-law. When Han & I became a couple, I was afraid that my dad would not approve of him.(Well, my dad does have very high standard when it comes to accepting someone to take care of his daughter.) My dad's approval meant a lot to me and I'm just so thankful to have both of the man that I truly love getting along together and loving each other. God must have known that they were meant to meet each other too. :)

Life is tough. My mum would always say "If there is no stress in life then you are dead." It's just a matter of how we handle our stress and how we cope with the changes & happenings in life.

Here's a passage that I would always have in mind whenever I find myself thinking about the past or worrying too much about the future.

One day, I was regretting the past.

Suddenly I heard God telling me,

"My name is I Am."

If you live in the past, I am not there.

Because my name is not I was.

If you live in the future, I am not there,

Because my name is not I will be.

If you live in the present, I am here.

Because my name is I Am.

Live everyday without holding on to the past and without worrying about the future. You'll find yourself living life to the fullest even though it's tough.

My dad is currently living in the present. He started his alternative treatment yesterday and I was very relieved that he got my mum's approval to go for it. Perhaps too relieved that I've caught the flu bug. (YIKES!) 

It was very nice to see my dad smiling while receiving the treatment. Han also came along to support him and he even suggested that my dad switch the treatments to weekends so that we can accompany him. Well, since we started the treatment on Monday, it will just be Mondays then.

My dad made a progress today, he gained some weight. Not a lot but it's still good for him. I know he will work harder to gain weight. As long as he can eat, he would. :)

6th March 2009-HAPPY BIRTHDAY EE WEN!

My parents became parents on this very day 29 years ago. (My sis don't look like she's 29. So she has got nothing to hide. Plus, age is just a number.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EE WEN! 

May you be blessed with many beautiful days ahead! May the surprises in life bring you joy, love & peace. May your trust & faith in God grow every day. :)

*HUGS* 

We haven't celebrated my sister's birthday with her for 10 years now. We would always go out for dinner although she's not in Malaysia. It's a way to thank my mum for bringing my sister to the world. :)

I have to admit my relationship with my sister was never VERY close.We are not the kind who share every single thing. Even before she left for Japan. Our relationship actually grew closer when she left for Japan (weird.. but true). My sister & I don't share a lot of things in common and our personalities are different. But I do remember some sweet moments that we have together.

My sister would pamper me when I was in primary school. She irons my school uniform for me. So I only learnt how to use the iron at about 9 years old. She learnt how to use it when she was 7.We would go for swimming classes together, Yamaha class, Speech & Drama class. We went to the same kindergarten, same primary school, same secondary school. (Only form 6 & Uni we took different roads.) 

In secondary school I would join clubs that she joined and I'm always known as Ee Wen's sister because she clicks with people that she just met almost immediately (also because she is elder than me). That's her "special" personality that I do admire. (I'm still known as Ee Wen's sister these days. Some things never change. :) )

My parents do miss having her around. Well of course, she is their daughter. I know my dad is very happy that she will be back in 14 days. My dad can't wait to pamper her, guide her & just spending time with her. I'm sure my mum misses my sister very much too, she doesn't show it but I know she does. Who won't miss their own children?

I do get irritated by my sister. (because we do have different personalities.) However, that's one thing that I would like to change. When my sister is back, I would like to get to know her all over again. Understand how she thinks, how she makes decisions, her feelings. I would like to erase all the negative thoughts & feelings that I had about her.

It's never too late to "repair" the relationship. God said to love as how He has loved us. I will love my sister and this love will be as strong as God's love for me.

I love you, Ee Wen and I'll grow to love you more. :)

We don't look alike... except for the "sepet" eyes. :P

 

5th March 2009-Lets Stay Healthy!

I went for my first Qi Gong class with my parents last night. It was very interesting. I felt very much relaxed when I was practising it. My dad was happy to have us accompany him. I shall suggest that we all do some Qi Gong just before we sleep. Apparently, it will build up more energy when more people practise it together. :)

I've also switched to introducing more fruits into my daily meals. Having Organic meals whenever I can. I can't have Organic food for lunch as there isn't any Organic shop near my work place. So I'll have organic meals as many meals as I can. Since I love to snack, I bought some Organic Brown Rice Crackers. It actually taste very good! :) My dad likes it too. He said "It melts in my mouth." I guess he is happy cause he can eat healthy snacks that don't need him to chew that much. :)

My dad has been asking us to join him in many things. I do want to join him to show him some support. That's why I decided to go for Qi Gong, eat more fruits & have Organic meals. My mum find it a little difficult to be having Organic food every meal. I suggested that she have at least one meal in a day that is organic. Then she won't feel so "bored". This doesn't mean my mum is not supportive of my dad. I understand that a person can't just change her lifestyle so easily. Moreover, my mum has always been given the freedom to do whatever she likes. It will take some time for her to adjust.

The other way of staying healthy is by saying prayers. I would also like to introduce this to my dad. He may be doing it already but it's probably best to be praying together. I've read in an article, it says that by praying/meditating, a cancer patient will eventually heal by him/herself without medication. It will also help the patient heal faster when he/she undergo treatment.

We do take our health for granted. Especially when we are still at the "young" age. I have to admit, I once took my health for granted. 

When I was in Form 6, I didn't know how to love myself. I studied & work part time, just to earn some pocket money. I only had 4 hours of sleep daily. One fine day, I fell very ill. I had very high fever. Got myself admitted into the hospital and had to rest from school & work for about a week.

But that experience didn't change my view on "loving myself". I found another part time job which was less texting to my study-work schedule and continue to study & work part time. I did this until the end of my Form 6 life. Fortunately, I didn't get admitted into the hospital again and I still manage to obtain results that were good enough to get myself into UM.

When I was studying in university, I was admitted into the hospital twice! Until my dad said "Are you making it a habit to admit into the hospital annually?" 

After that, I begin to learn how to take control of my own health. I am fortunate to have found a job that don't require me to stay back every day. I do leave my office on time 90% of the year. (Thank God for blessing me with this job.) I also introduced exercise into my daily routine and I'm proud to say that I didn't check myself into the hospital for 2 years now. :)

I stopped exercising since my wedding. After a couple of months, I don't feel healthy. That's one of the reason why I decided to go for Qi Gong with my dad. I can kill two birds with one stone. 

1) Give my dad some support

2) Good for my health

My dinner last night. Organic Assam Fish with Brown Rice.

My mums' dinner. Organic Loh Wan Tan Mee.

My parents at the Organic restaurant. 

My dad was picking out vegetables to eat.

I had this for dinner tonight. Organic Tom Yam Noodle. 

It taste yummy! Too spicy for my mum though.

My dad & his brother, Uncle Kien Ping.

They look even more alike now. :)

4th March 2009-3 choices

As I was waiting for the train to go to Mid Valley yesterday, so many thoughts came into my mind. I noticed that even at the train station I have to make a decision, whether to wait at the Green Line, Blue Line or the Red Line.

This is how the KTM Komuter works. There are 3 types of train design & each train's door opens at different places. To make us, commuters line up before we board, they came up with 3 coloured lines. The Green, Blue & Red. We will only know which line to queue when they announce about 5 minutes before the train arrives. Malaysians being Malaysian, we would want to queue at the line even before they announce. Therefore, I would always stand at the line that has ALL 3 colours! So when they announce whichever colour to queue, I'll still be the first in line. 

Here's the 3 coloured lines at the train station. You can imagine where I would be standing every evening.

However, the result of the choice we make in this situation can't be controlled by us. It is controlled by luck. There are many decisions in life that we can control. 

For example: When you wake up in the morning, you can choose:

a) to wake up in a grumpy mood

b) to wake up and tell your boss that you are sick but you the truth is that you are lazy

c) to wake up in a CHEERFUL mood

Our emotions is something that we can control. I always believe that I should make sure that I'm in a cheerful mood when I wake up even if I'm still sleepy/tired. My only opinion is if you want to choose option (a), please just go back to sleep! You are just going to start your day on a miserable note and you'll have more negative feelings than positive.

I had an interesting 2 hours ordeal at the clinic yesterday. It was quite a worrying ordeal because the Dr briefly mentioned "Cancer". However, he was nice enough to just tell me to wait for my report in 2 weeks. 

The first person that I informed was of course my husband then my colleague because she may be wondering why I'm taking so long at the clinic. After visiting the clinic, I know I can control how I feel about it.

(a) CRY MY HEART OUT!

(b) Keep cool & just take the Dr's advice to just wait for the report

(c) Keep thinking about it & i'll be distracted by it for the rest of the day

I chose option (b). I know that I'm allowed to cry but like the Dr said, "Don't worry. Let's just wait & see." 

The reason why I chose option (b) was because I know if I chose one of the other two options, it will effect my colleagues. So I calmly went back and told my colleague of my 2 hour ordeal. We went for lunch, came back to the office & everything was normal & healthy.

I also had an interesting ordeal with my colleague regarding work. I snapped at her because my emotion took over me. At that point, I also had 3 options to choose from:

(a) stay angry at her & don't talk to her til tomorrow

(b) cool down & pretend that nothing has happened

(c) coold down & apologize

I chose option (c) and I'm very glad that I made that choice as we are now better colleagues than an hour before the ordeal. :)

Not all choices that we make will turn out to be good or turn out to what we have expected it to be. That's why we should make any decision with a clear mind, not controlled by emotion. And when we make that decision, we must not regret whatever outcome it will be. Accept it as a mistake. It is a very cliche thing to say this but I'm going to say it anyway.. 

"If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off & try again!"

It's my preferred choice to wake up in a cheerful mood everyday but some how someone or something would try to bring my mood down. However, I realize that I pick myself up very quickly after that. I believe that if I start my day on a good note, it will end on a good note because my days would always end with a prayer. Anything in between is just the "evil" trying to make you fall to the "darker side". :)

There are some decisions in life that is very tough to make. 

I was having a tough time trying to decide whether I should tell my parents of my 2 hour ordeal at the clinic. Again, 3 options came to me:

a) Don't tell them cause they already have enough stress 

b) Just tell them that I went to the clinic but don't mention the "C" word

c) Tell them everything

It was such a tough decision to make and it took me 3 hours to finally make the decision. I put up a brave heart and chose option (c). After telling them everything, I could see from my parents' eyes that their mind were blank for a while.

And that's the time, I could not control my emotions any further, I cried.  (Did I mention that I do cry easily?)  My parents kept their cool. (They have always been good at that. Perhaps it takes a lot of experience to be able to do that.) My mum suggested me to see my gyne when I come back from work tonight. My dad started googling on the internet, looking for symptoms of cervical cancer. I told my dad that I wasn't sure whether to break the news but he assured me that it is important for me to share as I would need all the support that I can get. 

And the interesting day ended on a good note as I thank God for guiding me throughout the day.

I didn't go to the gyne in the evening, I went in the morning because I continue to bleed until this morning. I was assured by my gyne that I'm HEALTHY! Praise the Lord! The bleeding was stress related. The Dr even gave me tips on when I can try conceiving. :P

I was prepared to go back to work but the Dr said that I'm stressed up, so I should take the whole day off. I called my colleague and she too was nice enough to give me the day off.

My dad also has 3 choices to make when his Dr gives him the green light to go for chemotherapy. This decision is not easy to make. My dad will be guided by God in making this decision and he will also have us to support him in whatever option that he is going to choose. I told my mum, "We won't understand how daddy feels because we are not the patient. We can only support him. The best treatment for daddy is something that he is confident & comfortable with."

But of course, my mum sees it differently and thinks that if we don't convince him to undergo chemotherapy, we may regret for the rest of our lives.

I've learnt that when we make a decision, we should never regret. Accept that you have made the choice, you are responsible for it & remember that it was guided by God. 

I recently met someone at a friends' house. She told us about her grandfather's passing. Her grandfather died of prostrate cancer and he accepted death willingly. He was even reciting "Alleluia to the Lord" before his last breath. I was very impressed by this man even though I've only met his granddaughter. He made a choice to follow God's way. :)

My dad's next step in this journey will be guided by God and we will be God's servants to help my dad in any decision that he makes.

 

My dad spotting a new hair cut! 

We named it "The Obama Inspired Hair Cut"

2nd March 2009-My dad is in good health!

As I was waiting for the train today, it just hit me that I miss my daddy. He usually takes the train with me and we would be sitting on our "favourite" bench, avoiding smokers & we would have our little chat while waiting for the train. 

I think many commuters would notice that we would go to the station together. And perhaps now they would be wondering "eh.. how come she's always alone?wonder what happened to that man who is always with her?"

When I first started working, some of my dad's friends who commutes by train as well thought that I'm his niece/girlfriend/sister. (It's a compliment for my father.) Even the guards at my bank were guessing how am I related to my dad. 

Eventually, everyone found out that I'm Vincent Woo's youngest daughter then their next reaction would usually be"WOW! So big already ar?" 

Well, I always wonder if I asked "You mean physically or age wise?", how would they react. They will probably say "Oh, you look matured." Afraid that I would be offended.

Many people would think that I'm older than my age. Can't blame them as I do have a mature looking outlook. I won't feel offended when you say that I'm older than my age or that I'm older than my sister.I used to but not anymore.I have accepted the fact that I do look more mature.It doesn't matter to me. I'm just glad to have been born! :)

And as I was walking towards my work place today, I was also reminded of my dad. He would usually take the lead when we cross the bridge from Bank Negara to Jalan Raja Laut. I would just follow behind him because he can squeeze his way through those who takes their time walking. It has been almost a month that I've been crossing this bridge without my dad. I sometimes could still see him walking in front of me. I pray that he will join me again in this daily routine soon. :)

I know I have been projecting a strong character throughout the past month. Perhaps many followers of my blog would start wondering "Hey, is Yi Lei really such a strong person? Perhaps she is just pretending to be strong since this daily post is for her father."

To make you wonder less, here is the truth:

1) I do have my moments. 80% of the whole of last month I was doing fine. 

The first that I cried after hearing the news from my dad was when I called my colleague to apply for Emergency Leave. I just couldn't control myself. The 2nd was when I was with my dad at home. I just couldn't help seeing him & my sister in tears. The 3rd when Han came home and hug me. It was water works again. The 4th was at the hospital when my mum broke down at the car park before my dad's surgery. I cried too. The 5th was when I prayed at 2pm on the day my dad was reborn again. The 6th was when my dad held my hand & told me to not be so stressed up. The 7th was when I found Pingu not having the strength to get up. The 8th when I went to the vet to inform them of our decision to put Pingu to rest & finally the 9th when Han hugged me after coming home from the vet.

I have 9 "moments" in a month. I bound to have more. I do cry easily and you may be surprised to know this. 

For example: I am currently reading this book titled "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I have a habit to always glance at the last chapter whenever I read any book. (Just a bad habit that I can't break.) So happen, the last chapter of this book is about this professor (Randy Pausch) & his wife. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He only had months to live. He gave his "last lecture" dedicated to his 3 young children. His wife was there to witness his first "last lecture". It touched me that a person who is counting his days can be so positive & romantic. He lived every moment that he has left with his wife & children with enthusiasm. Tears fell down from my eyes when I read that his wife hugged him after the crowd sang a "Happy Birthday" song to her at the lecture (Her b'day was the day before the lecture.) and she whispered three simple words.. "Please don't die." 

It was then I realized that no matter how positive/strong you project to be, you will eventually say things that the "going" party would not want to hear.

Do get hold of this book & read it. It gives you motivation to live your dream and look at life the positive manner.

When people are in grieve we tend to say "Don't cry.." or "It's ok.. don't worry. Don't think so much". 

I learnt from the 2 man that matters most in my life that we are all allowed to cry cause they both said "Just cry. Let it all out. It's ok to cry."

2) This blog is about my life & it is my true feelings. 

I don't see a reason not to write exactly how I feel. After all, there isn't any benefit for me to lie about my feelings. I would only be lying to myself.

Be assured that I am strong. I have faith in God & I have faith in my daddy. I know we will make it through with God's guidance. I am also human and don't forget my first point, I cry easily. After every moment, I have someone to tell me that I can put my trust & burden on Him and that made me strong.

Many of family members & friends offered help when they found out about my dad. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for the sincere ever ready helping hands. The best helping hand that you could give my family & I now are your hands in prayer. It is the most wonderful gift. 

As we pray in union, God would then guide us and we would walk His way.

3) My dad is in good health!

I do get a lot of people asking me "How is your dad?" 

It is a genuine question. I would answer them genuinely "He is doing fine. Recovering well at home."

I can't help it but think at the back of my head when they asked me that question: "Are they expecting me to say something bad? Well, they shouldn't be cause I don't have anything bad to say. He IS doing fine & recovering well at home."

I have learnt today that the next time someone asked me "How is your dad?" 

I would answer "My dad is in good health!"

It is an honest answer because as long as God is with my dad, he is in good health! :)

The next question that most people will ask me "How about you?How are you?"

I would tell them. "I'm good too." Then they will give me that smile & nod that would make me think that they were expecting a longer answer.

The truth is, I AM doing good. I'm leading a normal life. I have a new daily routine and it amazes me. 

I do welcome you asking me about my family & I. All I want you to keep in mind is that you have to believe me that my answer is & will be genuine & it's not to cover anything. 

My dad signing up for Qi Gong class.

*HUMMMMMM*

He is in good health! Relaxing his mind & body. 

Last but not least, I do wish to point out that I'm approaching my late 20s. I am more matured (not just my outlook) as every day passes by. Some say I speak like I have tons of experience, that's thanks to my dad for teaching me when & what to say. However, I have to admit that I still lack in a lot of areas which I will learn from everyone that is surrounding me. 

Hey, after all, I'm still in my 20s. The journey will be more exciting and I'm looking forward to growing with my loved ones. :)