CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO MY ELDEST SISTER

~~~~~~~~This is the only wayto express my feeling in writing to Tai Ka che
and that someone from home will read to her at funeral service ~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Tai Ka Che,

First of all, I would like to apologize and beg for forgiveness for being unable to share the last moment of your life as well as to pay my last respect at this service.

Next, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolence to Fong family for the loss of a good loving wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandma.

This is a very difficult time for all of us. Please look beyond the sorrow and think about all the sweet memories that she has given and left with us.

My Tai Ka Che, Ai Chin or “Tin Na”, which we used to call her while we were young at home, made history in our small kampong in those olden days. As far as I can remember, she was the first girl being sent to Singapore to study. She was the first girl who managed to overcome all hardship and difficulties to marry with Mr Fong. We lived in a small “kampong” where there were many traditional ladies who were strongly against daughters marrying men of any dialect other than HOKKIAN Lang! It was through the affectionate and truthful love that Mr. Fong obtained my parents’ approval despite the objections of the kampong folks.

After her marriage and despite her tight schedule, being a teacher and mother to four kids, she was like a Santa to us. She would sew beautiful clothes and dresses for all of us. She sent them by post from her home in Kuala Pilah. Tai Ka Che ensured that we had new dresses to put on for each day that we were off from school for the festival day. It was beyond words to describe how kind and how much she loved us as her siblings.

Tai Ka Che’s kindness was unbounded and was rewarded and blessed with a good husband who loved her dearly, shared all ups and downs with her. They have 4 great and successful children of whom they are very proud. Tai Ka Che was very humble about this, but I took every opportunity to remind her of this great success that she achieved in life in addition to being a great sister.

Now that she is gone, but never forgotten, I will always remember her beautiful smile, the good dishes she cooked and the open invitation she extended to me and my daughter to share with her family for all festivals. I am so grateful to be able to share the joy of being in a big family

Tai Ka Che, once again, though you are gone….. We will miss you forever. Please let your magic charm and sweet memories stay with Mr. Fong to strengthen him and allow him to have a healthy life for many more years…..

From: San Chio Che – Ah Ngo Yee or Louyee

Florida, August 31, 2009