Lest we forget

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquainatnce be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
To auld lang syne.

Do you remember the tune - 'Auld Lang Syne'? Each time I sing or hear it, tears would be rolling down my cheek. Even when I'm jotting this, my eyes are swelling ... (excuse me). For the young ones, 'Auld lang Syne' is an old Scottish song literrally it means 'old long ago' or simply 'the good old days'.

One ought not to forget one's past in order to appreciate the present. I'm glad Amal, my soon-to-be eight-year old grandniece, loves HISTORY, she said. Thinking about the past, today I want to pay tribute to the many ladies who helped my parents in their tailoring business between 1950's and mid-1960's. There were many of them who crossed my path. Now some I remember their names, some I'm afraid I've forgotten (age catching up!). They were lovely ladies, very helpful and never once did they pull a face at me or Alang when we would take over their sewing machines each time they took their tea or lunch break. Alang and I would embroider straight and wavy lines whilst standing, otherwise if seated our legs couldn't reach the pedals .. They joined us in our celebrations and invited us to their homes for special occasions. Some of them taught me to sing their songs which I still remember! When they wed, we attended their weddings. There's Mary, Ah Lian, Geok Eng, Ah Gek, Daisy, Ah Eng, Kak Hani ... to name a few. Terima kasih all. I wonder where are all these people now- for I miss the good old days when I was young. I thank Allah for a happy childhood.

Ah Eng

Kak Hani, the only Malay employee, at her wedding.

For Auld Lang Syne, Terima Kasih, I miss you all.