I wrote the below piece on 22 January, 2008. It was such a strong feelings within me at that time and, now. This is weird. It is raining heavily out there now and with the sentimental music playing on the radio, it gives me a peaceful mind to think of her and with the existing feeling, a little of “touching up”, this piece of unposted piece is ready to be shared with my readers.

Marina,

“Thank you for being with me all the time. I am not good at expressing in words but I wish you to know that you have a special place in my heart always.”

Dated: 22 January, 2008

I have never felt so fulfilling before. Not so much because of my wedding. But, the opportunity to be with the loved ones and great friends. Also, to see the good luck spread to some friends and villagers.

Last Saturday, we held our traditional wedding in Bukit Gambir, Muar. If you want to know what was my feelings during the day, it was only one word to describe, HAPPY. However, later in the evening, I felt fulfilling and blessed.

I would not call it coincident. It was “arranged”.

It was drizzling when the bridal car reached the groom’s house. In fact, a day before, when I was driving from Ipoh to his place, the weather was good, meaning, no hot sun. It was windy throughout the day, though it rain lightly when we reached his house. However, I was so worried when was told that it was raining heavily on Thursday night.

I was so glad she took the precious time to be with me. She has a great family who is always there to support her. And, the best thing is, I am glad to be part of them. She has always been there for me.

Please let me know how do you describe this special connection we have. Whenever, I am down or crying in the room, I will suddenly receive a call from her. After spoken her, I would feel so relieved.

It was back in late 1997 or early 1998, I could not recall the exact date, I was introduced to her to handle some students disciplinary case. Initially, I could not understand her. Why is she so passionate about the welfare of the students, plants and flowers, I asked. I did not realise that it was in her. She is basically passionate and committed to everything she handles. Most who approaches her or when she knows of anyone who needed assistance, she would be there.

She has touches many people lives. Certainly, at the same time, some dislikes her because of her courage and outspoken character. My dad once concluded that those who dislikes her was because they would not want to do the “dirty work” and she was doing it. It simply means that when one refuses to do it but he or she sees others doing it, despite it is for good cause, they feel “threaten” and would starts to question their motives.

If you see her once, you will remember her for some time. She has a unique way of dressing up and stylish hair cut. In fact, she has always reminded me to dress up neatly and also ensure some lipsticks is applied all the time. “Even if you are tired, you should not show it,” she stressed to me.

I was so happy when she told me that her family will be attending my traditional ceremony in Bukit Gambir, Muar.

On Friday night, she arrived with boxes of oranges and pomelo.

When the bridal car arrived at our rented house, which was just across the main road to groom’s house ( it takes less than 5 minutes ride), she was still busy doing the final touching up on my face and gown. Certainly, when the groom was trying to gain entry to the room, my sisters had so much fun and she had more time to ensure that I look “perfect” before I the groom took me away.

After I went through the traditonal tea ceremony and etc ( prayers, crossing the claypot with some fire and putting my right foot on a rottan made basket), we then went to the nearby temple for prayers. Later, I managed to grab a short rest while my relatives left for Muar to get some local products at Yong Sheng Confectionary.

I know, I will not find another her. She is so special to me (besides my mum). It was her that I have decided to have my wedding so soon. I took her advice. Having her and the family members to witness my wedding, doing the final touching up of my face before the bride leaves for the groom’s house, the daughter to assist me with the last minute preparation, especially in decorating the room, it was so wonderful.I have never felt so blessed, fulfilling and I asked myself, what more can I ask?