Recollection of Letters (23)

 31 December 2021

Dear Sushila

I am writing this on the last day of 2021 and like many of my friends, we are ready to say goodbye to a year Covid, disruption of businesses and social restrictions. Because there is always Hope, that the new year 2022 will be a brighter, more relaxed and joyful year; a new beginning to a new normal. The biggest hope that many of us hold on to is that the pandemic can come to an end and we can breathe easier.

2021 has been a roller-coaster year; first with the Delta variant that infected so many people causing innumerable sufferings and deaths, especially in India. Then  there was the Omicron virus, which fortunately was not so fatal, but still feared, as scientists rushed to analyzed its mutation and its effects on the human body. 

In Singapore, the government's amendments to help to contain the spread of the virus keep changing (they have no choice looking at the global situation). First it was 5 pax for F&B dine-in, then a couple of weeks later, it was 2 pax per social visit; then when infections keep rising with clusters here and there, no dine-in allowed, only take-away and deliveries! The poor F&B businesses really suffered and many have to close shop.

Personally, I am glad that I have retired when this pandemic came, otherwise I will be all nerves, not sure whether I can still hold on to my job!

But we are affected in one way or another. Prices of food, essential household items have all gone up due to supply chain being affected by countries on lockdown, so that eats into my savings and retirement fund. But fret not, I tell myself. The main thing now is to keep healthy both physically and mentally, so I am keeping myself busy 'conversing' with you, my trusted friend, via letters! 

After all that rich Christmas fare, tonight, I will just stay home, have a glass of wine and watch the countdown on TV! So Cheers, Sushila! Happy New Year! May 2022 brings abundant blessings to all!

Love

Sylvia 

Recollection of letters (22)

 19 December 2021

Dear Sushila

It's the Yuletide season, so here's wishing you a merry and joyful Christmas with a feast of food, wine & whiskey, good friends surrounding you, light-headed with jokes, laughter and lots of presents! One is never too old for surprise presents.

I will be celebrating on 22 & 25 December, both at my son, Jon's place. Because of the social restrictions of 5 people per household each time, we will have 2 different guests on each of the day, as we as family members from different household are also considered in the head count!

I found this story in my book of anecdotes to share with you as we begin a new year:

A woman dreamt that she walked into a shop and behind the counter sat God. "What do you sell?" she asked. "Everything your heart desires" said God. The woman decided to ask for the best things a human being could wish for. "I want peace of mind, love and happiness, freedom and free from fear." she said. Then as an after-thought, she added "Not just for me, but for everyone on earth".

God smiled and said, "I think you got me wrong, my dear. We don't sell fruits here. Only seeds."

Food for thought right? It makes us be aware to build on our innate goodness, to be kind and considerate in our thoughts, words and actions. By sharing  God' goodness to others, they too will know how to nurture their own goodness to make this world a better and kinder place to live in. 

Peace on earth to man of goodwill! 

Love

Sylvia

 

A Christmas Letter

 17 Decmber 2021

For the last two weeks, Christmas carols have been filling the air in our home and setting the mood for the yuletide celebrations. I have always loved Christmas carols! They tell us the whole story of what Christmas means: the birth of Christ in the little town of Bethlehem, on a silent, holy night; how the choir of angels sing in their angelic voices, proclaiming the glory of God and peace on earth, tidings of comfort and joy! How the shepherds on a cold winter's night, tending their sheep looked up and saw a Star, shining brightly in the East, and heard the angels' song of Noel, Noel and were led to the stable where the infant Jesus lay in a manger; how the three kings of Orient came to pay homage with gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold, while up in the air, Heaven and nature sing, "Joy to the world" and all the faithful are called to come and adore Him, Christ the Lord! 

Yes, Christmas is coming soon. In Orchard Road, the shopping belt of Singapore, the streets are all decked in full gaiety and brilliance! and Christmas carols playing over the PA system in the shopping malls lift up our spirits, making us all merry to revel in this festive season!  

Such is the commercial Christmas.

In the midst of our busyness of buying presents and preparing the feast of turkey, wine and log cakes, let us not forget the Spiritual Christmas, the day God gave us the gift of His Son, who came in the form of a baby, born in a stable (because there was no room for them in the inn), wrapped in swaddling clothes by his mother and placed on a manger. 

Guess who were the first privileged people to see the Holy infant? The poor, lowly, menial shepherds who were led to the stable by the angels. The second esteemed set of visitors were the three learned, wise men, led by the bright Northern Star. In their wisdom, they could recognize the baby lying on the manger as the promised Christ and they knelt and pay him homage. 

Are we as privileged as the shepherd boys to be the first to see and welcome the baby Jesus this Christmas? Are we enlightened and humble enough to bend on our knees, like the three wise men to recognize and accept the tiny baby as our Savior? 

In these weeks of Advent, let us prepare to receive Him whole-heartedly. Let us clear our minds and hearts of doubts, animosity, ego and be ready to tell Mother Mary, "There is room in my heart for your baby. When you wrap him in swaddling clothes, please place him in the manger of my heart."   

May your Christmas be meaningful as well as joyful as you celebrate with friends and family!

Pax et Bonum.

    

    

Recollection of letters (21)

10 December 2021

Dear Sushila

I found this card in my cupboard. It's about sweet romances & I must have bought it during my travels, most likely in Amsterdam. It's an old card now and sweet romances have long gone from me! These days, it's inward contemplation and  dependent mercy for emotional and spiritual sustenance.

As Carl Jung, a Swiss Psychiatrist puts it: "The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego. The second half is going inward and letting go of it". 

It's so true. When I was working, it was all rush, rush, work hard, give your best, show results, disagreement with colleagues and even your boss! I'm so glad that those days of 'adrenaline rush' is over and when I think of it now, I asked myself- "whatever for?". Yes those days of simply existing and letting the days rush by seems meaningless. I wished I had slowed down a bit then and allow my emotional and mental being to mature with the years. It is only now in my retirement agedness that I learn to give myself time and space to be alone, to reflect and contemplate on my life, not on regrets; but more what I have learned from the past and to visualize how I will live my elderhood in the years to come. Hopefully I will become what this wise sage once said," One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming!".

Yes, you and I are still blooming, Sushila. We don't waste time worrying about our wrinkles or our weight. We continue to live a simple life and to do the things we love. 

Simple is beautiful! 

Love

Sylvia

 

Recollection of letters (20)

8 December 2021 

Dear Dr Haroon

Glad that my letters are reaching you. How is Bangladesh with the covid situation? We only get news about India which still see 40,000 cases a day! The new Omicron strain has alarmed many nations, including Singapore, so we don't expect anymore easing of social gathering rules until after the new year. Although less fatal than the Delta strain, scientists are still cautious and need more data to analyze its effects. My fear is the risks of more mutations and how it will affect the human body. So as not to err on the side of caution, we are still wearing masks, diligent on personal hygiene and avoiding crowded places.    

Have you heard of the story of the two wolves? 

An old Cherokee native told his grandson:

"My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside all of us. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy and truth."

The young boy thought about it, and asked, " Grandfather, which wolf wins?"

The old man quietly replied, "The one you feed"

I like this story because it makes me aware each day not to let the negative thoughts cover the positive side of people, things or situations, in all our thoughts, words and actions.  

Do you think this pandemic, (& because of border closures) have made the Bangladesh patients confident to trust the healthcare of their own country? I'm just wondering whether patients will still flock to India, Thailand or Singapore, once borders are opened, to seek alternative medical treatment. 

Stay safe and healthy,

Sylvia  

   

Recollection of letters (19)

 25 November 2021

Dear Dr Haroon

When I look at this card, I am reminded of the film 'Forrest Gump', starring Tom Hanks when he says," Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get". He won an academy award for his role in that film. Did you see the movie?

Singapore has opened the VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) to many countries, including India. Next week will be Malaysia and Indonesia. Many people expect the covid cases to go up. Right now it is about 2000 cases a day. No matter how careful we are, there will be imported cases slipping through immigration (those with false negative PCR cases maybe). Still the government is confident and monitoring the situation in terms of hospital and ICU utilization. Deaths are expected each day in the tens.

Europe is facing a 4th wave and Austria has gone into lockdown for three weeks! I hope those lockdown days will be over. It's very disruptive and cause untold sufferings to the F& B sector, street vendors and small family businesses.

The VTL to Malaysia will bring another headache to the many businesses in Singapore which are dependent on Malaysian labor, especially the F&B, security firms, medical & dental clinics, park & gardening operators, bus drivers etc. Many of these Malaysian staff have not gone home for two years, having made the choice to stay on in Singapore when borders were closed in March 2020, to continue working here. They were separated from families, spouses & children, and rightly so, they should now be united with their loved ones. And Singapore will suffer a labor crunch, at least for awhile. Supply chain will be affected which will in turn push up the prices of goods and essentials. Such is life (sigh!)

Let's stay positive and hope for the best.

Warm wishes to you & family,

Sylvia

Recollection of letters (18)

 22 November 2021

Dear Dr Haroon

At last I hear the good news that you have received my letter! On hindsight, I think I did not put the postal code of 1215 Dhaka on my previous letters, so I guess the postal staff must have just discarded them! Lazy! Who in Bangladesh does not know Samorita Hospital in Panthapath? 

I want to share a 'motto' of one of my good friends, an ObGyn doctor who had this plaque hung in his clinic, which serves as a constant reminder of his vocation: 

Endow me with the strength of heart and mind

so that both may be ready to 

serve the rich and the poor

the good and wicked

friend and enemy, and 

may I never see in the  patient anything else,

but a fellow creature in pain.

A profound memento right? It was written by Maimonides, a 12th Century  Physician and Philosopher. I think this plaque should be in all doctors clinics, offices, chambers.

The daily cases of covid-19 in Singapore has dropped to average 1500-2000 cases per day. ICU utilization is about 63% Daily number of deaths is still about 15-18 per day. So with the cases dropping and 85% population vaccinated, Singapore enters into the transition stage from today 22 Nov. Social gatherings of 5 pax allowed and F&B can take 5 people at a table. It's a welcome news for the F&B business. They have suffered so much and many have to close shop.

I had my booster jab last week, Moderna, and had mild fever for 2 days. Even then, I am still fearful to go out where there are crowds. I won't plan any travels as yet , seeing the explosion of case in Europe now!  A 4th wave?  Seriously??

Take care & all the very best

Sylvia     

  

Recollection of letters (17)

 22 November 2021

Dearest Sushila

Please pardon this old Christmas card from Unicef, a vintage bought with charity in mind. I didn't know then that the world was going to change so much, technologically, digitally whatever! People don't send cards anymore; just mere wishes via email and whatsapp messages which I feel lack the human warmth of a real person!  

When Steve Jobs revolutionize the world with his finger-touching smart phone many businesses were affected and some even fold over, Let me recall here: 

greeting cards

personal letters communication

facsimile (fax machine)

camera

fuji/kodak roll film

photo-printing

filo-fax (those days, people used to carry leather-bound personal notebook)

calendars

diaries 

photo albums

dictionaries

calculators CDs/DVDs

MP3/Nano (personal listening device)

newspapers

And now with the covid pandemic, life will never be the same again. A  new normal, they say. There's now on-line shopping, internet banking, digital transfer of money and all those new terms - crypto-currency, Bit-Com. I have absolutely no idea about them and am not interested to learn.

Anyway, Christmas is here again, something to look forward to and even in the carpark lots of the shopping malls, one can hear Christmas carols in their PA system, to lift up our spirits and entice us to join in the season of giving! 

Have a joyful Christmas!

Love 

Sylvia 

Recollection of letters (16)

 5 November 2021

Dear Sushila

I bought this card in Yangon many years ago when I first started working in marketing. Myanmar was the first country I visited in 1998. It was still under the military rule, still raw, remote & practically no tourist trade. Hence this card and all writing cards are individually drawn by aspiring artists. Because the country was closed for so many years (under General Ne Win), its citizens were closed in with no passports to travel (except for the wealthy and well-connected, who could afford that precious travel document). So majority of the population do not have the chance to see the outside world. Even television and telecommunications were limited and very expensive, out of reach of the average man on the street. So you can imagine those budding artists...in their minds, their visions were all scenes of their country, the pagodas, the monks, their livelihood in the village by the river etc...& still-life paintings are their tropical fruits.

I made many friends in the military hospital, the doctors, the generals, commanders, and I used to lug thick medical books and Buddhism books for them. They were all hungry for knowledge! Things changed when the Junta allowed a general election in 2010, and Aung San Suu Kyi's party won which helped to transition the country to partial democracy. Investors came in and life became better for many. Unfortunately, a military coup on 1st February this year pulled the country backwards again. Very sad.  The UN report says that almost half of the 54 million people in the country could be living below the international poverty line by 2021. I am saddened by the whole turn of events, and the Junta is not even bothered about international pressure. I pray for situation to get better in a country I learned to love. I pray for the women, children, orphans this winter that they keep warm and do not go to sleep hungry. 

Another important event going on now, Sushila that we should pray for are the leaders who have gathered in Glasgow for the COP26 meeting, that they be united and committed in their resolve to save our planet Earth, to minimize global warming. Each time they gather, it has been blah..blah...blah but no action. Even Sir David Attenborough in his 90+ years took time to warn these world leaders that the situation is critical and they have to do something NOW! It is in their capacity to combine their efforts to use resources to cut down on carbon footprint, to stop using fossil fuels; to save the world for future generations.

Pray that our air can be clean and flowers grow in abundance.

Love 

Sylvia   

Recollection of letters (15)

 31 October 2021

Dear Sushila

I must apologize that most of my cards are old - as old as me. I bought them during my travels in the various countries I visited. My intention was to support Unicef in their noble cause of helping displaced, marginalized children, affected by war, famine or any natural disasters. I wished I had used them then, but I was too busy working to pen any cards to friends. It's only now in my retired life that I am using them.

However, I am sad that many of my Bangladesh & Myanmar friends are not receiving my mail (as of now). For Myanmar,I can understand; with the unrest and military take-over, the postal service is their least concern. But no excuse for Bangladesh. It's perhaps just pure laziness there. A 'don't care' attitude among the staff in the postal service. I'm sure they are taking the covid situation as an excuse. But the world is opening up, so they better wake up! 

The other day, James had a runny nose & a cold was coming up. He's quite prone to that actually. But because of the covid, we all got scared and kept clear from him! He wore a mask and kept to his room. After two days, the symptoms cleared and two ART tests confirmed negative. What a relief! See how the covid has affected our homes/family/friends? I'm so glad I am this age; I don't have to worry about work, colleagues or what the next chapter of the world events be. Aren't we lucky Sushila? 

Stay well, stay home & stay safe!

Love Sylvia  

Recollection of letters (14)

28 October 2021 

Dear Sushila

Today, Singapore has 5234 cases reported. With 84% of the population vaccinated, the government is trying to create a herd immunity. Although many scientists will agree this is the only way to fight the virus, it is still nevertheless a harsh attempt, as many elderly and vulnerable people are in danger of succumbing to the infection. As it is, there is an average of 8-12 deaths each day with many critically ill in ICU. It is no more a sad news but an expected outcome.

Borders are opening up but I think it will be a while before I feel confident to travel again. We have to stay well and stay safe. 90% of the fatalities are those above the age of 60 years with underlying medical condition. The medication they take for their chronic illnesses have weakened their immunity system, so the expert says.

I have been listening to old songs lately, mostly the piano recitals from the discs I bought in Colombo. Do you remember when you brought me to a shopping center where I bought these discs? Easy listening and relaxing!

Sushila, when you watch tv, remember to get up every now and then to walk around. It keeps the circulation going. Don't sit too long on the sofa. 

Do you have a Fitbit watch that can record the number of step you walk each day? The ideal is 10,000 steps a day. I have a Whitings watch as a Christmas present a couple of years ago. It has the same function and each week it averages up the number of steps you have walked each day. Last September (2020), I decided to take walking as an exercise each morning and from that date, I average 13,000 steps a day. I intend to keep this up so that I will not feel guilty when I over-eat. Haha! and because I love my food, I have not lost much weight. Haha!

Lots of love

Sylvia

      

Recollection of letters (13)

 18 October 2021

Dear Sushila

I'm glad you went out to buy yourself some new jewelry. You look good in the photo, although a bit thin. Eat more Sushila, and remember, once a Beauty Queen, always a Beauty Queen!  

Do take care of your health and live happy each day. There's nothing much to worry about now. We have done our part in terms of career and motherhood. So it's our time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Do what pleases you. Do what makes you happy. 

Being retired is to love idleness. For me, I love to busy myself about trifles; to begin a number of scrap-booking projects and not finish one of them; to come and go as my fancy bids me; to fritter away the whole day insignificantly and incoherently, and to follow nothing but the whim of the moment (quote from a wise sage). 

Well that pretty much sums up how I pass my time. I take long walks each morning along the riverside and love to watch the white-breasted waterhens go about their morning routine. Such agile birds with thin legs and long toes, walking gingerly on stems of long grass and along the riverbed. They are usually in pairs and if I am lucky, I get to see a family with one or two black chicks. They have to be careful because there are big monitor lizards around but they know how to defend themselves. I am fascinated by their behaviors, how the baby chicks know where to hide under the river grass, how the mother bird would peck at the tail of the monitor lizard to chase it away! The mother bird is the matriarch of the family and if the father bird brings in some food, she will force it out of him, and take it to her chicks! Haha! 

With affection

Sylvia       

Recollection of Letters (12)

 16 October 2021

Dear Sushila

It's always nice to hear your voice & know that you are well, although the news of the robbery in your house is disheartening. I hope by now you have got over your 'heart-break' of losing some of your favorite jewelry. But look at the positive side - it gives you the excuse to but new ones. New and contemporary designs perhaps! And when you wear them, you will be uplifted & feel 'new' again. So go ahead, Sushila, buy that necklace and bracelet you mentioned. Do what makes you happy!

As a wise sage once said, "We don't grow old by merely living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up our interests wrinkle the soul. Whatever our years, there is in every of our hearts the love of wonder, the unfailing childlike appetite for what's next and the joy and game of life"  

So enjoy, have a small party with family and good friends. Remember, don't let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow.

Today (16 Oct) is World Food Day and this year's theme is Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow. I pray for the poor and marginalized that none of them should go to sleep hungry; and being an animal lover, I pray too that all the stray dogs and cats in the world will be fed regularly by kind and compassionate people near them. 

Love

Sylvia

Recollection of letters (11)

25 September 2021 

Dear Sushila

Thank you for your message which is received with joy! Glad to know you are well, and that the lock-down in Sri Lanka will be lifted in a few days' time. We still have to be careful though. Singapore's strategy of accepting the Covid-19 as endemic is not full-proof, even with 83% of the population fully vaccinated. Yesterday there were 1,443 cases with 165 cases needing oxygen supplement and 27 patients in ICU. The government has opened a care facility for those infected but not sick enough to need hospitalization. They are also encouraging the asymptomatic cases to quarantine at home. What is daunting is that those who get very ill are mostly above 60 years old. So it's better for us to stay home and not go out unnecessarily. 

Actually this regulation to stay home suits me fine. I have so many things to do to occupy my time, like reading, writing, playing with my craft work. I still go for my morning walks along the river in Punggol Park near my house. It's my dose of sunshine and fresh air for the day. 

I have two pet dogs, Zuma & Ines, who are my constant companion; and looking after them and preparing their food keep me busy. I adopted them from a shelter, the Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR). It is run by a British lady called Sally Henderson. I volunteered at the shelter and fell in love with Zuma first. She was 9 months old when I brought her home. Ines was adopted in Dec 2018, she had spent 8 years in the shelter (poor girl!). So when James retired, we relocated them back to Singapore. Both are active dogs and we walk them 3 times a day (good exercise for us). Some weekends we take them to the dog park to let them run and socialize with other dogs, but those carefree days for them were before the Covid. 

Why do you say you are a poor eater, Sushila? You must eat to stay fit and healthy. Like the Centenarian says, eat for nutrition, not for taste. Unlike you, I love my food - too much, that is why I am putting on weight! And now with the Covid, the more excuse to eat to strenghten our immunity. Are you taking any supplements? A friend advised me to take Calcium, Vitamin C.  I still love my red wine though and drink a glass most evenings in front of the tv!

Time flies; we have been fighting the Covid since Jan 2020 and have not made a break-through progress. I pray for the people who are struggling, the street vendors, the daily wage workers and those who have lost their jobs, that they can overcome this adversity with resolve, resilience, hope and faith.

Blessings to you & family.

with love

Sylvia

Recollection of letters (10)

 22 September 2021

Dear Sushila

Did you know that 20 September is a Day of Respect for the Aged? It was put forth by The United Nations to commemorate the community of old people and not to forget that it was their sweat and toils that built up our nations. I consider myself senior-senior, not quite aged yet - but getting there. I once saw a video clip where they interview seven centenarians and asked their opinions on certain topics. One question I remember vividly is this: "What advice would you give to the youths of today?" and their answers were:

1) Do your best you can. Don't feel that perfection is necessary, just do your best.

2) Listen to your heart because only the heart will know what is right or wrong.

3) Love yourself

4) Eat for nutrition, not for taste.

5) Do what you need to do, not what you want to do.

6) Don't be too impatient. Just keep on working.

7) Have will power, because once you have the will, you can achieve anything. 

Age-old wisdom, simple but profound, from people who have been through two world wars, the Great Depression, a number of economic crisis, and now the pandemic.

We learn from them resilience, strength, courage, tenacity, faith & hope to pull through adversities, to emerge the wiser. Yes, we are learning everyday with life's lessons.

How are you, Sushila? I hope you are well & fit and enjoying each new day. You deserve a good life. Don't let age be a barrier of what you want to do. Never say "I'm too old for this...or that". Go for daily walks. You can walk along the seashore of the great Indian Ocean where the Galle Hotel is, enjoy the vast expanse of the ocean, smell the sea air and feel the wind blowing ever so fresh on your face and hair! Don't worry about Covid because you are in open space.

I wish you good health, Sushila.

Cheers

Sylvia 

 

Recollection of Letters (9)

 20 September 2021

Dear Sushila

When I put this beautiful fairy sticker on this card, I remember that I read a lot of Enid Blyton's story books in my growing up years, so I guess my young mind was inundated with a make-believe world of fairies, gnomes & pixies! But it was all good and positive fables that mold my thoughts. Sometimes when I look at the grass, or tree trunks or bush flowers during my walks, a whimsical thought would come to mind, of a little fairy coming out from the tree and take me on a fanciful adventure! Not too old to dream right, Sushila? 

The Singapore government's plan to accept Covid as endemic is taking its toll. The daily cases is now 1000+, with 800+ hospitalized, 100+ needing oxygen & 21 in ICU. We are in the vulnerable group, so try not to expose ourselves unnecessarily. The booster dose has been rolled out & will be given 6 months after the 2nd dose. I'm not sure about children below the age of 12 taking the vaccine as we are still not too sure about this mRNA thing! 

The present global  politics is disturbing. Look at the pact signed by US, UK & Australia with the latter withdrawing its contract to buy nuclear submarines from France. The French are proud people and this is seen as a colossal slight to their face in the international arena. Wonder what Morrison was thinking? I pray for unity among world leaders to bring peace to one and all.

Find joy in the ordinary, Sushila.

Love

Sylvia 

Recollection of letters (8)

17 September 2021 

Dear Sushila

We celebrate our mid-Autumn Festival on 21 September, on the 15th day of the 8the month in the Chinese calender. Traditionally it is celebrated after the Autumn harvest where farmers and the nation gather to pray and thank God for a good harvest. So it's like a Thanksgiving observance. When I was young, my mother would cook up a big feast for the family gathering and I got to eat chicken! (a novelty during my time). In this new era, we celebrate with mooncakes and lanterns. To the Millennials, it's the Lantern Festival, and to the Generation Alpha, like my grandchildren, lanterns are not those conventional paper types, with a candle or a small bulb to lit it up, but robots or police cars operated by batteries!

Sometimes I wonder what the world would be like in 20 year's time when they reach young adulthood, with such rapid technological advances. I don't think I can keep up, so it's good that I will be long gone by then.

For now, I'm enjoying what little I know from my smart phone. I can google search, order groceries online and I have downloaded all my favorite old songs into my phone for my listening pleasure during my morning walks! It transports me to the care-free days of youth where dreams were a-plenty (and still are!). Haha! We have to live with hope, right?  

Sending you bouquets of love and good wishes this Mid-Autumn Festival!

Sylvia

Recollection of letters (7)

 16 September 2021

Dearest Sushila

Cheers again! to life, to family, to friendship, to love, to memories of youth, to peace and good times to come! Yes, I have to stay positive amid this Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore is not faring any better. We are still on this 'experimental' process of trying to live with the virus since 83% of the population has been fully vaccinated. But cases are still high at 800+ cases each day. One significant point I noticed is that a high percentage of those cases are seniors above the age of 60. I guess with aging, our immune system is not as strong compared to the young adults, so it is best that we do not expose ourselves unnecessarily.

Yesterday I visited my hair-dresser for a much needed haircut. She has a fish tank in her shop with a fair-size white color fish. I can't tell the species. She told me she had the fish since it was a 'baby'. What was interesting is that as she walked to one side of the shop, the fish would swim towards her side and back again to the side where she was, when she walked back! The fish was following her!  Then when she was doing my hair, the fish would stay on the spot as though watching her and not move until she moves! Isn't that endearing? Even a fish can recognize its owner and grow so close to her.

Talking about pet loyalty, I have a friend in Indonesia who had a small owl as a pet. The owl would perch on her shoulder as she works. One day, she went on holiday and her servant called her to say that the owl refused to eat. By the time she came back the owl was very weak and eventually died! So sad.  

I I really miss all my friends in Bangkok, me ex-colleagues and the doctors we worked with. But I must not dwell in the past. How are you, Sushila? I hope you are keeping well and safe. Remember we all have within us the ability to move from struggle to grace.

I wish the brightest star will shine on your path of life.

Love

Sylvia   

Recollection of letters (6)

 8 September 2021

Dear Sushila

Does this card made you want to eat chocolates? If you love chocolates, go for the dark ones, those with 70% or 85% cacao. Studies have shown that cacao with its high polyphenols can improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and its complications. So you don't have to feel guilty when eating chocolates. The key is moderation, which applies to all other foods that we love. I myself do not fancy chocolates at all, or chocolate cakes or chocolate ice-cream, for that matter. My children call me 'weird' but are gleeful that they can have my share as extra piece!

I prefer my Chinese tea or red wine, both of which contain high polyphenols (natural antioxidants). So cheers, Sushila! 

The Singapore government's roadmap to managing the covid-19 pandemic and opening up the economy has met with some hiccups. With a successful rate of 82% of the population vaccinated, they were hoping for a herd immunity. So rules are relaxed; 50% of workforce could return to office and social gathering of 5 pax allowed. But since last week, community case have been going up. From 100+ to 200+ and yesterday 300+. The transition to live with covid, accepting it like the seasonal flu is a novel idea, but we do not know much as yet, about this highly infectious virus; how they mutate, how they spread. More research needs to be done.

As for the vaccines, a big question mark looms, on its efficacy, its ability to build antibodies and if so, for how long? So now we are advised to stay home for the next two weeks and to go out only for essential services. Scientists are now saying vaccination alone is not enough. So we are back to square one, which is personal hygiene, wash hands, wear mask, avoid crowded places. (sigh!)

Do take care Sushila. May the good Lord protect you,

Sylvia

Recollection of letters (5)

 29 August 2021

Dear Sushila

I found this old card in my cupboard, 'lost' among my notes and jottings. Since we have to be conscious about the 3Rs - reduce, re-use, recycle, I thought I will still use it. Hope you don't mind, and with this, dear Sushila, you and I are playing our small part in saving our planet! Isn't that a good feeling? 

I have an article which I got from a newspaper long ago and want to share with you here. The story is appropriate and still relevant today to teach us the meaning of contentment:

There is a story of a rich businessman who was troubled to find a fisherman sitting beside his boat after a hard day's work.

"Why aren't you out there fishing?" he asked

"Because I have caught enough fish for today." said the fisherman.

"Why don't you catch more fish than you need?" the wealthy man asked.

"What would I do with them?"

"You could earn more money and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish and make more money. Soon you'd have a fleet of boats and be rich like me"

The fisherman asked, "Then what would I do?"

"You could sit down and enjoy life" said the businessman.

"What do you think I am doing now?" the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to the sea. "I AM already enjoying my life!"

I love this story Sushila, because it puts me back on ground. There is so much blessings around us, we don't have to look elsewhere. The grass is never greener on the other side. We just have to be content with what we have and enjoy the people around us. As a metaphor, from this story Rohan is the rich businessman and you Sushila, the contented fisherman! Haha! 

Peace & all good to you,

Sylvia 

 

   

Recollection of letters (4)

5 August 2021

Dear Sushila

I have been caught up watching the exciting Olympic Games on TV. What else to do when you have to stay home and stay safe amidst this pandemic! You know, I salute each and every one of the athletes; the sacrifices they made, the pain of the long and hard training they go through to come to this world stage of sports. To me the fact that they could qualify to enter this competition, they are already winners, never mind the medals. Because of the pandemic, this is a very sad Olympics. It's heart-breaking to see the empty seats in the large and beautiful stadium built by the Japanese in anticipation of a triumphant ceremony. So strict is their protocol that at the Track and Field event, the athletes after running the 100 m sprint or the 400 m hurdles could not even recover their breath before they were ushered into the corridor, presumably to their individual cubicles! Nobody cheering for their great efforts, no running round the track with their countries' flags for the top three winners to celebrate with jubilation with their kinsmen and spectators. And their coaches could not even be near them to pat their backs (for a job well done) or to hug them with tears of joy. So different from other Olympics where there were so much rejoicing, merriment, festivity and you could share and sense the pride and joy of the winners! I hope that Paris in 3 years' time will give us back our hope and faith in humanity and in our world (Mother Earth).

I have been a cry baby this week. I cry when athletes made a slip and lose points; I cry when they shed tears of relief & joy! Each time when they interview the winners, their answers echoed the same sentiment. " I trained very hard for this"; "I tried my best".

I suppose it reflects our daily lives as well. The challenges we face at work and at home. What is important is that we learn from our mistakes, get back on track & resolve to do better the next time. A wise sage once said, "Keep all your happy memories in reserve because each time when you recall it, it motivates you to live life happy and positive".

The Covid situation in Singapore is not getting any better. We are still in partial lockdown. The daily cases hover around 120 each day. We have stopped tracking it because it is just a figure. Previously we would wait for the 4 o'clock news to see the number of community cases, but not anymore. Your country is not faring any better in this Covid battle, so do take care and stay safe.

Warmest wishes
sylvia       

Recollection of letters (3)

 17 July 2021

Dear Sushila

It's always nice to hear your voice. Thanks for calling! I'm sorry to hear about Rohan being ill in hospital. How did he get his blood sugar so high? If he is a diabetic, he has to be careful. Please remind him to take his medication faithfully. James is also diabetic, a latent diabetic like his father. It's in the genes. I see him taking his Metformin everyday. 

This is old age you know, Sushila! Ailments come easily. I myself have high blood pressure, now on medication. It's in my family history, and it came to me (just at a snap of the finger!) not long after I retire from work. Then, there are days when I wake up with this ache or that ache, which then disappears after a couple of days of discomfort. I take it that it's our body telling us slow down, to take things easy, to live in the moment, to enjoy the fresh air, to smell the flowers. In doing these, there comes the realization that our health, our family and friends are all that matter.

So Sushila, if you can, do go and visit Rohan and wish him well. A visit to a friend is always a blessing - to both parties. How? you may ask. Well, your taking that trip to visit him means your thought and prayers are with him to get well soon; that is your blessing to him. As for him, his gratitude for your visit and good wishes is a blessing to you. I'm sure your compassionate heart knows what I am trying to say here.   

I have no doubt at all that your children are looking after you well. Each time I was with you, I could see the goodness and kindness shine out in your character as you help the poor, the old, the homeless in your generosity. From you I learned to be aware of their presence in the midst of our busy lives, and began to see their plight & fears in a world they could not fit in. When I was younger, I could just pass them without ever noticing them! You see, I learned so much from you; and kindness begets kindness, so you will always be blessed, dear Sushila! 

Love

Sylvia

Recollection of letters (2)

29 June 2021

Dear Sushila

Can you imagine that this oil painting on the card is done by an artist using her mouth? I bought some cards from AMFP, a global organization of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. Isn't it amazing? Despite their disabilities, they could still use their artistic talents. The least we can do is to support them.

Life is hard for many people now, Sushila, due to the covid pandemic. Singapore is not too bad because the government is encouraging and helping people to upgrade their skills by providing the means and ways to do it. There are also mass job interviews to match people to the jobs of their ability.

I feel sorry for Malaysia. The country is in a mess with poor governance, rampant corruption, apathy to the sufferings of its people, disregard to the covid situation. A government that don't give a damn to the future of the nation. Thousands of people have lost their jobs, the badly-hit are those in the hospitality sector-the hotels, travel agencies, the tour coach drivers, the tour guides, many of whom depend on daily wages and tips. My heart aches for them. I'm sure it is not any better in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The rickshaw pullers and tuk-tuk drivers will be affected badly as they too depend on daily earnings. I pray everyday that things can change in one way or another for them; for the poor, the homeless, the destitute and all who live in the fringes of society.

Or God is a God of kindness and compassion, and hopefully soon, out of this chaos will come order and calm. Meanwhile, stay healthy Sushila.

Lots of love

Sylvia

Recollection of letters to friends (1)

 17 May 2021

Dear Sushila

I hope you are receiving my letters. Please let me know, so that I will be confident to write again and again! With social media, the snail mail is going out of fashion, but I am the pen and paper type, so never mind  what the world says, I am doing it MY WAY! Haha! Even the staff at my local post office commented that "people don't write letters anymore" when I asked her to check the postage to a certain country. She had to pull out a book to check! 

The  main thing now is that we are connected! How are you, dear Sushila? As the covid spread is still rampant in India, and Sri Lanka is its neighbor, please do take care. Stay home and stay safe. We in our senior years are the vulnerable ones. Go for your vaccinations once it is available. Do not wait. It is a form of protection from serious complications if one gets the covid infection.

Singapore is on lockdown again! It started from an airport employee & the cluster grew to 38 community cases yesterday! Restaurants and food courts are closed except for take-away deliveries. Schools are closed. James and I stay home most of the time. We go out only for grocery shopping. Only 2 people allowed for home visits, so I'm happy that we can still go and see the grandkids! But they, as a family of 4 cannot visit me! 

I miss you Sushila! Sometimes, I wished we could be neighbors where we can gather for a drink of wine or whiskey & sinfully enjoy a smoke or two! And of course talk to exchange news and to pour our hearts out! Wouldn't that be nice? 

Stay well, Sushila! May our good Lord bless you with peace and good health.

Love ++

Sylvia