Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year. Keong Hee Huat Chai. Kung Hei Fatt Choy. Selamat Tahun Baru Cina.

Heh. Are these wishes sufficient?

Well folks, while you are all enjoying your reunion, remember those who don’t have the privilege. Those old parents forgotten by their children. Those widows/widowers who are still mourning and not celebrating. Those little children from poor families who can’t afford new year clothes. Those estranged from their family members. Those assigned far away from home due to work. Anyone else you can think of.

Reunion is usually a very happy occasion. However, how often have we bitched about how we detest meeting up with the in-laws, the boastful siblings, the annoying and meddling sisters-in-laws, the inquisitive grandmas, the confrontational uncles and aunties (insert your nemesis names here). It can be a big bore as well.

Yet, reunion is the very core of family togetherness. The Chinese must continue with this practice if we are going to survive as the most steely race in the world. Hehehe, yayaya, I sound so sombre on a happy occasion like this. But I do feel somewhat sombre.

Because Chinese New Year is the time when we remember our dear departed ones. Like my parents and my son. My mother-in-law who adored me because I carried on her tradition of having her daughters and all their extended families to return to greet her and my father-in-law. I took up her tasks of cooking and hosting the gatherings when she was too old and frail to do it.

I did my duty well. One year, she bought me a pajamas and a gold bracelet. Coming from a traditional Chinese woman who didn’t talk much nor have any income or properties (her house was razed to the ground many years ago), it was a great honour for me. Her youngest daughter-in-law. (whom errrm…weren’t the best dil in the world hehehe)

One year, when she was affected by stroke and recuperated at a hospital near by, we brought her to my house in a wheel chair so that she could have her one last Chinese New Year gathering. The following year, she was still around but was already in coma.

So, if you tell me Chinese New Year, I will tell you, urgggh…not again? So soon? And I am sure out there, many of you are celebrating but sometimes, you have the heavy heart and choking feelings, missing your parents whom had passed on or your grandparents who recently passed away. To you, I want you to know that I can feel the same thing. *cyber hugs* To my grand nephew-in-law (I hope you are reading this?), I want you to know that I will remember your family as you missed your sister. (she died in a suicide in UPM just before Chinese New Year three years ago)

My mom died suddenly and the first year when my siblings were without her, we felt her absence greatly during Chinese New Year. I flew to Australia to escape. But one night, I dreamt I was eating her kiam chye ark (salted vege duck soup). So, when I returned from OZ, I decided that I am going to carry on her tradition. Come rain or shine.

So….when I get back from KL, like 2nd day of Chinese New Year (Monday), I am going to the wet market and get everything to cook a storm. Yes, siree, I will. And I am going to get all my in-laws (whether I enjoy some of their companies very much or not, it is not relevant hehehe) to come and eat.

Therefore, darlings sekalian, as you are eating those big meals tonight, give a thought for all those whom may not be able to celebrate, say a little prayer for them and makan lah! Enjoy! Who wanna puak kuay with me? Mahjong? 21? Black jack? Gin rummy? See rummy? Anyone? Anyone?