The Big Move

The Simei unit has been rented out and now the family is homed in a 1,700 sq feet unit in Tampines. From a family unit of 8 persons - it sure was packed to the brim - the number has now ballooned to 12, mind you. But that's fine considering that the new additions are welcome as family members from Penang and a maid from Philippines. 


At Simei, there was the addition of Sam and Peter but at the ground floor unit in Tampines, Pauline's parents, Ah Gong and Ah Por came with their maid for a 1 month break. Peter brought his girl friend from Penang to seek a job in the retail sector - she has since gotten one after a week here. Lisa the maid from Philippines has been caring for Ah Gong and Ah Por for a number of years now. Ah Gong has serious mobility problems and needs a wheel chair to move around. He has Parkinsons' Disease and his right hand shakes uncontrollably. His left leg is stiff and help from at least 3 persons are needed to move him up or down the short flight of steps leading to the car park to get him into the Estima or to wheel him and Ah Por to the nearby coffee shop for the occasional breakfast or dinner. Ah Por is more mobile although she needs assistance up and down the stairs. She enjoys eating and gets hungry often. Her diabetic condition has to be constantly monitored by the maid to whom the family is very grateful to.

No one grudges this as they are  very nice people. Most of their meals are home-cooked with me chipping in with the marketing and the hot stove work but this has ceased since I secured an adjunct job - was considering tuition actually but it's God's will. Praise the Lord!

We celebrated their birthdays last weekend at an outdoor restaurant at Pasir Ris - Ah Gong is 78 while Ah Por is 75. Their birthday months are March and April. They can really eat!
Of course there was a cake with lighted candles, the birthday song and the blowing out of candles. These are memories they will appreciate, I'm sure. 

Pauline's parents will be flying back to Penang on 8 April and with the maid going on a 1-month home leave, the family are in discussion with family members in Penang on how best to care for them. I'm sure there's a way that will make everyone happy.