The Lord Is My Shepherd

Appreciating Robert Lam, a loving husband and a doting father.

4th April 1946 - 23rd January 2010

It broke my heart when I saw you gasping for breath last Thursday but you were calmed as I spoke Psalm 23 to you. Forgive me for I could not recite the Psalm in its full glory as I blundered in broken lines. So, my dear brother-in-law, here's Psalm 23 in its full wonder dedicated to you.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall

not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green

pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousnss

for his names's sake.

Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow

of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will

follow me

all the days of my life,

and I willl dwell in the house of the

Lord

forever.

Amen.

Friday saw you in good spirits and thank you for giving us a chance to be in your company for the 2 hours. You displayed the cheeky side of you when you told me that my top was a little old- fashioned and that I needed to discard it for a newer one. You told Esther to stay simple and be loving and you further reiterated to Ling to be simple in life. You kept repeating that you had led a simple life and a meaningful life ; dedicating the last years to the service of God.

You had us in stitches when after signing a cheque you scribbled "Praise the Lord" on top of it.

Surely the Lord's favour is upon you.

Thank you for bothering to pick up the phone to wish the family a good Christmas though you were unwell. Thank you for the gentleness and caring spirit. Throughout your ordeal, you complained little and put up with all the discomfort in quiet acceptance. You told me in one of the conversations that you have asked the Lord to give you 5 - 10 years more.

But God has deemed you fit to go home ; you the favoured one of God.

Rest...my dear brother.

The Lord Is My Shepherd.

2nd Anniversary

Remembering Aunt Cheow Hui

The last trip during Easter saw Sara and I visiting Grandpa Lau's place of rest and inadvertently we decided to go further down the road to another cemetery to look for Aunt Cheow Hui's tombstone.
Our efforts were not in vain because even though it was raining casts and dogs, we braved the thunderstorm and found the spot. The sudden heavy pour upset Sara and she even wondered if we had parked our car illegally. She's very like me...quite afraid to make mistakes and to be caught by authorities. I assured her we did not and she kept pestering why we were the only ones at the cemetery. Told her not to be afraid cos we were visiting Aunt Cheow Hui.

We could not find the spot the previous year...but it was newly erected this year...way up the slope and Sara was the first to spot it.

It was good to see her place of rest...all the way from Japan...and home to her birth place ; Muar. I must say it was not without nostalgia as I recalled things of the past and our acquaintance ... swimming in the one and only public pool in Muar Tanjung every Friday evening and sharing all our girlie talks. Occasionally we went out in foursome...Annie, Pin Chia, she and I...then in teochew we would babble about almost anything. Later, we met again as she stayed with me for a period when she lectured in the Language Institute in Lembah Pantai and she became close and dear to the children...oh well ; it was painful and I could not hold back as I saw her again in her place of rest.

"Why do you seek the living among the dead" Luke 24:5

It was indeed the most comforting thought of the day as I remembered the promise in the word of God...that someday we would meet again. She had stood tall and faithful in the Lord...never blaming Him even in times of pain but always hoping...and the Lord gave her time to see her children grow...a good 8 - 10 years ; I believe.

Yes, dear Cheow Hui , we remember you again , this year.

Lovely Lilies

If you were to just open your eyes you will notice this particular species of the lily family is at the peak of its flowering period. If you don't reckon, take a look around you.

At the school entrance

At the Japanese garden of the school

At the school canteen

At the gate of my house

Outside the gate of my house

There's at time for everything :

There is a time for everything,

a season for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to lose.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and time to mend.

A time to keep quiet and a time to speak up.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiates 3:1 -8

Even the lily has a season to bloom...

Today, 7 years ago my family lost a beloved man of the home...my father-in-law. May his reminders and teachings continue to guide and lead us to greater heights of intimacy with our God as he had insisted time again and again.

Thank you for lovely memories of a father who was quiet and kind and ready to assist in every way and at anytime.

We remember you today in great fondness.

I Remember

My Dear Cheow Hui,

Today, 16th September, a year ago, you left us.

We went to school together in our younger days and though we were not from the same batch, the church brought us together. You were a faithful and helpful friend. Your patience and unassuming ways taught me what the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22..."But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self - control" ... really meant.

Our Alma Mater

I remember the times we would congregate at good old Tanjung in Muar where we shared our deepest feelings and thoughts of life. We also went to the then one and only public swimming pool and swam weekly.

Muar Tanjung

I remember praying together with you for your life partner...and the prayer answered when you became Mrs. Mark Anderson.

The Lord blessed you and Mark with 2 beautiful children -Jesse and Heidi- the envy of many.

I also remember the beautiful cards you would post me - Christmas, Birthdays, Good Greetings and I still keep most of them in my album. Though in Osaka, I seem to be always remembered by you. Thank you.

Then came the dreaded big C. But I saw how you fought for so many years cos you told me that you wanted to see your children grow just a while more. I remember the last time you stayed with me...2005 and told me everyday you would say to your children...mama loves you. Over the phone I heard you telling them..."mama ai ni ". You said you were afraid your numbered days would not allow you much longer.

The last ride to KLIA saw you scribbling your last address and at the waiting lounge, you told me that you envied people who could walk normally cos by then the dreaded C had attacked your bones and the limp was taking its toil on you. I wept as I hugged you - for the last time. You could never make another trip home again.

Many sent love and gifts to you cos though you were far away our hearts were with you. Friends dropped by to cook and look after you because you were such a good friend to others.

Despite your frail body, I still received this last card from you- dated 1 June 2007- in your frail handwriting wishing the best for my family and the three girls. You used to dearly call Esther ...siow huang chi...the little yellow chick cos she never seemed to put on weight. Then you would push her around in her pram around the playgrounds of SS15 in the evenings. You loved them as your own...and they lovingly called you Aunty Cheow Hui. Fond memories of you still stay with them.

The Last Card

Now Jesse and Heidi have grown up too and are so beautiful.

The Lord has blessed you.

But God has chosen to take you home for a more beautiful place...streets of gold...and in the presence of Him...perfect rest...no pain.

Rest my dearest friend.

When peace like a river

Attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot

Thou hast taught me to say

It is well,

It is well with my soul

It is well

With my soul

It is well

It is well

With my soul

Mrs. Mark Anderson

nee

Cheam Cheow Hui

6th October 1952 - 16th September 2007