From Pre-Married Couple to Parenthood

As we made our way out of the banquet hall after attending the wedding banquet of Nathaniel and his lovely bride on 04.09.2024, a familiar face caught my eyes. It was Nigel, the groom's younger brother, together with his wife - and in their arms, their 6-month old baby boy, George. With their permission, I had the joy of holding and cuddling this little cute fellow - a sweet, cheerful and adorable little boy!

Looking at George, I was instantly transported back to mid-June 2020 - the first time we met his parents. Back then, Nigel and his fiancee were one of the three couples who signed up for the Marriage Preparation Course organized by our Church which ran from 13.06.2020 to 11.07.2020. It was held in the midst of the Covid pandemic (Read here). 

Left photo: With baby George. Right photo: Nigel with his future wife at the "graduation" of Marriage Preparation Course on 11.07.2020.

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The love story of Nigel and his wife is truly a remarkable one. Back then, Nigel was studying in UK while she was pursuing her studies in Canada. Their paths crossed in an unexpected place - Poland - during a student excursion trip. 

As fate would have it, they discovered they were both from Sabah, a shared hometown that quickly became the perfect ice breaker. This common connection sparked a conversation, which soon blossomed into genuine friendship. They kept in touch after the trip, and over time, their bond deepened. What began as a chance meeting grew into a lasting and committed relationship.

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Nigel's parents have been long time friends of mine, and his father, Yun Kim has been one of the yamcha kaki (tea-time buddies) for many years.

An old photo of one of the yamcha sessions taken at Kedai Kopi Chakidian, Damai Plaza Phase 4 before the outlet was permanently closed in 2022 after the Covid pandemic. Yun Kim was seated second from left while I was sitting at his left.

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While I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the bride's parents, I do know her aunts, Fen Lan and Fen Kiok (her father's sisters) very well. In fact, during our tour of Canada, they graciously opened their home for my wife and me to stay when we visited Toronto (Read here). Their hospitality is something we've always remembered with deep appreciation.