At memorial services, it is common to hear people speak fondly of the deceased, recalling their good qualities, expressing appreciation for their friendship, and sharing words of praise and affection. Yet, one cannot help but wonder: why were these kind words not expressed directly to the person while they were still alive to hear them?
It is with this thought in mind that I have chosen to write this post. Rather than waiting until someone is no longer around to tell them how much they are appreciated, I believe such thoughts and feelings should be shared while there is still an opportunity to do so. After all, kind words are most meaningful when the person they are meant for can hear them and know that they are valued.
My sister-in-law, Yong Kiow, is the member of the Lim family I know best after my wife. I have known her ever since I first met my wife, and over the years, we have shared many wonderful and memorable experiences together.
Among my wife’s siblings, Yong Kiow, the eldest sister stands out as one of the most down-to-earth, easygoing, and accommodating persons. My first and lasting impression of her is that she is an ideal travel companion. She takes things as they come, goes with the flow, and adapts easily to the travel itinerary without making unnecessary demands. I cannot recall any occasion when she insisted that things had to be done her way. Travelling with her has always been a pleasant and hassle-free experience. My wife and I have had the privilege of travelling with her to many places, including various parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, China, Inner Mongolia, England, France and South Korea. These journeys have given us many fond memories to treasure.
Yong Kiow is also a generous and trusting person. One particular memory that remains vivid in my mind dates back to the 1970s, when she willingly allowed me to drive her very first car, a Volkswagen Beetle, on my journeys between Batu Pahat and Kuala Lumpur. Her trust and generosity did not end there. In later years, whenever we returned to Batu Pahat for family reunions or simply for casual visits, she would readily open her home to us, making it available as a place for us to stay, whether she was at home or away at the time. She would also leave her car at our disposal, without imposing any conditions or expecting anything in return. These gestures may seem ordinary to some, but to me, they speak volumes about her character. They reflect not only her generosity and trusting nature, but also her thoughtfulness and willingness to share what she had to make others feel welcome and at ease.
Her love for travelling has continued throughout her life. After retirement, she frequently shared photographs and accounts of her adventures with friends on Facebook. It was heartening to see her making the most of her time, exploring new places, and enjoying the companionship of fellow travellers.
Sadly, Yong Kiow’s travels came to an end following her diagnosis with a serious illness. After coming to terms with her condition, she made the courageous decision to stop pursuing further medical treatment and accept what lay ahead. I can only imagine how difficult such a decision must have been. It takes considerable courage, strength, and inner peace to reach that point, and I deeply respect her resolve to face this final chapter of her life on her own terms.
Perhaps she can find some comfort in knowing that she has been blessed with what I would call the bonus years of her seventies. She has had the opportunity to enjoy many years of life, travel to different places, build lasting friendships, and create precious memories with family and friends. More importantly, she has witnessed her three daughters grow up and achieve success in their respective careers and endeavours. For a mother, there can be few greater sources of satisfaction than seeing her children establish themselves in life and knowing that they are capable of moving forward on their own. These are blessings that no material wealth can replace.
When I reflect on her life, I believe Yong Kiow has much to be thankful for. She has experienced the joys of family, the freedom of travelling, the warmth of friendship, and the satisfaction of seeing her children succeed. In this sense, she has lived a full and meaningful life, enriched by experiences and relationships that will continue to be cherished by those who know and love her.
As I look back on the many years I have known Yong Kiow, I feel grateful for the friendship, the journeys we shared, and the memories we created along the way. Though our travels together may have ended, those memories will remain with us. My heartfelt wish is that she will find peace, comfort, and serenity in the time ahead, surrounded by the love of her family and the affection of those who hold her dear. May she face the days ahead with a peaceful heart, knowing that she has lived a life that has touched others and left behind many precious memories.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
