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The year 2001 has brought sweeping changes in my life. It's only February, I know. But drama happens so fast, it's amazing. I have lost my aunt; discovered my uncle has cancer. Trying to reel in from this culture shock of being back home for good. The need to answer to a person more than myself. All this in just under 1 month. You can imagine. Whatever drama that life spins, the most important lesson that i've learnt is the value of personal relationships. Where before, I used to be indifferent to the lives of others. I now understand that lives are interwoven. The bottom line is that irregardless of how independent or 'individual' u are, there will be a time when you will need to depend on someone. I learn that this is not something to be ashamed of. When my best friend Syamien found her mother(my aunt) on her death bed, I did not know how to react. What do I do? What do I say? My mom brought me to visit her at the hospital almost on a daily basis. While I was there, I was still clueless on the appropriate code of conduct. But I must thank my mother for her insight. Sometimes u do not need to do or say anything. You just need to be there. And so there was I. Doing what I do best when I am with her. Talking about our gurlie stuff...laughing. Trivial and inapproriate, u may say. But when situation that surrounds u is grief, u do need some humour. The day my aunt was buried, my heart bled for Syamien. Again, I did not know what to do. So I just stood quietly at her side. Feeling her pain. Just feeling. And so, the same goes for my uncle now. It is distressing to see him this way. This guy whom I always see as invincible and strong when I was a lil' gurl, now helpless to the ravaging effects of chemotheraphy. Again, there is absolutely nothing I could do. But to just be there. And feel for him. I guess that brings me to my culture shock bit. If I was unwilling before to accept the fact that i was no longer a free agent; I guess the lessons learnt in 2001 has helped me see clearly the advantage of being here. In the past, I had to go through my pain alone. Here, I know for a fact that my family and friends will be with me all the way. In grief and in happiness.They will be there. Standing next to me and feeling. That is good enough for me. Sheri 17th February 2001 
What is Your take On relationships??  Open Elle's Box! 
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