My sister was a few years older than me..We could have been closed but she had matured and had taken the responsibilities of being the first child of the house long before I understood anything. She joined my mother working in the oil palm plantation and stopped schooling when she was in Standard 5. Few teachers came to our house in the Felda settlement asking my father to reconsider the decision. My father was adamant since he had no choice. Both of my parents needed to work so there must be someone to stop schooling and taken care of her young siblings at home. My sister was the victim.
I could clearly remember the old days very well. Yong was very good at studies..she was an excellent student especially in drawing. She could draw very well using her left hand. Yes, she was left handed and using her left hand in doing everything except eating.
She managed us well even she was a very young girl at that time. She cooked well too. She could make the best beef rendang and peanut sauce, better than my mom. She even had a small business in selling breakfast in the morning but had to stop because of bad competitors.
She was asked to marry a person she did not love who later did many bad things to her and at last abandoned her with 3 kids..all girls. My father regretted his decision to marry her off but the harm was done.
She survived alone. I visited her many times and many times I asked her to stay with me. She refused and continued working as sales person in various supermarkets. Once I looked for her at The Pacific Supermarket in Butterworth..She cried when she saw me. I cried when I saw her..such a emotional situation looking at your sibling working very hard with a small pay and a lot of hardships.
One thing I had not managed to help her out..that is getting her a house of her own. I tried to ask for PPRT house for her but since I had nobody to help me with my application, the effort was fruitless..until she passed away.
On the 14.4.2014..I was in my office when I got the news. Few days before that I had an urge..something in my heart telling me..go and visit Yong..I did not listen to my instinct.I regretted my decision later and when I was driving home after that, I could not drive. My tears was running down my cheeks until my vision was blurred. Yong passed away in her sleep. She was just 52 years old.
Yong..I wish you are around so I could take care of you better. Like mother, you had gone too early and too soon. Nothing could express my sorrow when you are gone joining mom and before I could make you happy. May be Allah took you early so you did not have to suffer anymore.
I came to visit your resting place..and I will never forget you..not even once in my entire life. Rest well Yong..one day I will follow you and we will be together again..
Al Fatihah.. Zanariyah bt Ahmad
