Senile dementia.. All they need is a sprinkle of love, care and patience

"Dah makan, Carol?" I replied, "Dah makan."..

Less than 1 minute, another same question popped out. "Dah makan, Carol?", I replied, "Dah makan.".. 

Within 10 minutes, another question. "Dah makan, Carol?"


Sometimes, you just loose your cool and ignore the question. Or. You might have give the person a high-tone answer.

Someone whom I really love has this illness. This caught me to ponder a little further. Time and time again, I reminded myself, how she answers my questions patiently and gently. Never once, she raised her voice, when I asked her repeatedly, more than 3 times.I still remember that question I asked. "What is that bird, mama?" How can I not be patient towards her, after all the love she has poured into my life.

Dementia left her to be having memory loss, inability to recognise family members, communication problems and being fearful and suspicious sometimes. She forgets how to brush her teeth, wash her hair, eat her lunch ... She was never like that last time. She was a confident woman. A strong iron lady. An intelligent and creative worker despite being illiterate.A kind-hearted soul who is always helpful.

While I am spending time with her, I realised the person whom was once taking care of me since I were a baby, was not getting younger. Her hair slowly turns grayish-white. Wrinkles starting to be more and more evident. Memory is deteriorating. But as I gazed into her eyes, I will never forget that dreamy eyes that transmit serenity and her heart of gold that warms the people around her.

I have personally noticed that many old people are been abandoned in old folks home by their children. Many raise their voices to these senile patients. But all I want to say is that all they need is just a sprinkle of love, care and patience. 

I am learning to be patient to her, to cherish and love her till the end of her days and to make her happy by just spending time together.

My first best friend..

Everyone has best friend like I do.. But mine holds a special space in my heart..

She bathes for me when I was 4 weeks old

She chases me with a spoonful of porridge while I was running around the house

She sheltered me when I was about to be beaten for being naughty

She follows me to kindergarden every day, afraid I was being bullied (haha I bully people)

She holds my hand as we painted the picture together, at times the wall becomes my masterpiece


She allows me destroying her favourite plants by watering too much water

She educates me about life and trials

She teaches me how to win a guy's heart through his stomach


She follows me to the toilet when I'm scared

She pleats my hair and I always shrieked in pain

She laughs at my crazy and lame jokes I made

She is a listening ear who I needed



She has always been my sun to dry away my tears and brightened my thunderstorm days

My first best friend,
Is no other than my beloved Grandma
Till today, she still reigned as the Queen of my heart besides my mum..

For all those times you stood for me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you

Just wanna say.. I'll be forever thankful Grandma. I wouldn't be what I am today without you in my life.

Grandma, I LOVE You.

Thank you, God!

Life was a roller coaster ride for me before Easter. Practice after practice. Assignments after assignments. Challenges after challenges. But one thing I know, that God is always faithful. Faithful to walk this journey with you through tears and joy.

When you chose to serve Him obediently, to put Him first above all things, everything falls beautifully in its own place and time. He never fails to answer my prayers. Things that I do not even have the courage to ask. It is definitely not by my own might, but through His strength that I'm able to overcome it.Till today, I'm still amazed of the miracles that God is doing everyday of my life.

Ice cream

Each time when I'm doing the ice cream project, I'm tempted to eat ice cream. Giving that same mere excuse that indulging myself in  ice cream can give a little boost in my creativity. Got no idea how many sticks of ice cream I have been licking. And seriously, ice cream do make you happy :)

PS: I LOVE this project!

Post-mortem Resolution Analysis of 2010

Having a deeper relationship with God
 Quite a number of things happened last year. Trials that have definitely brought my spiritual maturity to another level. I had finally understood the emotions of sorrow and grief and chose to find strength and comfort in the caring hands of our Everlasting Father. Again, I reminded myself that you are a like a stone, needed to be cut and polished repeatedly to be produced as a high quality diamond. I have learnt that we are created for His purpose to bring glory to His name.

Getting good grades Pursue Excellence
 I learnt to pursue excellence and success will comes behind it. It is not just about getting good results in examination, but to acquire as much knowledge as you can during your uni years. Knowledge has proven itself to be the Ultimate Power in today's world.

Cherish my loved ones


Time Management
I snoozed my alarm less compared to last year. Adjusted my watch 10 minutes earlier. =)


Exercise
I did bought a pair of sports shoes, but exercising in a minimal level. lol.. Starting to eat right, cutting down on junk foods and squashing more fruits into my mouth for snacks.

Selamat pagi, Cikgu!

I can still remember those days, when I was in Standard 2, how we adored our teachers. My friends and I will get up early to get to school. Waiting in the hall patiently to detect our class teacher’s red Kancil strove into the parking lot. We rushed like a swarm of bees to open the door for her. Each offering themselves to just carry her books into the teacher’s room. Able to carry the teacher’s bag was a self-actualization during that time. Those were unable to carry her bag walked out with such disappointment and agony. Teachers, in those times are like ‘Superstars’, with little paparazzi asking for autographs.

Furthermore, we bowed our heads and wished our teachers, ‘Selamat sejahtera, cikgu’ each time we past them by. How we treat our teachers with such respect and dignity. We dig a big hole in our parents’ pockets, each wanting to give their best present to their teachers.

Well, things change as we get older, especially in secondary years. Yes, we do respect our teachers but not to that extend of queuing up to carry her bag. We got a little more, innovative, putting our creativity in nicknaming our teachers. We giggled at their jokes and laughed hysterically when the teachers had to play games during Sports Day.

As I was recalling my memories, I am thankful to have noble teachers who go beyond their job specification which is teaching. They educate us with love, raising us up to be man and woman of integrity. Thank you, for every ‘rotan marks’ on our hands, for every nagging in assembly hall and for the knowledge and inspiration you gave. 

Words of Wisdom

- Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

 

- Do you know why a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rearview Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. Look Ahead and Move on.

- Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

- All things in life are temporary. If it is going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If it is going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

- Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

- Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

 

- When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

- A blind person once asked: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" The reply: "Yes, losing your vision!"

- When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

- WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away todays' PEACE.

God, I shall rejoice in trials. It opens my eyes to new perspective and above all, it causes me to fall in love with You all over again.

My favourites !!

Chicken pox

Getting chicken pox at the age of 21 is an experience which definitely requires a posting in my blog. Most of my friends have gotten chicken pox during their childhood. I am the exception. I have been always wondering.. "When is my turn??" "How come mine so late?" I chuckled to myself, it must have gotten lost somewhere..

The symptoms hit me on the very first day. I had bad migraine, body ache and slight fever. All I could do was lied on the bed and sleep the whole day. I can't even move my legs to walk. Tired and weak.

I wanted a good rest,  hoping that I would get better the next day for uni. Woke up in shock when I noticed that annoying red dots all over my neck and shoulders. I shrieked, "Oh, not Chicken pox!". Well, you see, I'm in the midst of preparing for my final exams. Another part of me whispered, "Come on, it might be rashes or some kind of allergy". Well, I'm prone to allergies. Insect and bees just love me..

By the evening, the spots gets more, some sprinkle over my face and my body. That when I decided that I have to face the truth. It might be chicken pox. Went to the doctor for confirmation. And Yes it is, the day has come when I finally had my chicken pox. Filled with excitement and thrill. My friends thought I was crazy for being rejoicing over chicken pox. Seriously, Thank God for His peace and comfort.

Rushed back to Muar. I was quarantined as my dear sis hadn't had one. Well, I was enjoying every moment of it being pampered, being the 'chicken pox princess' at home. Well, I had a good excuse for being one. Food and water is being served.lol

The particular night was a disaster. My whole body was hot. Literally, you can feel your body is burning with fire, signifying more spots is mushrooming its way out. I was tossing all over, feeling uncomfortable being hot and the next minute cold. It was definitely a long night. I couldn't sleep. It was later, when I decided to turn on Hillsong worship. I felt much more serene and relax.

We Chinese have a way of making people who are unwell even more miserable. The worst of all is the long list of food that I am told to abstain. No soya sauce because that will cause the scars to darken. No chicken, fish, prawns, crabs which are considered toxins that may affect the spots to be itchy. And then there is the no oily food for heatiness. Noodles, ABC soups and vege has been on menu list for one week.

Felt horrible but I know God is watching over me.. :)

Anxiety


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)


Brokenhearted

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 (NASB)


Confusion

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ...

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)


Defeat

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ...

2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV)


Disappointment

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Doubt

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)


Failure

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.

Proverbs 24:16 (NLT)


Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)


Grief

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.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)


Hunger

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:4 (NIV)


Impatience

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 (NIV)



Impossibilities

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Luke 18:27 (NIV)


Inability

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)


Inadequacy

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)


Lacking Direction

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)


Lacking Intelligence

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5 (NIV)


Lacking Wisdom

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)



Loneliness

... the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)


Mourning

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4 (NIV)


Poverty

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)


Rejection

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 (NIV)


Sorrow

I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13 (NASB)


Temptation
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)


Tiredness

... but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)


Unforgiveness

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1 (NLT)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

 
Unloved

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!

1 John 3:1 (NLT)


Weakness

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)


Weariness

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)


Worry

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Pain

I am a loser when it comes to pain. I can't tolerate pain well. You'll find me running around for plaster for my paper cut. 

I finally understood, 

the pain of having cuts on your flesh

is nothing compared to

the pain of having a cut on your heart. 

That excruciating pain. When I see them lying at that wooden box. When I see that wooden box being lowered to the ground. It breaks my heart, for not able to tell you 'Thank you' for being my friend'. For not accomplishing our plans to have our birthdays and backpacking together..

Oh God, I need You to be that Plaster, to heal my wounded heart. 

No one can touch my heart like You do.. 
I'm learning to cherish everyone You sent to my life, God. 

I'm gonna live my life to the fullest for You, my Master.

Trust in Him

When you say, "I can't solve this."

God tells you, "I will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you say, "It's impossible."
God tells you, "Everything is possible." (Luke 18:27)

 When you say, "I feel all alone."
God tells you, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

 When you say, "I can't do it."
God tells you, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

When you say, "I don't deserve forgiveness."
God tells you, "I have forgiven you." (Romans 8:1)


When you say, " I am afraid."
God tells you, "Do not fear, for I am with you; I will strengthen you and help you." (Isaiah 41:10)

When you say, "I am tired."
God tells you, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)

 When you say, "No one really loves me."
God tells you, " I love you." (John 13:34)

When you say, " I don't know how to go on."
God tells you, " I will show you the path." (Psalm 32:8)

 When you say, "What path does God have for me?"
God tells you, "My Beloved Son Jesus Christ." (1Timothy 2:5)


--Author Unknown

What is happiness??

One day, the young lion asked his mom: "Mom, where is the happiness?"
Mom replied: "It's on your tail."


So the young lion keeps on chasing after his tail. But after a whole day of trying, he failed to get the happiness that was on his tail.


Then he told his mom about this, his mom smiled and said: "Son, you don't really need to chase after your happiness, as long as you keep going and moving forward, your happiness will always be with you."

Fatal Trilogy

These 3 things never escape from my life. They will always pay a visit after I just completed my final assignment of the semester, no matter how much I loathe them. These 3 horrible MONSTERS that have been haunting my happy life are mouth ulcers, sore throat and flu.

MONSTER 1: MOUTH ULCER
Mouth ulcers are my monthly habitual activity. The more I tried to deter it by drinking tones of water plus avoiding fried food, the more it multiplied like mushrooms after the rain. The strange part was every time my niece has ulcers, the next thing I knew was me gotten affected. Just can’t tolerate that annoying white spots with red outline on your lips, gums or even tongue.

HERO: ORAL AID
I would recommend for prone ulcers victims like me to use Oral Aid which is super effective. It makes me burst to tears after applying, but has a faster healing effect compare to others.

MONSTER 2: SORE THROAT
You wake up on that beautiful morning, and the next thing you realized is that burning sensation in your throat. You took a big gulp of water and it hurts. ARGH!!! I can’t resist eating, as usual. However, sore throat did and amazing job of killing my appetite. Worst of all, my angelic voice has transformed to an ugly toad, croaking away desperately in its low, deep voice. I find it hard to accomplish my potential in eating and chatting. The pain is just unbearable.

HERO: STRESPILS (ops I forget my hero’s name)

MONSTER 3: FLU
Your nose literally has become the faulty pipe that overflows. You can’t sleep efficiently because your nose is stuck. Difficult to breathe. Hard to concentrate as you’ll be holding tissue all the time as a stopper on your nose. Even worst, even the World’s Best Chef’s signature dish seems bland and unappetizing. Cause you lost your taste buds.

HERO: CLARINASE
Clarinase is highly effective. One tablet is enough to say BYE BYE~~ flu. However, it depends on the strength of your army, your immune system.

Please consult a doctor for prescription.

One word from God is enough

These few days, life was hectic, I meant crazy. So many things to do yet so little time.

I was kind of busy with loans, my scholarships, tests, and assignments piling up as days passes by. So many things to think about with my little mind. My planner was filled with things to be completed and DEADLINES.. You should know how much I 'admire' deadlines..

As I was reading the Daily Bread, the title for the days scripture highlighted

Hope does not disappoint.. Romans 5:5

And that was the statement I needed. I could feel my anxieties were gone, as I kept that verse in my heart. It reminded me of my past, when I prayed and hoped for something so hard. God always puts my impossible dream to reality.

It just takes ONE word for God to change ones lives. The word has the ultimate power to inspire and strengthen you.

For me, that 4 words was more than enough. Immediately I smiled to my disbelief. This is amazing, isn't it??

Coffee

Yesterday marks the Big day for Hokkien people to celebrate their New Year. Needless to say, the endless fireworks and crackers that blasted in the dark sky has been deafening my ears. I covered my ears with my comfy pillows and yet the sound doesn't seem to disappear. Hehe after all is still Chinese New Year. My fiction book is actually my sleeping pills, makes me sleepy. However, History books are more effective in terms of making me drowzy compared to fiction books.

As I was sleeping like there's no tomorrow, the morning prayers breaks the silence of that beautiful morning. My Personal Clock. My eyes was big-opened, staring at the ceiling with the fan twirling. Woke up at 6.15 am because of my 'favourite' 8 am class..

At 10.48 am, what I need is just C-o-f-f-e-e, my password to stay awake cause I'll be having classes till 4 pm. Well, I still didn't get to master the skill sleeping with your eyes open yet.

P/s : I'm having '8am class' phobia. Traffic jam in Summit is the culprit..

A little bit of Love and care..

Feeling bored on the weekends? Sick of the mundane activities your doing all the while. Why not have a change..

Head on to the nearest orphanage home or get involved in charity..

Last Christmas, my team mates and I organised a Christmas Party for the shelter home. We really had a great time, jumping around like an over-grown baby.

Most important, what these little kids need is a bit of love and care. It's an amazing feeling to see the joy on their faces when you cuddled and played along with them. It felt great to see that your little deeds can actually transform or inspire one's life.

The little thing you do, can brighten their day and make life more meaningful!

DMC Graduation 2009

I thanked my dad, my mum, my sis, my grandma, my cousins, my relatives...

As though I got the prestigious Golden Globe Award. But it’s just a diploma haha.

But most of all, I would like to thank my God, who has graciously carried me through. Couldn't have done it, without His might, His strength, and His wisdom which surpasses all human understandings. He has been there for me faithfully yesterday, today and forever. Knowing that He's in control was an ultimate serenity to my worries.

Million thanks to

The pillar of my strength, my parents. My ‘Personal Adviser’ dad who shares his wisdom and experience when I got blur with things. My ‘Problem Solver’ mum who patiently hears my moaning and helping me disentangle the messy problem. They are my refuge when tsunami, hits my life. Not forgetting, they are my financial consultants and ATM. ;P

My little sister who builds me up, by challenging me and breaking my heart with a list of my weaknesses. In rare cases, she says, “I’m cute or smart’, just to make me happy for those split seconds. She is my ‘Rescuer” when my hand phone credit runs low. Hehe free top-up. She entertains me with her craziness and being lame.

My maternal grandma who pampers me always, makes me experience the awesomeness being a kid again. Woo hoo!! Still remembered how she forces me to study. Then, my paternal grandma who can predict my problem just by seeing my face, no matter how I hide it which it’s freaky but amazing…

My uncles, aunts and cousins who has provided great insights to my studies and my future career prospect. They have taught me values of life that cannot be learnt between the four walls in class. Thanks for the inspiration.

My dedicated lecturers who has been guiding me to excel well academically and supporting me to pursue my dreams. My pastor who encourages us to put 110 % in everything we do.

Last but not least, my friends, for being together throughout my ups and downs. Really grateful that we have the privilege to cross each other path.

Rubbish Matters!

I was pondering about one thing..

Can't people keep their rubbish, doesn't matter tissue, sweet wrappings or plastic wrappers in their pockets for a time being to search for a dustbin and throw it in. Rather than dumping it into the drain or whatsoever place they find it convenient. =(

Ok.. You might find me naggy.

Well, just think of it, how the city is going to be clean, if there’s only 1 sweeper and 200 dumpers in the particular area. One thing that really annoys me is that when students, what I meant by ‘future degree holders’, effortlessly chuck cigarettes boxes into the drains like nobody business.

Come on guys! I know you people don’t recycle, but at least don’t plunk rubbish everywhere. Don’t wait for others to change, BE THE CHANGE instead.