Mak Long's Big Adventure

Pic: Baby Ziyad looking at family photos.

It has been two weeks since I completed my tenure as temporary nanny and guardian to eight nephews and nieces. Now looking back, I am grateful that it went quite smoothly. Except the two times when the abang and the adik broke into a shouting match and the ensuing wrestling spectacle that made dear Mak Long's heart skip a beat. After a short period of distance, the concerned brothers resumed their lives as if they never had a disagreement, while Mak Long watched in disbelief and prayed silently for no more fights, puhleez!

A few of my sister's friends and relatives came to visit, which was nice. My own friend drove from Ipoh with her family bearing pineapple tarts. The former were concerned about the kids' well-being, while the latter for mine!

I am very proud of my discovery of the perpustakaan desa which became our favourite place. The novels gave me some entertainment and the recipe books provided much inspiration for the daily menu.

When the school reopened, Mak Long was left with three kids as the eldest boy had reported to National Service in Baling in late December and four of the older kids returned to their boarding schools on Penand Island. It was a different routine as Mak Long started to take over caring for Baby Ziyad from older sister Aufa and had a new task of ferrying the sixth grader, Amad to school at the break of dawn and back. Luckily Umi had instructed to hold the kindergartener Ajwa from attending school until she came back. By the end of one week, the new Haji and Hajjah returned, and a day later, I bid adieu to the small town of Tasek Gelugor.

I never felt so rindu for KL before!

All in all, it was a great adventure with up, down and flat moments. I got to know my nephews and nieces better and they, me. I also have a renewed respect for my sister, my own mum and all mothers. As I type this, Mak Long feels so rindu for Baby Ziyad. I hope he rindu me too.