A First Lady, fondly remembered

My mother sms-ed early this morning, or perhaps late last night. The news that our first lady had passed away obviously could not have waited until I'd woken up. But that's how much she means to us and how much we've grown so fond of her.

For a family that has grown up in the arms of the civil service and government forces in Malaysia, it has been truly difficult to take a liking to anyone of 'them'. Respect, maybe, but like is a an estranged word when it comes to anyone in the government and their respective family members.

But we really liked Endon. Oh, we so did! Maybe we feared that she would never hold a torch up to Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah, but she's carved her own niche into our hearts. She's been the gentle caring, giving, loving, favourite mother of the nation, whether in Bakti or batik. She was fearless in the face of cancer and a shining example, even to my own father in his period of recovery.

And she will be so missed. Thanks for staying awhile to touch us hard of heart, Malaysians. Yours was the hardest battle to fight.