I’ll
remember the Ramadan afternoons when I joined Mummy and Akak in the kitchen
preparing cookies for Eid. We’d make tarts and other cookies, and sometimes
bake a cake too.
I’ll
remember the eve of Eid, helping Mummy around the house and in the kitchen.
Waking up early on 1 Syawal and helping out in the kitchen before sweeping the
porch and the garden.
I’ll
remember the chores I had to do: grating the stupid coconuts (I’d pretend I was
mounting a noble steed while at it), peeling the onions until I cried, cleaning
the potatoes, preparing the vegetables, and then pounding the onions, chillies,
garlic, dried shrimps. Mummy never believed in buying the already-grated
coconut or ready coconut milk, or using the food processor.
I’ll
remember being teased by my brothers about having to wash up the pots and pans
because I happened not to be able to fast on the last day of Ramadan.
I’ll
remember the times we went to visit relatives (the few who didn’t go back to
Johore) for Eid.
I’ll
remember being in the kitchen and whispering to Mummy about the drinks I had to
make – for how many persons, Mummy? What drink: black tea or milk tea? How much
sugar?
I’ll
remember staying at the dining room instead of talking to the guests.
I’ll
remember the trips we made together and the things we did together.
I’ll
remember all that and so much more.
I
miss all that so much it hurts. Sure, I complained about having to do
everything by hand (what’s the point of having conveniences, Mummy? Why can’t
we just use the appliances? Why can’t we just buy ready coconut milk or already-grated
coconut at least?) but I miss them all now.
And
above all, I miss Mummy.
And
I’ll miss you too, Ramadan (yes, as much as I don’t look forward to you, I’m
always sad when you leave).
Adek
and her few Cik Abangs would like to wish Eid Mubarak to everyone. May our
ibadah continue to be of barakah, insyaAllah. Take it easy on your food consumption
and have a safe trip to/fro your destinations.
|