The life of Agasta Nunis, beloved grandmother!

It was a usual morning. Well, quite usual until I heard my dad's car leaving the house much earlier than usual. I didn't think anything of it. It was my first day at a new part time job so I thought I had a few more minutes to just catch up on some sleep.

Then my brother came to knock on my door and he said the words I thought I would not hear for quite a while more. Grandma has passed away. Even writing this right now is putting my emotions in top gear. I couldn't believe what he said. I called my aunt and then when I said the words tears begin and I just couldn't hold it. 

It was Saturday, January 5, 2013.

She was having some difficulties lately but I was still thinking that she is strong, she always has been strong she will pull through this. It was just the week before that we celebrated New Year's day and she was enjoying some KFC mashed potato - her favourite. 

Grandma was always a rock for all of us. She had a tough life too but she never showed nor complained and lamented about her tough life. I still miss her till this day, walking into her house and her not being there. Maybe this is why its taken me this long to write this post about her. I tried doing it earlier in the week that she had passed on and again about a few months back. But just couldn't bring myself to write it.

Grandma as all her grandkids know her was the sixth out of seven children. Her dad was a long haul lorry driver and her mom a housewife. Her dad passed away when grandma was only 12. It was a work accident. My grandfather came from India and was working in Melaka when he chanced upon my grandma. She was 15 and he was 25 when they got married.

On their wedding day

My handsome grandfather, Mr Simon K.

It was a love marriage and they really were a happy couple. Though times were hard, they brought up 13 children that remain to this day a tight close knit family. It was 3 girls and 10 boys, a large family that was quite common then.

I believe this was the 1st family picture.

Both grandparents were quite strict with their kids and although I only knew my grandfather for 7 years, he was the fun one. He loved us, his grandchildren, at the time he was alive, there were 5 of us. Now its 25 grandkids.

A family photo of my grandparents with all their kids on
my eldest uncle's wedding day. This is priceless.

Grandma was the no nonsense type. I remember spending my days in her house during the school holidays. She and grandpa would be in the kitchen together cooking our lunch and at the same time making sure we were not up to mischief. It was just us 5 grand kids then and they doted on us.

Grandma lost her husband (my grandfather) 26 years before, and then a son in 2001. When my mother passed away about 8 years ago, she was there and was very sad. She doesn't say much about feelings but she knew what us - her grandkids were feeling and showed in her own way. It's hard to describe it, but it was most certainly felt.

We had a lot of good times. She was the happiest on all the wedding days, coming from a large family, there were many wedding days. Also, during Christmas and New Year's day, it was a must to be at her house. The warmth holiday feeling is always felt in her house. We also made a big deal of celebrating her 75th and 80th birthday on a grand scale. She was really the 'belle' at these events.

Grandma's 80th birthday celebration

At her eldest grandson's wedding.

Grandma you have fought a tough life and still found many happy moments. You have created a wonderful family and we thank you for all you have done for each of us. We still miss you and was glad to have celebrated one last Christmas and New Year's day with us. I know you held on to give us that.

Madam Agasta Nunis

May you have eternal rest in the Lord's house!

2013 was Fast & Furious

How else can I say it? Year 2013 zoomed past!!!

There were many changes and also many eventful days to look at. The biggest change of all was at work. With a brand new vibrant and energetic principal, its no wonder the year had just zoomed past.

Many changes were made for a better work environment but that also came with some not so happy people. Yes, change is inevitable in life, every part of our life is a chapter, a new chapter that some would embrace and some would resent. However you look at it, you can't control and dictate when a new chapter ends and when a new chapter begins. It just happens!

The year looked liked it was starting off well, but 5 days into the new year, tragedy struck my family. Our most beloved grandmother was called to the Lord. She was not well even before Christmas but she was here, at home for Christmas and New Year's day. Who could have guessed that this would be her last celebration with us. It was a time that brought every family member back home. One of the rare times that we have managed to all be there. 

Even then there were a few missing from this picture. Hopefully we get one with all of us one day. It continued to be a sombre yet eventful year. Many times some of the family were gathered to acknowledge an occasion.

It was my first time going to Thaipusam at Batu Caves. I've read about it and seen many pictures about it, i've learned about it in school and even watched documentaries about it on TV, but never have I actually been there for such an event. Very shameful to say that, since I am a Malaysian and live not too far from there yet there are people who would travel many, many miles just to experience this event.

I have to admit though, those stairs are a real challenge. If you have not been working out, don't even attempt it. I only walked halfway up, then decided it was too much and turned back down with my aunt.

We also spend a weekend in Melaka, meeting up with more family there. It was nice to see Grand Uncle James and his family. It also looks like there will still be a few more addition to this family in the very near future.

Many more family gatherings were organized and many with lots of laughter too. We also said good luck and bon voyage to our cousin Mark, who for the first time in his life is going to study abroad in the USA. Sadly, we will miss celebrating his 21st birthday with him.

Some events were recorded with pictures while most of the other is with our memory. What an incredibly eventful year.