In My Life

Dearest Phoebe,

"The yellow submarine is at Suntec City!” you exclaimed. There was one Saturday afternoon when Mummy had to attend to her work at Suntec City, we had the opportunity to spend some time together exclusively. We ate chocolate gelare, we shopped at Harvey Norman and you took a kiddy ride that was in the shape of a yellow submarine. I did not insert any coins into the ride so I had to hum the song "Yellow Submarine" while gently rocking it.

You managed to pick up some of the song's lyrics and its rhythm as I heard you attempting to sing it recently. I'm not sure whether Mummy is particularly happy about your musical taste but I do remember when Mummy was pregnant, I did mention to some my friends that I would like to start you on a musical diet of Beatles' songs. But that idea faded into oblivion upon your arrival.

I guess I shan't carry out this idea until you are well into your teens. However, in this entry, I would like to bring to your attention a poignant song by the Beatles titled "In My Life". I have excerpted a part of its lyrics.

There are places I’ll remember

All my life though some have changed

Some forever not for better

Some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments

With lovers and friends I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life I’ve loved them all

Last Sunday, one of your grand-aunts took her last breath as she succumbed to cancer. She walked the last leg of her worldly journey in the company of your aunt and some close friends. I can only think of one word that personified her, generosity. She was generous with her love and laughter.

According to Nainai, she even gave out free haircuts to the elderly folks who patronised her hair saloon. She eked out an honest living as a hairdresser for most of her adult life, almost single-handedly bringing up your two aunts. When you are done reading this entry, do come to me and I will fill you in on more details. There are some things I would definitely like to reminisce with you about your grandaunt. You probably would not have remembered her but I can still vividly recall her carrying you in her arms lovingly during one of our Lunar New Year family gatherings. There are just some things I cannot forget. I will always remember her kindness, her generosity and her iconoclastic spirit that was always so refreshing.

I miss her already.

PS: On a lighter note, I would really like to include a selected repertoire of Beatles songs for your musical diet. It's quite unimaginable on my part for you to grow up not liking the Beatles.

Be good and smile pretty,

Daddy Dearest