Time really flies, eh? I remember on this same day last month, I was staying in the hospital after having given birth to my second daughter, Kai Lin. But I am not going to mention about my hospital stay in this post, because currently my thoughts are on the confinement lady and the assistance she had given me during the one month while I was on confinement.
I got to know her through my younger sister's recommendation. My sister had given birth to her second child in March and it was the first time I met the lady when we visited my sister then. My first impression on her was that, she was polite and quiet. I think she is in her forties (till now I do not know her age and her full name, although she told us to call her 'Ah Khim' but I insist on calling her 'Auntie' as a respect) and she has a motherly aura around her. I told her I would like to engage her and gave her an amount as a deposit on the spot. I also gave her directions to my house, after all she is not local and her home is in Malaysia.
During my discharge from the hospital on 29 Sep, I remember telling my husband that I was quite worried about 'Auntie' finding her directions to our place because the journey is quite complicated and one has to cross an overhead bridge to take a public bus after leaving from the designated MRT station. I told 'Auntie' to give me a call if she has any problem but it seemed like I worried too much because she had no problem finding our place at all. Her wits impressed me, and that was my second opinion of her.
She set to work immediately after arriving at our house; running a shower for the baby and myself and not to mention to prepare a pot of red dates soup for me (in Chinese tradition, women who have given birth are recommended to drink red dates soup instead of plain water to prevent water retention and bloating in the stomach). To tell you frankly, I was awed by her efficiency and diligence. Because of 'Auntie's' assistance, this explains why I had time to read and review books during my confinement period. She had everything all taken care of; I felt so pampered and spoilt. I know some of you might say it is her job after all, but I think it is her overall attitude that says it all. And to top it off, she is initiative too.
'Auntie' is not really 'a woman of few words' as I had thought initially, but that is because we do not know each other well when the first time we met. She is actually quite a chatty person once you get to know her well. I treated her like a family member and did not know I was so used to her company until her last day with us last Sunday. Her departure had really hit me hard. I was misty-eyed when she packed her things and bid us goodbye. She refused to take a picture despite my coaxing, saying that she does not like taking pictures. So I can only count on my memory as a remembrance, but I know the image will slowly fade away as the time goes by. I guess I am just being emotional, oh well. . .
Goodbye, 'Auntie'. I will miss you!
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I'm sure you're going to miss Auntie very much. True that her image may fade over time, but in your heart she will always have a place. Both of you have big hearts. God bless her!
Your daughter's name, Kai Lin, is very pretty. :)
BTW, I have another award for you...
She sounds like a wonderful lady. So glad you and the little one had her there for a month although now that just seems like it was such a short time! Hugs Melody and to little Kai Lin too.
Oh Melody, what a lovely, lovely post! I can certainly understand why you're feeling emotional...she sounds like a wonderful lady. And it sounds like she was an amazing help to you. This was an amazing look into an experience very different from mine, and I absolutely loved reading it. Thanks for sharing, Melody.
You have every right to feel emotional, Melody! She sounds like a remarkable lady. No wonder you miss her so much. Even without a picture, I've no doubt you'll keep her in your memory.
A side note: Kai Lin was born one month ago already! Time really flies.
Oh, Melody, she sounds amazing and I'm sure you'll miss her for many reasons.
I love the concept of a confinement lady. I think it should be introduced in the US. Even though I lived in the same town as my mother w/ the last two babies she was not able to help me much. The entire post-partum experience would have been so much better with the kind of assistance you describe!
Shana
Literarily
Alice - Thank you so much for the award! You're always so sweet and kind to me. :D
Iliana - I really wish she'd stay with us longer! Thanks for the hugs! :)
Debi - It brought me wonderful memories when I typed this post. If only I could turn back the time... *sigh*
Nymeth - She really is a wonderful lady! It seems like I've to contact her agent if I want to get in touch with her. I can't believe one month has passed just like that... it seems like yesterday when I had given birth to Kai Lin!
Shana - I'm not sure about other Asian countries but it's definitely a tradition in Singapore and Malaysia to engage a confinement lady to take care of the mother's and the baby's welfare. My in-laws stay in the same neighbourhood as us so it's not that bad when the confinement lady has gone home.
I can't believe it has already been a month since you had your daughter!! This month has gone by so quickly. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories about Auntie--she sounds like a remarkable woman and a blessing to you over the past month.
Trish - Since I can't get her pictures, I guess this post will also serves as a wonderful memory of her. :)
I'm sure it's a blessing to have your 'Auntie' there to help you out on things while you resting or relax. But am also sure you can and will be able to make it on your own through out the day...cause I know you're a strong person :) It get harder, but you will survive at the end of the days :)
Already miss chatting with you!
I can't believe it's been a month already!
"Auntie" sounds like a wonderful person. I'm glad you had such a great experience with her, and I'm sure your appreciation makes her job even more rewarding.
Julia, thanks so much for having the faith in me! ;) Miss chatting with you too...
Darla, I can't believe it's been a month either! "Auntie" truly is a remarkable lady and she'll be missed.