To our beloved Nyai,

My siblings and I hope you are doing well and in good health. We miss cooking and shopping for groceries with you. Holiday outings with you have always been fun and full of great excitement. We certainly enjoy ourselves very much. We know you do too.

The four of us were watching Mrs Doubtfire when I remembered how you were the first person who has taught me valuable lessons.

Do you remember when I got myself lost while going to the market with you? You told me to stay put while you went off to buy something nearby. Being the mischievous that I was back then, I wandered off and got lost in the wet market. I was indeed nervous and scared but did not cry as you once told me never to panic in emergencies. A Chinese lady found me and soon after, I yelled, “Nyai!” when I saw you coming back for me.

Do you remember my first ear piercing experience at Compasspoint? I feared that the pierce will hurt a lot, but you assured me that the pain will come and go quickly. I screamed, “Nyai!”once my right ear was pierced. I walked straight to you where you consoled me not to cry. Everyone was looking at me and I felt so embarrassed. But you were there to comfort me and somehow later, the pain finally went away. A sigh of relief.

And do you also remember when I fell ill on my first day at school, yet you were the one that came to my mind? I threw up in class, my teacher bought me to the school office to call my parents. Instead, I gave her your number.

Nyai, these are only some of my fond memories of both you and I. I would always treasure our memories together so I could tell them again and again to you. My siblings and I always look forward to spending many wonderful times and have our occasional slumber nights at your house.

We love you, Hyai.

Your dearest grandkids,
Qurratu Aini, Qaidah Dhabita, Muhammad Dhabit and Dhiya ‘ulhaq