My grandmother, Lau Ah Boey, is the next most important person in my life other than my parents. She is a very capable woman, helping to look after all her grandchildren. Although she is sixty-seven years old, she still has good skin complexion probably due to her fruits and vegetable eating habits. I would say that she has grown old gracefully with only little wrinkles round her eyes.

Ah Ma has been taking care of me ever since I was born. To me, she is my guardian-cum-playmate. Four years ago, she rented out her house and came to stay with my parents. At first, I had hard times adjusting to her presence. She always nagged about everything – from the way I wear my clothes, to the way I eat my food. But I am glad she came for I get to eat her wonderful foods (even if it means being her guinea pig in her food experiments). She is a great storyteller too! I particularly like her childhood stories, especially those about her climbing fruit trees and eating the fruits while still up in the branches. From her life stories, I was taught to save and never take things for granted.

Twice a year, she will travel to China to look after my younger cousin for about two or three months. During this time, I miss her presence and even her nagging…I know I will miss her much more when she leaves us for good. But till then, I will try and spend more time with her. I really hope she will live to the ripe old age of at least a hundred so that she may see me all grown up!