When I think of Atok, I think of roti canai.
When I think of Embah, I think of school holidays at her coffee shop.
My Life Journey • Episode 05
When I was little, Atok often took me to the coffee shop on his bicycle. We ate roti canai together.
Atok was my late father’s father.
Embah was my grandmother on Mum’s side. She ran a coffee shop in an estate area in Cepoh, Ipoh.
During my school years, I often stayed at Embah’s house, especially during the holidays. I also helped her at the shop.
Those were some of the moments I shared with two people who did so much to care for me.
Then, while I was working far away at sea, I lost them both.
I couldn’t visit them when they were unwell. I couldn’t attend their funerals either.
After I came home, all I could do was visit Atok’s grave.
Today, I wish I could say:
“Atok, Embah… the little child you once cared for has grown up.
I still remember those bicycle rides and meals with Atok. I still remember the school holidays at Embah’s house.
Thank you for the time and love that I can still feel today.”
The older I get, the more I understand the value of those experiences.
Things that seem ordinary to us can become treasured memories for the people we care for.
Taking a grandchild out for a meal. Looking after them during the school holidays. Letting them keep us company while we work.
Perhaps someone has done similar things for you.
If you can still get in touch, share a memory you have kept. Tell them what they did and why it mattered to you.
They may never have known that you still remember.
If you are raising children or caring for grandchildren, the simple moments they spend with you matter too. The attention you give today can become a memory they carry into adulthood.
I’m grateful I once ate roti canai with Atok and spent my school holidays at Embah’s shop.
It is through those little things that I miss them.
Who came to mind as you read this story, and what do you remember most about them?
PMr. Mohd Hawarie Tan Muzi
Losing them also made me reconsider the direction of my life. I’ll continue the story of that decision in Episode 06.
#CatatanPerjalananSaya #Hawarie #KenanganAtokDanEmbah