At a glance, it seems like 2 days; in reality, dad and mum were here for 2 weeks. I guess the memories of having dad and mum around will linger on for quite some time.
Over the year 2009, Steph and I were very blessed to be able to play host to many of our friends from Singapore. It was great bringing them around; visiting the marvellous natural creation of God and feeding them with the richness of this land. However, things were different for my parents; they asked not to visit any areas, but instead insisted on staying home to cook and help with house chores and maintenance matters.
Right on the 2nd morning, my dad was found mopping the floor of the living room and corridor at 7.30am. He then progressed to help me with my hot houses, fixed up the watering host, helped with gardening, fixed up my cupboard, helped in washing of dishes, helped with clothes lines and etc. Nothing is left un-fixed with him around. How I wish I am a 'handyman' like him.
Though, we had some minor arguements along the way, it is often settle right on the spot. Dad is different from the rest of the guys that sit beside me while I am driving. He is always on the guard and never fails to alert me in times of need. He doesn't fall asleep during long journeys; like many do and is there to give me pointers on parking. He is also the one that always objects to long journeys; worrying that I might get too tired from the driving. Nevetheless, it doesn't make much sense for them to visit Tassie if they chooses to stay at home. Hence, my answers to his queries on the journey time to each destination are always discounted. He did fixed up quite a fair bit in my house to the state that I don't even feel like moving anymore (Did I mentioned that I actually wanted to move away from this place). Dad also appears happier and more "en-ai" to mum over here. I shall spare you guys the details; go figure out!! :) Sadly, dad had a very bad cough since the first day; which lasted throughout the whole trip. It was partially my fault; as I forgot to feed him water after the pizza dinner on the first night. His knuckles were also swollen for some unknown reason. I can't help but laugh when he went out into the house compound in shorts and polo-tee, followed by his complaints on how cold it was outside.
Mum, on the other hand was on a cooking trip. Seriously....!!!!! She was already on a grocery spree during the first night; buying all the fresh veges and meat she chanced upon. Steph and I had to ensure her that this is only first night and that there are still many days for her to cook. People would expect breakfast to be the first thing in the morning; but it is not the case for mum. After washing up in the morning, she would begin on preparing the ingredients for lunch. It was after the preparation, would she then start her breakfast. And no prizes for guessing what continues after breakfast; she would either be preparing side dishes, or some form of dessert. Green bean with barely, Red bean with dark sugar, Sweet potato with sago; you name it.
Lunch is followed by preparation for dinner. Throughout her trip here, I think the number of hours she spent on preparing food is even longer than her total sleep hours. My housemates were in luck as she prepared dinner for them everynight. Not only that, she also helped to prepare alot of sauces/toppings such as "Fried shallots in oil", "Chilli paste" and "Hei Bi Hiam" (Chilli minced shrimp). I was also privilege enough to learn how to make 'Bak Zhang' (rice dumpling) from her.
Mum was really comical throughout the trip; always making us laugh. Her expressions and words were really funny. For e.g. She loves to go to the casino and requested that I bring her there. And she will go like this: (In Teochew) "After dinner, we go Giordano ok? *Eyes blinking".
I immediately replied: (In Chinese) "Oh! You want to buy clothes at Giordano ah?" Sure!!!" Hahaha. It didn't take long for my housemates to blend in with her. I guess that's where part of my social skills came. One of them even told me that she has been looking forward to come home everyday after work during the past few days. Mum was an entertainer and carer. She made herbal soup for them when they don't feel well, taught them what food to eat and advises them on what not to.
Sadly, my mum was very disturbed by the house. The attic somehow scares her and causes her to fear the house. It did get better as the days passes; as she gets familarized with the place.
Mum was very worried that Steph might get mal-nutrition. She volunteeringly took out the money that dad have given her to purchase salmon fillets for Steph and I. She insisted that I cook fish for Steph on a weekly basis.
One thing that pains my heart during dinner time was watching mum having dinner. Her face always appear choked and red as she takes in the food. Somehow, her throat is unable to take in dry stuff due to the radiation treatment she received many years ago. Rice with gravy is never enough; it must be soft. You could literally see her tears whelming up as she proceed with her dinner. My housemates were at first stunned to see her tears. Each mouthful was a heart wrencher to see. One thing that I have observed during this trip was how mentally strong my mum is.. Seriously. I doubt many of us have the mental will/power to do it. The process of her having dinner is already a living proof. Another eventful process was the making of the 'Bak Zhang'; despite of her right arm paralysis, mum struggles to tie up 20 of the dumplings which are hung at her face level. They can't be hung too low, as this will interfere with the wrapping process. It was a struggle for her to lift her right arm; not to mentioned coordinating with the left hand on completing the rice dumplings. I had the privilege of assisting her in tying the rice dumplings and was considered as her best helper after dad and Steph tried. :p
The saddest moment came this morning when we sent them to the airport. As we were bidding farewell to one another, dad urged Steph to hug mum. Mum refused and burst out crying. Yes.. It was indeed hard to part. Somewhere along the trip, dad shared that this place is not meant for them as the weather was too cold. I had to convince them that it is a matter of getting used to it. I promised them that I will bring them to other states of Australia next year; possibly Brisbane. We'll see.. :)
