My Role Model

 

 

God has blessed me with a wonderful sister. Lee Lee, my eldest sis, has been endowed with many gifts. She can sew, sing, dance, play the piano, cook and write. As my papa was quite poor, it did not stop sister from learning many things. Since she could not afford to go to classes, sister became eagle-eyed, observing and learning on her own.

Sis is extremely good with needlework - something which is never my cup of tea. The only time I used a needle and thread is when I have to put back some buttons that had come off or when I am hemming some clothes! I proudly showed off the patchwork blanket and cushion covers that sister had made for me. Sis had even sewed her own wedding gown and she also sewed one wedding gown for her best friend. When I was a little girl, I felt so proud to wear the many frocks and pretty dresses that sister made for me. I was plump and always warm, and sister would sew loose fitting clothes that allowed me to have more ventilation in the sultry heat!

Sister is excellent in her cooking and had won the first prize in one of the cooking contests. At one time, she used to run her own little cafe, whipping up as many as 30 different dishes, much to the delight of her customers. When sister came to stay with me, she cooked for me and for our guests.

I was filled with awe when I heard that Sis had chosen to specialise in teaching Bahasa Malaysia, a language she had only picked up when she was in Secondary School! She was an effective teacher, judging from the good results given by her students. Sister had also written a novel in Bahasa Malaysia and won a prize for it. She is also effectively bilingual in Mandarin and had published many stories and essays in Chinese.

I guess, being such a capable lady, sis has a tendency to worry too much. In contrast, I am the easy going, happy-go-lucky type. This is why I feel it is more appropriate for me to be a single lady! Like papa, I am optimisic, always believing that there is only so much we can do; we just do our best and leave God to do the rest.

Many of my friends and colleagues envy me for having such a wonderful sister. Indeed eldest sister is my role model. I hope I can become a little more versatile and domesticated like her! Where's the needle? Arghh! help!!

Gan Chau