Bittersweet memories

My whole family (dearest IS included) visited my uncle earlier today. He has not been well lately especially so these past few weeks. He is my arwah Abah's (late father's) closest and (fav?) brother. When I was younger we used to spend weekends over at this particular Uncle's place in Jalan Waringin. Whenever they meet, Abah and he would talk n talk non-stop, usually till subuh the next morning.... And they are sooo very much alike. Both keen armchair politicians, well-read, full of wise sayings, extremely generous (to the point of exasperation !!) and absolutely loves company. Even their style of speech is the same, they love peppering their sentences with colourful imagery and sayings. Being around my uncle brings so much memories of my arwah Abah. Even though it has been 7 years since he has left us, hearing my uncle speak, and his mannerisms brings tears to my eyes. I feel almost as if my arwah Abah was still with us somehow.

The family on my dad's side are not touchy feely, (hug hug, kiss kiss) (my Abah was an exception) if not, I had half a mind to reach out and give my uncle a big hug. He makes all my pain seem so fresh yet I yearn to hear him speak and be around him. Looking at my mom's and sister's face just now when we were there, I can see its the same for them too. I almost had tears in my eyes just now when my uncle started speaking of my Abah. I looked away to hold back my tears and saw IS give me a look to say he understood how I felt.

I just hope my uncle recovers soon. He has severe water retention in his legs and the drugs he is on don't seem to work. My sister has recommended another drug. Hopefully that shall cure him. Besides, he is the only living reminder of my Abah and while I can never turn back time, it sure feels good to feel near to him when my uncle is present.