Thursday, February 4, 2010

A Husband and Wife Undying Love – True Story about My Cousin

I have just got an email from Australia that my cousin’s wife who was suffering from Muscular Dystrophy has already passed on. I remembered as a young primary school student; the first time I met my cousin’s wife when they were newly married in London and he brought her back to my hometown. They were one of the loveliest couple I have ever met. Not long after they got married, they moved to Australia, where my cousin’s wife, an avid cook became quite popular among the community there. She regularly holds cooking demonstration in Australia and I think she wrote a few cooking books as well. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy more than 18 years ago. Slowly, her health deteriorated, her movements are impaired severely and she became wheelchair bound. As times goes by her condition worsened and she would even choked on her own saliva at times. My cousin quit from his job to take care of his wife full time. What amazed me was, despite his wife condition, my cousin would take her travelling to other countries every year. They have even visited many third world countries like Botswana, South Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia and even climbed the Great Wall of China. Every year they will visit all our relatives across Malaysia. I cannot imagine the true grit, love and determination that my cousin has, to travel all over the world with his wife who needs 100% support from him all the time. Same goes to his wife as well, to be able to travel in view of her health condition. They were in KL before Xmas last year and we went over to Pavillon for our dinner. My cousin wanted his wife (a foodie, like me) to taste some of the food there although she was actually taking special food via a cavity and pipe through her stomach. I remembered that he had to order soft food like lam mee (noodles) to feed her. Then he used a special powder to make the ‘teh tarik’ (milk tea) thicker so that she will not choked as all her muscle function is gone. Whenever we met, she would whisper very softly and incoherently in to my ear, ‘Hi Peter’. I never thought that this would be our last meeting with her because over the last 18 years we would see her almost every year visiting us in KL without fail! But then it is rarely for someone with a condition like her to live that long. Even, all the doctors in Australia were amazed that my cousin’s wife survived that long. I guess the answer lies in the true love and care!

18 comments:

[SK] said...

i am sorry for the lost of your cousin-in-law.. but i guess she has spent her life with someone she love and who has also loved her so much, maybe she has already feel very blessed with what she has got in her life.. may she rest in peace and be released from the suffering of her disease.. :)

I AM A BLOGGER said...

i am sure that she lived a life that she loves even though it was short, but she would treasure every moment! Your cousin is a good man !

CheaHSan said...

Sorry to hear about the lost of a strong willed woman who lived a fruitful life better than most normal person. She is terrific despite her condition and the 18 challenging years.

wenn said...

so sorry to hear that. yr cousin is such a wonderful person.

Unknown said...

True love and admirable courage to face the odds. Sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin's wife.

Christine said...

that's a beautiful sad story, Pete. In a way your cousin can now have some rest from the full time care although I'm sure he would give that up to have her back. I don't doubt his wife survived so long because of your cousin's love and devotion, a true inspiration.

smallkucing said...

My condolence to your cousin.

how is your cousin coping with his wife demise? Hope he will be okay and wont think negatively.

Nonickname said...

That is a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This is a testament of the the marriage vows they took...to love each other in sickness and in health.

xin said...

beautiful story. may her RIP :( i am sure its the love that kept her going for such a long time.

Ju (The Little Teochew) said...

I am so sorry. This is such a touching tribute to your cousin and his late wife. I feel your words. I also couldn't help but tear. Love is amazing. Thank you for sharing this beautiful love story.

MaryMoh said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. It's such a touching story. Love and care do energises a person.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

What a great loving couple going places and sharing the experience. Sorry for the great loss of your cousin. May she RIP.

Unknown said...

Hope your cousin is alright.I can imagine his sadness.May his wife RIP.Thank you for sharing.

mommy to chumsy said...

sorry to hear about your cousin's wife. my condolence. there aren't many ppl as loving as your cousin and his wife nowadays.

Ravenous Couple said...

thank you for sharing this sad yet loving story..

drumsticks said...

This is such a sweet story of true love.. guess true love does exist... i'm sorry to hear about your cousin's wife.. :( May her soul rest in peace. God Bless you and her family.

ChloeRuoyi said...

What a touching story. Your cousin is wonderful beyond description. It's amazing what true love can do!