MY FRIEND JEANNIE...eulogy
by
Teh Yoke Hooi
I’ve known Jeannie for a
rather long time, having spent many, many memorable holidays together,
countless meals, and happy times. We watched our children grow from the
terror toddlers that they were, through their awkward teenage years, to
the young adults that they are today.
I thought that having known her
for so long would give me plenty to say of her, but as I sat down last
night to write, I was at a complete loss for words to describe Jeannie.
She was so many things to me, and yet I could not find the words to pin
down this woman.
How do I do justice to this woman and describe her in a
few minutes all that Jeannie was – she could be so hilariously funny,
remember her seemingly endless supply of naughty and off color jokes?
And her often outrageous comments – about situations, and people, and
about our husbands, and kids and ourselves? Jeannie was gregarious and
she was warm. She was understanding, she was deep, she was spiritual,
she was compassionate.
She was certainly opinionated
and not shy about it. Jeannie was one who lived her life without
convention, without regret. She did not let fears hold her back, nor did
she hesitate to live as she wished…… She lived her life always being
true to herself, whatever it took…..
If Keat is a Tiger, Jeannie is
without doubt the Tigress. She loved fiercely and passionately and would
always be prepared to be up in arms to fight for her loved ones. How
many times have we heard stories of how Jeannie would terrorize
thoughtless people and authorities whom had dared to threaten and hurt
her precious cubs, Krystyn and JJ, and even her friends???
And we all remember how Jeannie
loved a good party, don’t we? Well we are all here for you Jeannie. I
can just imagine you beaming down on us now, with a Virginia Slim in one
hand and a coke in the other, basking in all the attention!
I expected Jeannie to grow old
with me and the rest of our friends. She always talked about how we’ll
spend our time living it up without kids in tow, about how we’ll grumble
and complain about our daughters in law, and how we’ll compare
medications.
Well, I won’t be comparing
medications with you Jeannie, because you have gone on to where physical
pains and ills will no longer plague you. I am happy and glad that your
spirit is finally free to roam and soar as the bird that you are…..
I want to remember you, Jeannie
for all the laughter that you gave me. For all the noisy boisterous
times we spent, for the quiet talks we had, for the perspectives that
you put on everyday situations and in our deepest emotions. I want to
remember you for your wisdom, for your irrepressible spirit and your
zest for life.
And I want to remember how you
dedicated your entire life to Keat, and to your children, Krystyn and
JJ, your greatest achievement and legacy.
Jeannie, I will miss you….We
all will..
Teh Yoke Hooi
(15th July, 2007)
