Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Just when we thought it was safe to step out . Just when we were about to finally start the school holiday plans again, we were greeted yet again by another hump. The lil red pox decided to make an appearance on Amirul's almost skeletal bony body. Thankfully, as we had predicted & as the dr had preempted, it was a mild case. Just a few sparse red dots, all over his body & a few tiny pimple-like spots on his chin & nose. But with Amirul the feeling of being quarantined indoors is not too bad as he does enjoy staying at home rather than going window shopping with his ummi-unlike Amira, neither does he like to walk & stroll around aimlessly shops after shops til the feet gets sore- unlike Amira. So I guess life is quite back as per normal minus the outdoor venues that we have planned for him. Also I am ever so grateful for Okto :)
Aidiladha took a slightly humble tone this year. The day began like the other years, a visit to the in-laws in the morning, back to Clementi in the afternoon. This year in the afternoon, I went to do my little bit to help out in the Qurban ceremony. I came in the thick of action and by that time 136 sheeps have already been sacrificed. There were about 30 odd sheeps left to go. So I assisted my sis, who was there since morning, to manage the guests who took part in the Qurban ceremony. Its a fairly simple task, guiding them to the proper designated area to witness the ceremony and then assisted them back to the waiting area while waiting for their share of meat to be given out.
For the first time ever, I witnessed, up-close, the slaughtering ceremony. I was humbled. My heart stirred, initially for the sheep, and then, most importantly remembering Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail. And for the first time too, I witnessed my very own Qurban sheep, sacrificed in the name of the husband's late Auntie who passed away less than a mth back. Everything was over by 5. With whatever energy was left, we next headed to Bt Timah, where my cousin hosted this years' family Raya reunion.
It was a very,very simple but memorable day for me. Unlike other occasions, I did not even fuss about what we were going to wear for the family, instead opted for our already-in-closet punjabi garbs for all 4 of us. So simple that the pictures I took was of the Qurban sheeps ;p
I think we have a few days to go before Amirul gets the all-clear. And luckily I still have some more 'Quaratined-Activities' items that I have when Amira was down, so I suppose I'm more prepared to be cooped-up for a few more days...& it helps, of course, to look forward to the end of the day, almost everyday, to be entertained by Ellen at 5 & Gong Yoo & gang at 6 :)