Perfect

The Lunar festivities were simply outstanding.  Probably the best I've experienced all my life.  I remember loving it as a child, visiting relatives, paying respects to elders, collecting red packets, doing the whole sit-down reunion dinners, playing with fireworks, witnessing intently with cousins the lion dance troupe coming to bless the family home.

Some time around the age of fifteen, the family relationship turned sour.  Gone were the above mentioned, vanished into thin air.  I left Penang at 17 and never really celebrated CNY till I came back a couple of years ago.

This year however, saw many friendships reconnected after a seeming void these past years.  The best part about it was like nobody left Penang.  Back then it used to just be the boys, fast forward today, the gathering consisted of girlfriends, wives and kids.  Perfect.  To keep the friendship going strong for over ten years, even with many spread over the globe, is really something.  We made it a point to do a group portrait after a lapse of eight years and did a superb one at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

Then there's family.  My brother and his family came back to visit, this also meant the very anticipated niece/grand daughter would be returning.  I don't think I've ever seen Dad dote over anyone this much in my life.  Besides Olivea being the first grandchild in the family, he displays a side both my brother and I have never seen.  Dad has never been the most patient of people, but Olivea can charm and run rings round him.  I truly treasure seeing moments when just the both of them go to the park nearby and I'd spy from a far, or when he takes her to go get ice cream, or even when he spoils her with books galore at MPH.

This morning when we were preparing to send them off to the airport, Olivea was so forlorn to be leaving.  She didn't have the strength to be cheery or to have anything for breakfast.  That really broke her grandfather's heart.  He tried his best to console her by promising to visit very soon.
Then finally at 6:45am, she tried her best not to cry while giving us flying kisses, it was too much for her maternal grandma and tears were shed.  My gorgeous niece...

As I crawled back into bed to recoup some sleep, I was then awoken by Mum and Dad, who came back after me, asking me to join them for breakfast.  Then suddenly I heard Olivea calling "Uncle Jeremy!!".... This time, I got up realizing it was a dream and started tearing.  I miss her so much.

Its been the best Lunar celebration since I last remembered, and I sure hope it also has been for you.....