Mum had a maid with her for about three years. Her name is Romsiyah. She's 25 years old this year. To me, she is a good helper. Not only had she looked after my mum reasonably well (I believe many other maids would have resigned because Mum needed a lot of care), she also cooked well and kept the house generally clean. Mum loved her and taught her many of her secret cooking recipes during those three years. Mum passed away and I know Romsiyah was emotionally affected. She moved on to work for Raymond for a few more months after Mum's demise but in the end, she decided not to extend her work permit and return to Indonesia.Today is the day we sent her off at the airport.
Daryanti (Romsiyah's sister and also my current helper) was devastated when she heard about Romsiyah's departure about two days ago. She had wanted to celebrate Hari Raya with Romsiyah but was upset that Romsiyah chose to leave before Hari Raya arrives. This morning, Raymond, Rina, I and our families met at Terminal One for breakfast before we bid our final farewell to Romsiyah. Inevitably, Daryanti was very affected. She kept tearing at the airport. Greg told me he's upset to see Daryanti was upset. He couldn't quite understand why Daryanti cried. Neither could he comprehend why Romsiyah has to take aeroplane to go home whereas he usually takes the car home. He had lots of "Whys" and I knew he was very puzzled.
Greg: Mummy, why is JieJie (referring to Daryanti) crying?
Mummy: Romsiyah JieJie is leaving so Yanti JieJie is upset. That's why she cried.
Greg (puzzled): But why? Mummy, why?
Mummy: Well Greggie, it's like when you cannot find Mummy you cry. Yanti JieJie now cannot find Romsiyah JieJie because Romsiyah JieJie has gone home so Yanti JieJie cries.
Greg: Ohhhhh....
Mummy (feeling relieved that he has finally understood)
Greg: But Mummy, Romsiyah JieJie later will come back, just like Mummy. So why Yanti JieJie must cry now???
Mummy: *Faint* as Greg still didn't know Romsiyah would not return though we have explained so many times. To him, Romsiyah is part of the family I believe.
We were on our way home. Greg's sitting with Yanti at the back of the car while I was driving. Greg kept looking at Yanti and asked, "JieJie, are you still sad? Are your eyes still painful?". There was no verbal response from Yanti and I could not see if she nodded or shook her head because I was driving. Anyway, when we got off the car, Greg said, "Mummy, JieJie has stopped crying already. I think JieJie is happy now." Though there are some concepts I know Greg couldn't quite grasp, I do think he's a very sensitive boy who could empathize very well. Hmmm.. don't know if it's a good thing or not because he seemed to get quite emotionally affected easily.
Daryanti (Romsiyah's sister and also my current helper) was devastated when she heard about Romsiyah's departure about two days ago. She had wanted to celebrate Hari Raya with Romsiyah but was upset that Romsiyah chose to leave before Hari Raya arrives. This morning, Raymond, Rina, I and our families met at Terminal One for breakfast before we bid our final farewell to Romsiyah. Inevitably, Daryanti was very affected. She kept tearing at the airport. Greg told me he's upset to see Daryanti was upset. He couldn't quite understand why Daryanti cried. Neither could he comprehend why Romsiyah has to take aeroplane to go home whereas he usually takes the car home. He had lots of "Whys" and I knew he was very puzzled.
Greg: Mummy, why is JieJie (referring to Daryanti) crying?
Mummy: Romsiyah JieJie is leaving so Yanti JieJie is upset. That's why she cried.
Greg (puzzled): But why? Mummy, why?
Mummy: Well Greggie, it's like when you cannot find Mummy you cry. Yanti JieJie now cannot find Romsiyah JieJie because Romsiyah JieJie has gone home so Yanti JieJie cries.
Greg: Ohhhhh....
Mummy (feeling relieved that he has finally understood)
Greg: But Mummy, Romsiyah JieJie later will come back, just like Mummy. So why Yanti JieJie must cry now???
Mummy: *Faint* as Greg still didn't know Romsiyah would not return though we have explained so many times. To him, Romsiyah is part of the family I believe.
We were on our way home. Greg's sitting with Yanti at the back of the car while I was driving. Greg kept looking at Yanti and asked, "JieJie, are you still sad? Are your eyes still painful?". There was no verbal response from Yanti and I could not see if she nodded or shook her head because I was driving. Anyway, when we got off the car, Greg said, "Mummy, JieJie has stopped crying already. I think JieJie is happy now." Though there are some concepts I know Greg couldn't quite grasp, I do think he's a very sensitive boy who could empathize very well. Hmmm.. don't know if it's a good thing or not because he seemed to get quite emotionally affected easily.
I hereby wish Romsiyah all the best in whatever she does. I have also heard from Daryanti that Romsiyah is returning to Indonesia to get married. I feel so happy for her, hence got her a pendant and a necklace. I really hope that all goes well for her and that she's happy with her choice. The above picture is the most recent photo I have which has Romsiyah in it. She's with Reuben, and the face between Romsiyah and Reuben belongs to Daryanti. Goodbye to you, Romsiyah. Suddenly I have this strange feeling that one of my major life chapter has just been closed. I still can't forget those times Romsiyah stayed by Mum's side in the hospital. Thanks Romsiyah, for all that you have done...
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