Of Blessings, Joy and the Chinese New Year.

As the hours inch closer, everyone would probably be busy- either finishing up the last bit of their spring cleaning or preparing for The Feast. Unlike previous years where I always went out with my friends for a group lunch after the school celebrations, this year, I headed off directly to my grandma's place to help her in the preparations for the dinner. Upon arrival til my hasty departure, I hadn't stopped a single time. And neither did my sis, nor my grandmother. It hit me then that through all these years that I've been to my grandmother's house for reunion dinner, I've never really understood how tough the preparation phase was. If we weren't there, she'd prolly had to do everything thrice the speed and even earlier. That would have exponentially increased the amount of tiredness she would feel, building on the heavy responsibility and complex situation she is already facing.

So it prompted me to start appreciating. Really appreciating.

Let us not forget all the hardwork and effort of those who put all their heart into preparing the most sumptuous meal they could possibly prepare, specially just for their loved ones. For the meal, though might be simple-looking, required days, and even weeks of preparation. I know, that if not for my passionate and dedicated grandmother, I would not have been able to be so well-brought up. I would not have half, or even a quarter, of what I have today.

Let us also not forget the significance of the Red Packets. Being the juniors, one of the most enticing and exciting thing about the Lunar New Year is the receiving of Ang Baos. It's a custom; not a ritual. It's funny how it has become sort of ritual-like: for us to anticipate ang baos from the elders, and for them to give us the packets. It doesn't really go through much thought; almost natural for them to give when they see us, and for us to take when we see them. But I hope today, starting today, genuine gratitude would prevail. Gratitude with the understanding that the red packet signifies their well wishes to us, and within it, more materialistically, contains the hard-earned money of the elders. So let us appreciate their thought and generosity, and not let their efforts go to waste. Let us do our best, and give our best, and only The Best.

Also, let us not forget the true meaning of all the well-wishing Mandarin idioms and phrases. Be it easy or complicated, there was a meaning for the invention of the phrases. They're not merely for mindless repetition or awkward concealers. So say it like it is; Say it like you mean it.

Finally, let us remember the true meaning of the Chinese New Year, not just by its abbreviation 'CNY'. It is a time where one and all gather together to reconnect and remember what it means to be a family. I guess everyone would have their own definition of what the Chinese New Year means to them. And to me, it is about the start of a new beginning, a time to get to know both myself and my family and loved ones better.

And so now I'm home, and she's off to the hospital.

But things don't just end here. The days following these are gonna be even heavier. But I hope to continue to be able to stand by her, and the rest, to embrace whatever befalling upon us.

May all be well and happy.