My Memories of Jalan Dato' Keramat

During my early teenage, I used to spend my school holidays at Aunt Fatimah's home in Petaling Jaya. The weekends were family outing days. Uncle Zain would normally bring his family out for leisure to parks, museum, exhibitions, window shopping or dinning at A&W restaurant. Sometimes he would visit his cousin at Jalan Dato' Keramat. Her name was Hannah. She was my maternal grandmother's younger sister. I used to call her Nenek Hannah.

(Uncle Wahid's wedding - Keramat 1988)

Grand-aunt Hannah was a very kind and generous person. Every time I visited her, it was hard for me to leave her home. She welcomed her guests with open arms and would not allow them to leave with empty stomach. There were always homemade cookies and chips to bring back home. I loved her as much as I loved grand-aunt Moya. My only regret, I was unable to pay my last respect during their funeral. Both had passed away during the time I was suffering from an illness in which doctors were unable to diagnose and determine the cause.

( Visiting Nenek Hannah - Keramat 1990)

(With Nenek Hannah in the Kitchen)

(At the living area)

Among the several children of grand-aunt Hannah, it is aunt Halifah that I am very close. We are about the same age. During my early teens, I used to spend the year-end school holidays in Kuala Lumpur, staying over at her home. Aunt Halifah and I used to have fun together, playing all sorts of ''kampong'' games at the house compound. When we were far apart, we used to write to each other. Till this day we always keep in touch, continuing the family ties.

(Visiting Nenek Hannah - Keramat 1976)

The last time I met aunt Halifah was August 2008 at my cousin's wedding. Aunt Halifah came to Singapore with her family and siblings, Aunt Pia and Uncle Wahid. It was a splendid reunion and we had an enjoyable time chatting, catching up for the lost time. We discussed about going holiday together in Trengganu to visit her sister, Aunt Makma. I was very excited about the idea and looking forward for the holiday with her even though I knew time would be a problem. However, I am confident that the day will come for me and aunt Halifah to be on a holiday with our family together! Insha'Allah.

(This post is dedicated to Aunt Halifah, Aunt Pia, Uncle Wahid as well as my other uncles and aunties who used to live at Keramat - the home of my beloved Nenek Hannah. Spending the time with her and family in that home often lingers in my memory…. it was beautiful.. remain precious... always in my mind...)