At Seberang Jaya

Made my way up North right after the clinic was done, arriving 30 minutes before the visiting hours started. The road was empty but I must confess that I was right sleepy halfway. A stop in Tapah sorted that out, feeling fresh after prayers there.

Getting around the hospital was easier than expected, although the car park was half full. During weekends, the ward visiting hours stretched from the morning until 7 pm. For the ICU where my Uncle was, the visiting hours only started at 5pm. That gave me time to have a quick sit down. I'll be heading to Sungai Petani next as my Mum was there. Should be enough time to get there negotr before berbuka. Or maybe a quick stop in Kepala Batas to buy some food.

Waiting to get inLet's see how long they let me stay at the ICU.

Busy Weekend

I had planed for a long weekend from tomorrow, but it looked like I would have to drive up to Penang after clinic. My Uncle was in ICU, and his condition did not look very clever. My Mum was already there, so I plan to head up there and pick my Mum up on the way back.

So, for this evening, we would still go out for our customary Friday evening outing. Will be catching some dinner after berbuka, and maybe do a bit of shopping.

I'd probably drive back on Sunday afternoon if things were OK in Penang. I should arrive back in KL just in time for the World Cup Final with Anita. As it stood at the moment, I'd better enjoy any free time I had. There would not be much over the weekend I was afraid ...

Afternoon at Hospital Ampang

Often, I would be at Hospital Ampang to either deliver talks or attend a meeting. Today was the first time that I was there as a visitor. My brother-in-law developed an abscess which needing operating and he was admitted via the Casualty yesterday. Anita was with him all day sorting it out, while I was on call at Subang.

I must say that the experience was much better than she expected and my brother was given great care.

Finally, after my morning rounds, I went straight across town to Ampang, joined by Anita. It was about time that my brother was wheeled into the operation room. He was nervous.

Then, one of the House Officer recognised me. She said I used to teach her at UM. Always nice to know.

My brother-in-law waiting for his brotherMy brother was just being wheeled in. I had to go to the lobby as the phone signal at the operation theatre waiting room was a bit suspect. Being post-call, I was sure my phone would be ringing.

The operation should take under a couple of hours. My father and brother-in-law was also on the way in, and I would wait to fetch them from the lobby.

I still needed some rest after the busy night last night. I would probably be sleeping in the bench at the waiting area before long.

I must say that our experience thus far as a patient and family members had been great. Hopefully it would continue to stay as so. ‎

Our Turn

This was 30 minutes before berbuka

Every year, we had an evening which contribute for the breaking fast, or berbuka in Malay. The pseudo-Arab among us preferred the term iftar. Last evening was our turn. We ordered the food in while the Surau prepared the venue and the drinks.

It turned out that yesterday evening being a Friday night, the Surau was packed. We only ordered food for 250 people. About 300 turned up. Nightmare.

The children killing time before berbuka by wading the small pool before heading to the surauWe managed to get more rice but still it could've been more. The same happened for the post-Tarawikh feast, or moreh. We indexed some laksa, but towards the end, there was hardly anything left.

Heading back homeBetter up the preparation when we do it again next year then ...‎

A New Addition

On the way back from the kenduri in Penang, I stopped by at Kepala Batas to visit my cousin who had just had a baby girl. Her first.

That gave me an excuse to stop by my hometown. Again, the rain spoilt the trip, but visiting her and her baby made it worthwhile.

The old kampung house I was born in remained in disarray. Nothing much I could do as my Uncle inherited it after my Grandfather passed away, and they lived right next door. Sigh!