I turned 20 on 16th August 2011. More than just hitting the big ‘2’, I guess I will never forget my 20th birthday because it is the 4th day of my Ahma’s wake.
During the wake, the most common topic was, “I remember last time Ahma used to…” At those times, I would feel a little left out. I didn’t have that many memories of her as compared to my other cousins. I never stayed at her house when I was young, nor did I visit her often over the weekends.
Every other cousin seemed to have their teeth plucked out by her. They remember her delicious dishes. They said how she always knew the best medicine for all ailments. They know how funny she was. Those are memories I never had… Or maybe I was just plain forgetful. However, I have my own version of stories.
Everyone goes about her “black sauce meat”, but all I can remember, is her wonderful handmade fishcake. She will buy the fish herself, scraped & pounded the meat, before making it into a lump & frying it. It was the BEST. Even writing about it is making me hungry. But beyond the dish, what I remember the most, is how she will always ask the maid I had at that time to go to the market, just so that she can pass her the fishcake. Though she may not see me often, she will always remember that I love her handmade fishcake. At those time, I would selfishly take half of the fishcake myself… & leave the other half for the rest of the family. Haha.
While doing this video & finding photos of fishcake, I know none of those can ever be as nice as my Ahma’s legendary ones. Up till this day, 1 month after her death, I am still thinking about those food…
She may be gone now, but those fond memories will forever be etched in our hearts.
I love you Ahma <3
