Sister number 3 left for home the previous Friday. No extension. Last year amidst the pandemic restrictions, particularly on cross border travel, she extended her visit three times from the original date of departure. Staying for almost 120 days. She arrived on 3 November, 2021 and flew out eventually on 1 March, 2022.

This time around it was just under two months. Three days short of a full two months. Why so short? I asked. No, not really. I was only kidding. Technically, sister number 3 has been home twice this year. Like I said, she only left on 1 March this year. Returned on 13 October for Deepavali. And flew out on 9 December. Resolutely adhering to her return flight date. She’s back in England with her husband, and together they will be able to attend Christmas parties and birthdays. And, welcome the new year. That said, there were moments of dithering especially as there was one very serious family related health matter that was/is being worked out. 

I miss sister number 3. Very much. She is loving, thoughtful and caring. Sometimes, too much. But that is what makes sister number 3 special. She genuinely loves and cares. Not just about me and my well-being, but about the whole family, and everyone and everybody.  She came home to care for and be with my mum. She managed everything. Checking vitals and dispensing medicines. Cleaning and clearing, and doing laundry. Baking and cooking. She cooked almost every day. On days, she did not, which were few and far between, she walked over to AvenueK and KLCC to get a selection of food and local ‘kuihs’ or cakes. There was never a shortage of food or variety. The fridge was usually brimming. She is one of those people who believes more is more is more, so no one goes without. Nothing is wasted, which is a good thing.

She is generous to a fault. With her time and money. She is a giver. According to her she has enough to see her through this lifetime, so she is happy to share. And, she is always trying to buy presents and food/things for everyone.

She is interested and interactive. She listens and asks relevant follow-up questions. A fast becoming lost art. Listening that is. These days, people are so keen to interject and impose their thoughts and views that they don’t actually listen or want to listen. Sometimes, she thinks too fast, asks too many questions, and writes too quickly. Which can be a tad confusing.

Sister number 3 is not shy or reticent, and will make every effort to be heard and right errors or falsehoods. She gives comments and feedback to whomever she encounters wherever – at shops, companies, and government. Why? So, the people-in-charge or those responsible are made aware and will, hopefully, make the necessary changes and correct what’s not right and/or below expectation.

For instance, she had bought macarons from a high-end dessert shop. Two pieces for a whopping RM26. Sister number 3’s rationale is you must try the macarons to know for sure if they are any good and worthy of the astronomical price. Otherwise, you would be left wondering if the macaron sitting in the posh display cabinet is yummy. She did have a point. I did wonder. Unfortunately, they were not yummy.  Sister number 3 revisited the restaurant with her review. What happened? They thanked her and said the macarons were made with less sugar for some lame reason. I say lame because the overall product was just so average, so ‘meh’. Surely for the price, they could have added a spoonful of sugar. 

Another instance was when sister number 3 ‘had’ to correct a blindingly wrong spelling on a restaurant banner. Instead of LAMB it was LAMP.  This restaurant was promoting its ‘mandir lamp.’ While out walking, the only one we did together, she marched into the restaurant. Found a staff who could speak English. Drew his attention to the bad spelling, and expressed her disappointment. There weeks later, the banner is still up with the same wrong spelling. I too try and/or want to put right some wrongs. But, having lived in Malaysia all my life, I pick little battles that I think I stand a fighting chance of winning. Sister number 3 takes on challenges and ambiguities with gusto and enthusiasm. I like that about her. You go girl – my dearest Sinnavan – I say.   

She is also relaxed in her approach, and quick in her actions with most things she enjoys, and does. Amidst the caring, cooking, reading (she finished reading several novels) and shopping, she knitted three baby cardigans, a set of booties and a hat for our soon-to-arrive grandniece. How? When?

Sister number 3 plans to come home again in 2023. Yay.