My Brother Teo Kwan (24 July 1952 to 15 March 2023)

Wednesday, 15 March 2023

Woke up to 2 Whatsapp messages.   One message was from the son of my older brother, Teo Kwan, informing me that his father had passed away early this morning.   The other message was from the daughter of my younger brother, Mui Kong, informing me that her uncle, who is my older brother, had passed away.

I was taken by surprise because there hasn't been any messages from the family that Teo Kwan had been sick.   He wasn't feeling well on Monday night (13 March) and was admitted to the hospital, whereby he fell unconscious towards the end of the night.   The medical staff did all they can but Teo Kwan passed away early Wednesday morning (15 March) peacefully, without gaining consciousness.

Teo Kwan is my older brother, who is very quiet man.   Did not talk much.  I am 3 years younger than him.   While growing up, I spent most of the time with my 2 younger brothers.  Teo Kwan would be busy helping our mother with errands.    Even after we were married and living our respective lives, there was not much of a communication between us.   He was a kind man because whenever my children and I visited him at home or at the candy stall he operates, he never fail to offer us drinks.  And he is always smiling.

Mum's Funeral

14 November 2007 was Mum's funeral day.    It is now almost 13 years since my mum (http://renejenny-family.blogspot.com/2007/11/my-mother-1-june-1926-12-november-2007.html) passed away (12 November 2007).    I was not at her funeral but my daughter was.   Only now do I feel up to uploading some of the pictures that she has taken.

Folding "hell" (underworld) money

"Hell" (underworld) money

Burning of the spiritual money for Mum to have money in the spiritual world 

The "money" are burnt and transferred!

The front door of Mum's house to her coffin

The altar in front of my Mum's coffin

Family paying respect to Mum

Mum's grandson (from daughter) wears blue/red head band

Mum's daughters-in-law wear burlap headwear

Mum's son-in-law's white/red head band and red sash

Chartered bus for family and friends who wanted to go to the burial

Men from the burial service carrying Mum's coffin from their van

Lifting Mum's coffin into the burial area

Lowering down my Mum's coffin into the ground

Flowers for Mum

Mum finally joined Dad

Yean's Birthday Celebration

Thursday, 2 October 2014

I am so happy to be able to be present for Yean's birthday celebration.    And we have Nehemia's brother to cook for us as well.   He is a cook by profession.   And Nehemia cooked also, for her beloved husband.

Jeff started at 10 am and completed his cooking by 7:30 pm, as we have only one cooking place - a electric plate.   This place was rented for a single person and little cooking.   Anyway, it was fun.  We just use whatever we have, to feed 20 people, with whatever utensils we have.

Happy Birthday Yean!

We have ten dishes: Shanghai rolls, bread rolls, Rellenong Bangus (stuffed milk fish), Cordon Bleu, Filipino sushi, Afritada, Gizzard Sisig, Ceviche (Kinilaw na dory), pasta/sauce/cheese and chop suey.

Shanghai Rolls - filled with cooked meat & vegetables - deep fried

Bread rolls filled with cheese, ham & carrot - deep fried

Rellenong Bangus (stuffed milk fish)

Cordon Bleu - deep fried breaded chicken with hotdogs, etc.

Filipino sushi -filled with carrot, cucumber and mango

Filipino Chicken Afritada

Filipino Gizzard Sisig

Ceviche - Filipino Kinilaw na dory

Pasta with sauce and shredded cheese

Chop Suey

Wedding Walks

Saturday, 5 October 2013

I was happy to hear that Hurricane Karen was reduced to tropical storm Karen, but nevertheless prayed that the wedding ceremony and reception will be spared of rain.    Except for a minute or so of drizzle during the walks down the aisle, the ceremony and reception was great.

The rehearsal walk the afternoon of 4 October.

Father did not want his baby to get wet during this important walk in her life.

Graduation Time Again!

Friday, 9 August 2013

After years of hard work and perseverance, Merri graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management.   We are grateful to be able to witness this special moment of her life.   She did her parents proud!

And Now My Other "Baby" is Married

Saturday, 27 October 2012

Started the year with the older "baby" being married on the 14 January 2012 and today the younger "baby" is also married.    I am happy for them and wish them all the best.

Single, Engaged and Now Married

Saturday, 14 January 2012

It was a beautiful day. Our baby girl has grown into a beautiful woman and this day saw her married to a fine young man at the San Diego temple.

Mike's First Cap/Gown Graduation

Friday, 23 September 2011

Mike did it. I am so proud of him, even though he had to do additional 6 weeks. He had to retake the Mathematics subject. The 12 months Nondestructive Testing course (Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology) started the 4 October 2010 and was scheduled to finish on the 29 September 2011. Mike finished it the 9 November 2011.

The graduation was held tonight at the Green Country Event Center, 12000 East 31st Street, Tulsa, OK 74146. Mike said this is his first gown/cap graduation.

I am proud of his positive attitude, determination and perseverance in obtaining this diploma.

Mother's Day 2011

Sunday, 8 May 2011

Missing my mother, who has gone over the veil in 2007.