Anticipation

Cesily and I waited for Sharipah and Jin Kim to buy clothes and toys for their grandchildren in the Waterfront Mall in Cape Town, South Africa in 2004. We waited and waited and they didn't appear. Tired of waiting, we ate ice cream, window shopped and sat down to talk. Still there were no Sharipah and no Jin. Displeased, we went hunting for them in a shop selling children's clothes. So engrosed, they didn't even notice us coming behind them. These two gramdmas had a good time looking, selecting and buying clothes for their 4 grandchildren (Sharipah and Jin have 2 each) and forgot that there were 2 could be grandmas waiting outside. Back at the hotel they excitedly showed us their spoils and admiring, imagining how their grandchildren would look like in them. Ces and I weren't so interested and wondered why they took so long to buy tiny pieces of clothes for the kids. Both of them told us repeatedly, ' You'll be like us too when you have grandchildren!'

I don't know how good I would be as a grandmother and I have longed to be one for a long time since Maz got married 10 years ago. Syukur alhamdullilah, Justin and Ika are going to make me a grandma in April 2010. I pray everything will be find and good for Ika and baby. How do I feel when I got the news a month back? I was happy, of course but more concerned about the stability of Ika's pregnancy. I went back to PJ, called and sms her asking how she is doing in her early stage of pregnancy. So far, everything is OK and I am grateful to Allah.

Everyone is excited at this good news and I got loads of congratulations which Justin and Ika should receive. Ika is elated but complained about her morning sickness and change of her tolerance of any scents around her. Above all, Justin in his calm way, is so pleased to be a father and dotes on Ika. They really are a loving couple and I hope they continue to be so for a long, long time until old age.

My heart beats faster when I saw the scan pictures of my grandchild. It was quite an emotional moment for me and I can't help smiling all day. I prayed syukur to Allah and wish Ika is well - my first daughter whom I love very much ( I love Maz and Izrin as well). I bet Maz is going to be a great aunt and Izrin, a wonderful uncle and Ika's child will bask in loving attention from a first-time auntie and uncle.

2010 is going to be an eventful year for me. I am sorry Mageswary and Fatahyah that I have to cancel my plan to visit both of you in April 2010. Insyaallah some day I will make my way to UK again, before Fatahyah returns home and for me to meet Mages' fiancee in Ireland. Meanwhile all the best to both of you.

I am going to perform my Haj for the second time, leaving in mid November. I'll pray that everything is fine for Ika, Justin and baby.

With positive anticipation to be a superb grandma!