What is the greatest number of all the digits in the numerical range? Let’s rephrase that question: What is your favourite number? To many Chinese, this could be 8, 18 ,188, 888. The digit, “8” symbolizes luck and good fortune. We will not go into the meaning behind various numbers as that is a whole topic in itself.
For an aunt of mine, it is 37. She has been 37 years of age for the past 43 years and has begun her 44th. Yes, you – Aunty Val. It goes without saying that things are the same old, same old; back here in Petaling Jaya – Subang Jaya – Klang.
I think the greatest number of all numbers is the number: “1“, One, Numero Uno (Italian), Yat (Cantonese), Satu (Bahasa Malaysia, Onnu (Tamil). Why I say this is because it represents, or seem to represent all numbers.
One of the occasions you see the number “1” as a representation is “birthdays”. On birthday cakes, regardless of age; a lone birthday cake candle is lighted, to symbolize the person’s age. I think, in that regards; the number “1” is timeless.
My mum just turned 86 years of age three days ago (June 14th). On top of her birthday cake, there was a single birthday candle, lighted to symbolize life. We don’t need big numbers to do that. The lighted candle, providing light on her journey which she has experienced throughout her life. …The same lighted candle becomes “a beacon of light”, lighting up her pathway towards the many more wonderful years ahead.
I was in the comfort and safety of my mother. I looked secure.
My mother’s facial caption, “My son”.
Picture prop: Fiat 1200 Grand Luce.
Resilient, strong character, yet gentle; the 4th youngest of 17 children (including 3 from her father’s first wife); a Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur student. Barely out of school when she married an army officer.
This young army officer, used to visit his parents and siblings, who so happened to live next door to the family of this Convent Bukit Nanas student in Lorong Hicks, Kuala Lumpur. The army officer and family were originally from Ipoh, Perak.
As the story goes, this Convent Bukit Nanas student came from the locally well-known Gomes family, well known as musicians, music teachers and singers. Her father (my grandfather), was said to be amongst the first to bring and start up an orchestra in then Malaya (now Malaysia). Amongst the singers in this family, this 4th youngest child of the family, the Convent Bukit Nanas student, Philomena Clara Gomes; could sing; too.
The army officer, Eustace Anthony Atkinson sings bass; and Philomena sings contralto. So, you add 2 + 3 together and you get wedding bells on June 16, 1956.
Then, we, their children; came along…
Left to Right: Terence (No. 4), the late Jennifer (No.1), mum, dad, Malcolm (No.5), myself (No. 2), the late Nigel (No.3).
Yesterday was their 67th wedding anniversary. They have taken the less travelled road, the roller coaster ride with the ups and downs, sharp left and right turns causing “G” force pulls. Mum still bakes the best butter cakes and dad, at 91; still drives out for groceries.
Here’s wishing mum many, many more great birthdays.
Here’s wishing mum and dad many, many more wedding anniversaries. Together, they are the power of “1”.