Of Marital Bliss and Casualty of Love

Braving a tropical rainstorm, we drove into the premises of the Royal Selangor Golf Club. We were there to attend the 40^th Anniversary Wedding Dinner of our friends, Dr. Ho and Vivien. Near the door to the doorway of Fairways Restaurant, at a table, we wrote our well wishes onto a broad sheet of white paper which we were told, would be framed up by the Hos.

The anniversary function started on time. The Master of Ceremonies motioned to everyone to pipe down. Then the strains of the nostalgic ‘Wedding Song” filled the air. Two cute little girls then marched in through the floral arch at the door-way followed by two bigger girls and then hand in hand; Ho and Vivien, immaculately dressed to the nines, came in.

After some appropriate-to-the-occasion bible verses were recited by a grand-daughter, the grandchildren then sang some Christian songs in celebration to the Lord while a grandson beat a drum in accompaniment. Ho and Vivien were then requested to come forward to renew their marriage vows. Very touching.

Then we had dinner. Buffet style-average fare.

Audrey and Angie, their two lovely daughters then approached the lectern, in turn, to shower praises on their parents for their love. They thanked their parents for their love and dedication to them. Audrey praised her parents for their foresight in putting her through Mandarin class which she found absolutely useful while working in China and now in the USA. Both felt their parents had given them ample opportunities to grow and to be what they are today.

This was followed by a video screening, montaging the phases of the Hos’ married life through photographs - how they first met, their stirring romance, the marriage, the birth of their 3 children and then finally; ‘off-loading’ the children through marriage. The photo captions were funny and the background music was Chaplinish, invoking the aura of the latter day silent movies with added soundtrack sans dialogue.

Then Vivien came forward to give a speech extolling the virtues in Ho and his faithfulness and dedication to her. Ho, in turn, summarily professed his undying love for Vivien. The dinner crowd were amused by the lovely use of such phrase as “If I have to choose a life partner again, it will still be …..”

Like any marriage, there is the high point and the low point. Speaking on behalf of himself and Vivien, Ho told the diners that the high point was when he and Vivien embraced the Christian faith in 2001. The low point was the sad and premature passing of their daughter, Amy of cancer in 2002.

The Hos had been blessed with three beautiful daughters. Audrey and Amy looked more like Ho while Angie was more like Vivien. They in turn, gave the Hos, beautiful grandchildren.

There was a karaoke session and diners sang to their heart’s delight. The room was then cleared for ball-room dancing. The first to take to the floor was Ho and Vivien, dancing gracefully in true Astairian fashion.

We then said our good-byes and left the restaurant. As we drove home, we saw the Petronas Twin Towers, along the highway, bathed in a splendour of white light and shrouded in mist. The sight was wondrous to behold.

While driving back, I asked my wife. Which daughter do you think is more beautiful?

She said without blinking an eye - Audrey. I could not agree with her more. An absolute angel.

To me, Angie, in her own way, is fabulously attractive and angelic as well.

Any eligible bachelor would have fallen as casualties of love to both of them.

If only, they could turn back the hands of time….

When Audrey and Angie were still available...

Quote of the Day:

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be." Robert Browning

Heartsong-Heartstrong