SOME TLC GOES A LONG WAY

LRemember the recent news report about the Filippino maid who became an instant multi-millionaire when her employer, Dr Quek Kai Miew, left her $S6million worth of inheritance, including an apartment in upmarket Leonie Hill, Singapore? (ST photo) The maid, now 47, had looked after her employer for 23 faithful years. During the last few years when the doctor was ill and wheelchair-bound, the devoted maid was constantly by her side, taking care of her just like a filial daughter would. Indeed, as both women were unmarried, there was a strong mother-daughter bond between the two women.

What interested me in this report wasn't the inheritance, but this line which I shall quote here from the Straits Times report: "She had relatives here and abroad, but was not close to them, except for the nephew who visited her just about every week."

This confirms what many of us already know - most people never forget those who gave them tender loving care when no one else would, especially in their time of need. And they show their appreciation (or not) when they write their will.

I quote from another news report.

“My wife had to do everything for me. She has been coping so well and is always there for me, encouraging me and ever so supportive. I don’t know what I would have done without her.


“I must confess I never used to believe in celebrations like wedding anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion. All meant nothing to me.


“But all that has changed now, and all I want to do now is to concentrate on my life, show my wife how much I love her, make her happy and share whatever time I have left with her and my family. I have been a good father, but I don’t know if I have been a good husband. I want to be able to make up to my wife for the time lost."

~ Comment from a husband who is on medical treatment for liver cancer. ~

We can draw so many powerful messages from these two stories, don't you think?