And all because the lady loved cheese

It happened 33 years ago in a country that neither manufactured nor saw cheese as part of its food; there were yummier and more wholesome things to keep the mouth busy! In fact the only places to get cheese were from the very few specialist shops that catered for the foreigners who lived and worked there. But this young girl had developed a liking for cheese, an act that seemed odd and baffled many.

Now the real story. She married in her final year in the University and soon after her degree exams, set off to overseas to join her young love who had proceeded before her. The plan was that she would stop over in the capital city, visit with husband’s eldest brother and his family and then fly off from there. This newly acquired brother-in-law called her to find out what she would enjoy eating while she was with them. Cheese, she promptly answered. The silly girl did not even pause and think how the cheese could be acquired. All she knew was that her favourite thing to eat was cheese.

And so she flew into town and was warmly welcomed by her new family. Come evening time and her brother-in-law returned from work. Between his newspapers, files and briefcase was a carrier bag looking rather heavy. He approached the young bride, gave her a big hug, and then dropping the papers, briefcase and files on the table, offered her the carrier bag. “For you,” he said. The bag weighed a ton. OK, less than that but still very heavy. Peering inside, she was confronted by the biggest slab of cheese she had ever seen or might see again. It seemed that instead of asking the shopkeeper to cut him a slab, her benefactor must have gone for the whole piece in the shop! It must have cost him a bundle but did he seem to have minded? Nah!!

Over the years, this bride (no longer young!) was to find out that his generosity did not start or end with her. He was a born giver who delighted in giving to relatives and his community. He also delighted in good news, rejoiced with people in their success and shared in their joy and sorrow. He was big but his heart was bigger. He was a man of the people, a great story teller and even enjoyed an occasional gossip too. He was a joy to be with. What’s more, he gave without expecting anything in return. Two years ago when he visited his brother whose wife he indulged with the slab of cheese, she reminded him of his largess and asked how he expected her to eat a whole cheese within a short time. “Well, you said that you liked it and so I got it for you,” was his answer.

Yes, life dealt him a few bad hands which made him recoil a little. But he remained ever so loyal. On the 5th of December 2009, he graced his young nephew’s wedding and despite his arthritis and ill health, danced with the young couple. On the 21 of December, he took his last breath, plunging his family, both immediate and extended, his community and all those who had the honour of knowing him into grief and mourning.

Sam, thanks for the cheese, for encouraging me, for your joy in my successes in life, for bragging about me, my husband and children. But most of all, thank you for being you. I will remember you not only when I eat cheese but always. Rest in peace!

I'm plain lazy!

Is it that I'm too busy, have run out of ideas, my computer crashed or just plain lazy to blog? I think that the last reason is it! Must wake up from slumber 'cause my heart is not at rest. It keeps saying "turn around Chika, get on with what you know you're good at and what you enjoy doing!"

No, this has nothing to do with New Year resolution. I gave up on that years ago as it often lasted until the week after January one; or was it less than that? Yep you've heard of people like me, those whose stick-with-itness is zero when it comes to resolutions. Well, why would I promise not to eat when I am surrounded by lots of goodies and have worked hard to earn every morsel of it.

No. Resolutions don't work for me. What does is when I try on that pair of jeans and find that I have to take a deep breath before the zip agrees to ride up. Like now!

Luckily the constant January barrage from Weightwatchers dropped into my mailbox yesterday. Might just decide to take a look at it!