At 17, all grown up, beautiful on the inside out...

As I wander back to thoughts not too long ago, rummage through the thicket of memories laid I dearly hold… I remember vividly the day I asked for a sister in my quiet little prayer. As the days unfold (I have to admit it’s quite murky in my memory bank) as I don’t really recall the 9 months of my mother’s pregnancy, but I remember the day I peered into the baby nursery and saw my sisters little tin puny face. She would squirm about in Daddy’s arms and nestle comfortably to bed. And when she was ‘big’ enough for me to carry (since I was also a little kiddo then), Dad would carefully slip her out of his arms and into mine.

Growing up was a few episodes in itself. There were times we were on the same team, but there were also times we were the worst of opponents. There were times I thought I was all grown up already and she was too childish for me, and times when I detest having to tag her along when I had my weekend activities. I can be quite sure that Ray too had times when she wished her Katch (that’s what she calls me) was more accommodating or less intimidating.

It has changed tremendously now, it really wasn’t an act orchestrated by the both of us but something really precious that God has begun to unfurl. Having 6 years between us, I can really say that Ray’s more than a sister, she’s a very dear friend too. I reckon it was when I left for Australia that our relationship deepened in an amazing way. I didn’t receive a ton of emails or a box full of letters, neither did we correspond everyday or even every alternate day – only occasionally. But the fact of the matter was the distance did us both well in this significant period of growth. Ray learnt to grow without me perpetually looking over her shoulder, she learnt responsibility in places where I used to fill the gaps, she learnt independence knowing that it’s not as easy as falling back and having someone to catch you, she learnt to discover who she was and what she had within her. I suppose it was the releasing of ‘Katch’ that allowed Ray to grow which made the bond we have now stronger than ever.

Well Ray just turned 17 last Fri and we celebrated her birthday in Victoria Station. This year she was ecstatic that her birthday was was before the yearly mission trip. She spent a few consecutive years celebrating her bday in the mission field. This year we made extra effort to bring her out for dinner despite my family (including her) having to pack for a one week long mission trip and leaving the next day.


Striking a smile with her presents


Words written on the cake "Blessed Birthday to the NS (National Service) Candidate"
When Koko came back home with the cake, Ray dragged me to the side and whispered in my ear "Guess what Katch? Koko bought me a cake! So sweet right?"

Ray has matured leaps and bounds for the glory of God. And truly she is beautiful on the inside and out. I say this not because she’s my sister, but I live to testify that God is doing something beautiful in her life.
Tho we still do not share the bed because I’d end up having bruises on my legs or waking up on the floor,
Tho we still have atypical squabbles here and there
Tho we still bargain on house chores and cleaning
Those petty issues don’t compare to how much I treasure having her as my sister & friend
The walks around the padang and our sisterly talks
The best massages she freely gives (ahhhhh……)
The dueting at the back of the van
The cuppa’s we frequently have
And the “bedroom time” where sisters exclusively share