Wednesday 31 August 2011

This year's Aidilfitri...

The first day of Aidilfitri this year was spent at my parents' home in Singapore. My father and my mother are the oldest surviving family members this side of the causeway and as such, they have become the focal point of visits from relatives during this festive occasion. My wife and I have to act as hosts in receiving the large number of guests, most of whom are my cousins and their children.

As always, it was a noisy and joyous day throughout, even though it was pretty tiring... but then, it is only for one celebration each year. Otherwise I doubt us cousins would meet up at all.

It was also a happier hari raya for us this time because my youngest brother who's based overseas, is presently home for the holidays with his family. I got to meet my two nieces and one nephew whom I last saw more than three years ago. With the exception of my second son (who is back in college in Indonesia), my father and mother had an Aidilfitri with the full complement of their grandchildren.

Grandparents and their grandchildren. The eldest grandson is 22 years while the youngest granddaughter is 8.

10 comments:

HLiza said...

Selamat hari raya pak..bestkan bila semua berkumpul..We have some sad stories here but all are put aside for the sake of Aidilfitrri and togetherness..Suka tengok gambar raya tu..best!

Wan Sharif said...

Nice.. time with parent.. precious.
Time with the relatives with all the silaturRahmi.. priceless and full of blessing..
May Syawal brings you and yours Allah's pleasure and Maghfirah

Pat said...

Sounds like you had a lovely time, Fadhil. Nice :)

mamasita said...

Selamat Hari Raya Fadhil..Alhamdulillah for you and your whole clan.Bunyi so meriah!
It's true.Raya is the only time we cousins meet up and exchange happy notes.
Riuh rendah bukan hanya bunyi fireworks sajer..:))

Nurie said...

Raya is about family gathering and the bonus is the food, hehe... Glad to know you enjoyed the celebration, wishing you a blessed Syawal my friend!

Fadhil said...

Ibu Hliza,

I think I understand what you mean about the sad stories. Got some of it myself but no point dwelling too much on it during raya..

Fadhil said...

Ayoh Wang,

Actually it has been quite difficult to get the whole family for a photo session. Kali ini pun ada yg tertinggal... but what to do, we live for each day and savour what we have. Panjang umur berjumpa lagi tahun depan, insyaAllah.

Fadhil said...

Thanks Pat. It lovely time at one side of the family but not so on the other side. But life moves on...

Fadhil said...

Mamasita,

We had a lovely time although it was very brief. Hope your raya this year wasn't too bad.

Fadhil said...

Noorsham,

Thanks for wishes. Hope you had a lovely raya too..