Yvonne Foong: Fighting NF

I have been thinking about Aunt Ivy a lot lately. When she fell ill in 1999 and passed away two years later, I was a clueless teenager who could only busy myself with personal activities while the family went into chaos. If Chinese people were right about the afterlife, I wish to see Aunt Ivy again and let her know how sorry I am. If I could rewrite history, I would spend all my time by her side to sooth her pain.

I remembered this morning that Aunt Ivy displayed her framed graduation photograph in her room. I missed her a lot so I looked for that picture to keep her memories alive. Luckily, mom kept some of Aunt Ivy’s belongings in a cabinet. With a tear-streaked face, I beheld one item after another, that revealed a past I long repressed.

Aunt Ivy graduated from University Malaya with a Bachelor of Economics during early 1960s. In those times before the introduction of racial policies, UM was our joy and pride. After completing her studies, Aunt Ivy worked as the Provident Funds Controller of Malaysian Airlines.

I often hear people talk about seeking greener pastures these days. A friend recently commented that it is natural to want a better-paying job. But Aunt Ivy had held the same job at the same company for over 30 years, When she passed away, MAS announced her demise on one of their websites. And on the day of her cremation, a whole entourage of MAS employees, including those who did not know Aunt Ivy personally, came to pay their last respects.. Some of them were Muslims but they attended Aunt Ivy’s funeral just the same. They came during office hours and the company vans parked across our home were an honor.

MAS headquarters have their own ambulatory service. During the few years before her retirement, Aunt Ivy often lost consciousness at work and was brought to the hospital by her company. I found an MAS medical records card that might also mean they had in-house doctors too.
Before she suffered nose cancer, Aunt Ivy played tennis and golf, and traveled to many countries representing her company. But what I only knew this afternoon, was how much Aunt Ivy enjoyed her life. She had such a radiant smile in photographs with friends and family. But all that’s left in my own memory are sadness. It could have been due to the complications caused by her cancer treatments, or the burden of caring for my dad as he changed following a brain hemorrhage. But despite everything, Aunt Ivy remained strongly attached to the family. I remember one day she told me what a caring and sensible brother my father was to her. That is really something because other people only see the nerve-wrecking version of him after the trauma. I guess her ability to hold onto my dad is consistent with her loyalty to Malaysian Airlines.

Among other things I found were corporate gifts, memorabilia, and this oval jade bangle that Aunt Ivy wore until she passed away. I decided to put it on and live out her passions.

I shall gradually scan and upload more of Aunt Ivy’s photographs here. Do come back for updates!