Short Story: My Great-Grandmother

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Madam Ong Siew Ngoh. My great-grandmother was a graceful, noble lady who knew how fickle life is, changing one’s fortune with a simple snap of the fingers and how easy betrayal comes to some. In my eyes, she is a remnant of the distant past and yet a reminder of the traditions and ideologies that still lingers on into our generation. Jhor Jhor’s [a respectful Hokkien term for my great-grandmother] life seems almost impossible, something I could only imagine being in an Asian drama. Each story I hear never ceases to amaze me, leaving me in awe within the shadow of her strength, courage, and perseverance. In all honesty, I am honored to be her great-granddaughter. I have no idea why, but I always compare her to a heron. Maybe it’s the way she …show more content…

Honestly, the stray dogs and occasional cats that roamed the bustling streets were treated better than they were. How could anyone resist feeding those stray cats and dogs when they slink underneath your stools, looking at you with their pleading ‘Puss in Boots’ eyes? There wasn’t — couldn’t be a speck of dirt in sight. It was the epitome of cleanliness. Jhor Jhor and her six children’s day began when the sun rose. Those long hours of scrubbing away the dirt and exposure to water turned blisters to callouses and wrinkled Jhor Jhor once unmarred, soft hands. Her sister’s monstrous stormy waves of disrespect and abuse battered against her spirit, wearing away the physical trademark features — smooth, unmarred palms, free of callouses and scars, bright, lively eyes and genuine smiles— evidence of her once noble, high status. However, there’s only so much she could take; first and foremost, Madam Ong Siew Ngoh was raised to be a lady. It wasn’t a fairy godmother or Prince Charming who helped to change her life around. After many years, Jhor Jhor finally found it within herself to stand up against her sister and moved out to start her own food business: ‘Baba &

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