My Big Sister

A few weeks ago, himself and I had lunch with Elyani at a new vintage-styled food court at Kelapa Gading mall – an area where she lives.

Because I talked about Elyani so much, himself was already acquainted with who she was, not to mention that she was helping me on a really big project which involve of me borrowing her awesome photography skill for the whole day, and himself was there as well to help out (as well as being a patient driver), so they got a chance to bond.

I must say, Elyani gives a positive influence on me, whether or not she realises it; because of her, I’m starting to feel aware of what I eat, and I also start to take care of my body properly.

Elyani used to suffer from endometriosis, so she took care of her health really well, and perhaps that habit had sort of caught up with me as well. She is always relishing me with advices on how important it is to exercise daily and to try to eat healthier food.

But it isn’t so much as her advices that make me really listen (I have problem listening to people); it’s because I really admire her for who she is.

She is a survivor, and a strong person – the kind of person I’d love to be when I grow up (deep down I’m still a childish teenager who jumps up and down for no reason). The first time we met, we couldn’t stop talking about our lives, and it amazed me how tough her life was, and I couldn’t help feeling weak and helpless for complaining when she had endured much more hardship that I could ever imagine.

I admire her discipline in doing things – from the smallest to the biggest, I think she is the sort of person who strives to do everything perfectly.

I also understand her fondness for animals – she often regales me with stories on how she spoils Suneo, her cat, so bad that she often gets so annoyed at his habit, but we both know we love our pets too much that we will do everything we can to make sure they live happily, and it reflects kindness in her heart, and that’s what I love about her.

She has been sort of like a sister for me – I remember when I was getting coffee from one of those mall cafes and I couldn’t take the lid off for fear of scalding myself, Elyani took the lid off so easily, that himself made fun of me for being such a wuss, and to which I replied, “That’s what having a big sis is for,” and at that time I really felt like having a big sister.

This weekend I’m planning to go to Kelapa Gading again – Micah’s food is running out and himself wants to buy some CDs – and it’s just so natural of me to think of asking her to meet up, that even himself already point that out before I manage to say it to him. And I haven’t even asked her whether she will be available this weekend!

My big sister won’t be around forever, she has her own life to live to as well, and it’s imperative that I spend as much time as I can with her.

I feel a bit sad because I know I will miss her greatly, but I’m forever grateful to have the chance to meet her – she has changed my life bit by bit and for that I am always thankful.