Iowa Couple Married for 72 Years Dies Holding Hands, 1 Hour Apart - ABC News

THIS IS JUST TOO TOUCHING!!! MUST READ!

By CHRISTINA NG

Oct. 19, 2011

1031562

A devoted Iowa couple married for 72 years died holding hands in the hospital last week, exactly one hour apart.

The passing reflected the nature of their marriage, where, "As a rule, everything was done together," said the couple's daughter Donna Sheets, 71.

Gordon Yeager, 94, and his wife Norma, 90, left their small town of State Center, Iowa, on Wednesday to go into town, but never made it. A car accident sent the couple to the emergency room and intensive care unit with broken bones and other injuries. But, even in the hospital, their concerns were each other.

"She was saying her chest hurt and what's wrong with Dad? Even laying there like that, she was worried about Dad," said the couple's son, Dennis Yeager, 52. "And his back was hurting and he was asking about Mom."

When it became clear that their conditions were not improving, the couple was moved into a room together in beds side-by-side where they could hold hands.

"They joined hands; his right hand, her left hand," Sheets said.

Gordon Yeager died at 3:38 p.m. He was no longer breathing, but the family was surprised by what his monitor showed.

"Someone in there said, 'Why, then, when we look at the monitor is the heart still beating?'" Sheets recalled. "The nurse said Dad was picking up Mom's heartbeat through Mom's hand."

"And we thought, 'Oh my gosh, Mom's heart is beating through him,'" Dennis Yeager said.

Norma Yeager died exactly an hour later.

"Dad used to say that a woman is always worth waiting for," Dennis Yeager said. "Dad waited an hour for her and held the door for her."

The inseparable couple was engaged and married within 12 hours in 1939 on the day Norma Yeager graduated from high school.

"She graduated from high school on May 26, 1939, at about 10 a.m., and at about 10 p.m. that night she was married to my dad at his sister's house," Sheets said.

The vibrant duo had a "very, very full life."

They worked as a team. They traveled together, they were in a bridge club together and they worked in a Chevrolet dealership, creamery and other businesses together.

"They always did everything together," Sheets said. "They weren't apart. They just weren't."

Dennis Yeager described his father as an "outgoing" and "hyper" man who was still working on the roof of his house and sitting cross-legged with no problem at age 90.

"The party didn't start until he showed up," he said. "He was the outgoing one and she supported him by being the giver. She supported Dad in everything. And he would've been lost without her."

Dennis Yeager said it is strange today to go into his parents' home and see the "two chairs side-by-side that they sat in all the time," empty. He said it was in those chairs that his parents cheered on the Arizona sports teams they loved and rarely missed an episode of "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Price Is Right."

According to their obituary, besides their children, the Yeagers are survived by her sister, Virginia Kell, and his brother, Roger Yeager, as well as 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Their grandson Randy Yeager said he has been inspired in his own 13-year marriage by his grandparents' loving and lasting marriage.

"Grandpa and I were talking this summer about all of the people getting divorced for this reason or that and he mentioned that nobody stays together anymore," Randy Yeager wrote to ABCNews.com in an email. "I told [him] that my wife Mara and I would never be getting a divorce and he said, 'That's because you're old school, like me!'

"That was one of the greatest compliments I could have ever received and one I will strive to live up to for the rest of my life," Randy Yeager said.

The couple were put in a casket together holding hands for their funeral this week, but are being cremated and will have their ashes mixed before burial.

"All their life has been together," Sheets said. "So, when it came to the funeral home, the family asked, 'Can we have them put in the casket together holding hands?' Because that's the way their life was."

I'm not perfect

The perfect song to manifest my current feeling. It's a daunting road. An arduous climb for perfection which is far and beyond.

Falling a thousand feet per second, you still take me by surprise
I just know we can't be over, I can see it in your eyes
Making every kind of silence, takes a lot to realize
It's worse to finish than to start all over and never let it lie
And as long as I can feel you holding on
I won't fall, even if you said I was wrong

I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my personality?

Making every kind of silence, it takes a lot to realize
It's worse to finish than to start all over and never let it lie
And as long as I can feel you holding on
I won't fall, even if you said I wrong

I know that I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my personality?

When you're caught in a lie and you've got nothing to hide
When you've got nowhere to run and you've got nothing inside
It tears right through me, you thought that you knew me
You thought that you knew

I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my personality?

I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my, just myself
Just myself, myself, just myself

I'm not perfect, but I keep trying

The language of love

A healthy relationship is one that encompasses love, concern and communication. Clearly, certain factors are missing in mine. Communicate more, pretend less -- that's probably what the love guru would say. However, how does one communicate if the other half comes home (mainly to sleep and shower) in the wee hours of the morning and with the other half leaving for work early in the day? Some may say it's due to the pace of life and work, but I beg to defer. Proper planning on a day to day basis is simply the rule of thumb in making things work and showing respect to anyone. I certainly do not appreciate last minute notification and fake make-up lines thereafter. I've seen several couples making it a point to have a date night every wk/ doing things together/ looking forward to a trip to Maldives or Bali at the end of the year. Such things are probably what I need to keep me going. Motivation. It's lacking. This year is especially daunting. Playing mind games is frustrating when he displays blissful indifference. Before you get overly concerned, there are no irreconcilable problems, am just wondering where's that warm fuzzy feeling that can only come from someone special? At the time of writing, he's once again lying in bed, probably dreaming of the leggy girl he met at YOG's closing ceremony. No, the jealous monster isn't creeping up on me. Roving eyes are prevalent and you can't stop men from ogling. Afterall, I ogle and cute men most of the time too! It's been probably more than a month since we had proper meal together, and 8 months since we planned anything like a holiday together. N yet, plans to go globe trotting with friends are in the making. Blame-worthy? Prolly not in his dictionary. No wonder even the mil forgot how i look like when I walked past her one fine morning. To justify, I was dressed no where near a clown. Perhaps I should buy myself another ticket to far-faraway land again to relegate the past to where it belongs. How else can I continue with having this indomitable spirit?

I think I need some form of therapy to heal this psychological scar. Retail therapy don't seem to work these days. Even mum is worried. We don't share all that much, but telepathy tells it all. I've lost my appetite on several occasions and sleep seems to hate me these days. Was thankful that I managed to doze off at 1am before a certain someone ambled back home @ 2, with all lights inconsiderately switched on. Thanks to that, I'm now blogging. Wonder when will the zzz monster visit me again? This is seriously having detrimental effects on health.

Love, at its most glorifying is about total acceptance. I can only hope that one day that certain someone will get round to appreciate me more (show not tell).

What is your language of love? Mine is probably speaking a foreign one.

Loneliness is consuming my mind

Dear Diary,

Not sure why, but I've been feeling melancholic of late. Can't quite point the finger on the exact thing though. Am just going through life robotic-ally and am nowhere near clearing my backlog. The chase is tiring but inevitable. Amid the music and intoxication, I constantly feel my heart stirring quietly. Been immersing myself with work and social gatherings so as to forget the lonesome feeling. Emptiness is scary. Universal longing for love perhaps; or yearning to excel further and to cull the procrastination; exhaustion setting in, or probably just wanting a break from it all. A break to look forward to like old times. Feelings, unlike golf or trigonometry, defy the rule that you can improve on something by expending more effort. I know I've given loads of effort. But... I'm running out of ideas as to how I should intoxicate myself. Am anxiously awaiting for enrollment for my course in September which hopefully would do my portfolio good. Not sure exactly why I'm subjecting myself to more work and stress. Perhaps the fear for loneliness is exponentially consuming my mind. I've been waiting for that special day/ moment when he'd surprise me with a note/ present/ flower/ plan/ a spontaneous decision to go on a date, but I can only silently wait and be the woman behind her man. So cliche. How long has it been? I've lost count. I guess he did to. Life together is slowly sneaking into oblivion. Someone once said " As long as a man has testosterone, he is subjected to its indomitable command." Agree. Schedules seemed to be planned around him, but I'm only updated about his, when a tantrum is thrown. It's getting really tiring and I certainly do not enjoy it. Sacrifices have been made on both ends, but the scale is somewhat tilting towards my end. Why am I so needy, ever pinning for a man to share my life. Despite reaching out, I find myself utterly alone in the end. Weariness is mounting. I try to with-hold my selfish thoughts, but I just want to be pampered and well taken care of.

Is that too much to ask?

One step at a time

In a little blink, 11 days have passed since I last blogged. Ops, the determination seems to be weaning a tad and I'm besieged by guilt.

It's been quite a whirlwind last week with several scheduling problems being escalated by one particular person. Some people simply have no respect whatsoever for others and take things for granted. Here's the big pic: I texted the parent on Monday to confirm the time for Friday's lesson. upon the second message (the next day) did she reply saying she's not home to find out what time her child would be back on Friday. Nice. Being a stay-home mom and she isn't aware of her child's time-table. Told me she'd get back, but no reply till I dropped her yet another text on Wed morning. Only then she replied saying she went home late and a host of other excuses. My phone is switched on 24/7, so no matter how late, I'd be available. ok, granted that she was trying to give me some personal space, but why did I have to chase for an answer? Nevertheless, the answer came and the time was not convenient as child was not coming home straight after school, whilst all others are. hmm....not really his fault though as he is involved in some performances in school. At a time like this, when the PSLE is looming ahead like a dark curtain, I say it's silly. Thus, after much upheaval, I've switched everyone around and accommodated to his timing. You would have thought all was good now, but NOooooo...later that day, the mom texted me to say her child needs to stay back till 10pm! hmm..which primary school does that? Apparently it was the school's anniversary and she doesn't know! Honestly, if parenting had a grade, she would have scored a F-! thinking that Monday and Tues were holidays (due to National day), she thought I'd be able to have a session then. BUT my bookings came as early as 3 wks ago and I had to declined and added that I was having extra sessions with my students. Panic struck, she requested for extras too. With the annoying times she has (eg no lessons after 7pm as the child needs to eat at 7pm sharp, n sleep by 9+pm), I had to reject gently.

Enough said. The above was really a mundane explosion of one of the many things which made me ticked last wk. Escalation of it is a testament to its ineffectiveness. So let's move on....

The wkend had been pretty fulfilling. Met up with E & H again on Sunday. As usual, E fussed over H's marital status. These days, there have been talks of people putting marriage by the side as they pursue a glamorous career -- an evolving role of women in modern society. Singaporean women have made strides int he last few decades. The young women of today are educated and articulate, are well travelled and career-minded. But once their biological clock starts ticking, they start to go into a frenzy mode, signing up with matchmaking services like SDU/ Love actually/ going overseas to buy true love. Read in an article that said it used to be, Singaporean males who signed up with matchmaking agencies to look for foreign brides were older than 45, and had little or no education. Lately, men in their 20s and 30s who are educated and earn decent pay are turning to these agencies. Long-distance relationship used to be so rare that the mere possibility of someone having one would spark weeks and months of intense debate among his or her friends. However, these days, it's a commonplace. Would be witnessing yet another wedding next Saturday which will display Love beyond borders.

Alright, if you have read to this far, I must applaud you for your patience! haha. Here's some pictures to satisfy those who are more visual:
Enjoyed a blueberry Cheesecake with E&H at Suduko Japanese Coffee house @ Bugis whilst the hubs enjoyed a wedding feast at Inter-continental Hotel!
THe Goma Cheesecake was more to my liking. Nice presentation and not exorbitant.

A sneak preview of what's cooking on National day:




Managed to guess what'd I'll be cooking? Answers will be revealed in my next post (which hopefully would be soon! URGH I'm so behind time!)

Emotional Toll

Numbing myself with work

U are my asset and I'm your liability

I don't mind being your liability and be taken care of (financially and emotionally that is) all my life! haha...

Had a little chat with sweetie the other night, n I came up with the above. thought it's rather witty!

He's the MAN and she's the woman behind him?

The wedding of the decade unfolded on 10 January 2010. A beautiful start to a new endeavor between Romeo and Juliet. Perfect Chemistry.

THE story unfolded 13 yrs ago when he was an ordinary 13-yr-old, scrawny, sun- bronzed Ah beng who often spotted a razor haircut, stiff with spray whilst she was a petite girl with lustrous hair drawn in thick shiny braids. It was almost love at first sight. There was a look of enthrallment each time he saw her walk pass. However, she was in genius class, while he didn't really make the mark. Being in the same school added to the agony. After what seemed like eternity, he finally won her heart during his Poly days, when they were 19yrs of age. His devotion for her grew together with his waistline! This ordinary boy has turned into a sloppy, corpulent paunchy man with a great mass of curly hair. On the other hand, her porcelain complexion is still prominently enhanced by her long black tresses straddling her shoulders and she's still the petite girl he knew years ago. Though his physique changed, the love's still strong. I guess love is blind because love is unconditional.

After years of courtship, they finally decided to tie the knot, albeit the very poor proposal if there's any at all! A ring was bought and she was expected to put it on, on the auspicious day. Typical Singaporean. To give him credit however, he was sweet enough to apply for a HDB flat secretly. Unfortunately, it didn't go through as they were earning heaps. (Under Singapore's law, a couple will not be able to obtain a housing loan from the government should their joint salary be more than $8000).

Preparation for the big day took months and the big day finally came:


The smirk hasn't changed after so many years! It has become his trademark!

GATECRASHING...shake your bon bon....

Gatecrashing. It gets tougher each time as the sisters try to outdo their attacks. THis time, the boys were given a task of dancing to the tune of "Nobody" by the Wonder Girls. A hilarious moment!
Bros and Sis clad in customized pink tees! A welcome concept by all. Finally! No more little cocktail dresses and ties at gatecrashing! It must have been the best moment for the bride for after 31 yrs, she has waited for this day -- To STEP ON HER HUBBY!!
After 31 yrs, our dear A is no longer THE man. Now SHE's the Man and HE's the woman behind HER! (PS: for the record, he "graciously" allowed her to step on him after failing to step her her feet...orhhhh...so sweet!)

Helpers arrived for rehearsals at 430pm. Most of us needed a drink before the event to get us into the mood!

Doesn't she look adorable in that dress?? Coupled with those luminous jet-black eyes, she definitely outshone Fann Wong!!




The groom A was perspiring copiously when he heard that the vow would be made in two languages! haha...It was probably worse than taking an oral examination as beads of perspiration rolled down his cheeks. Listen carefully to the fumble. Nevertheless, it was a touching moment. We could have sworn a teardrop was rolling at the brim of his eyes!



It was one of the most entertaining weddings! Even the hotel commented that they have not seen such a spectacular stint pulled off so well in a long while. Friends of over 10yrs were pulled together for a dance entry, a prelude to the happy couple's first march in. We danced to the tune of Jolin Cai. It was great fun! This was followed by a spectacular display of poppers as the couple made their grand entrance, with the groom crooning to a love ballade by heavenly king, Jacky Cheung. With friends like these, who needs enemies?



The second march-in's entertainment level was just as high. With many being educated in a Chinese-ed environment, the song 甜蜜蜜 seemed to strike a cord with the audience.
It felt like a massive alumni gathering for CCHS. Out of 50 tables, there must be at least 7 tables filled with seniors and juniors!



An emotional moment when the mask was taken off. It's times like these that I feel he's not as irritating or MCP as he seems.

The Star of the night. 个人演唱会!

A few songs and drinks later........


He was a goner even before the night was over! A few songs and drinks at the KTV (part two of our celebration) and the groom staggered back to his room, leaving the bride speechless and all alone to fend for herself against monstrous bunch of liquor attackers!

Revenge is Sweet!


4 yrs ago, sweetie was "violated" by the monstrous A!

Love is the beauty of the soul. In love, there are no impossibilities. The best things in the world cannot be seen or touch. It must be felt with the heart. I wish my endearing friends A & L everlasting love and a blissful life ahead! :)

Recounting a productive day

I commence writing with a heavy heart. Been reading more blogs than writing! Terrible. Too much reckoning. Spouting too few words of wisdom. There's simply too much on hold. With CNY looming, it's inevitable that little me is scampering around, sourcing for the best buys for parents, in-laws and God Parents. It's the same routine each yr. I'm always the one going the extra mile in pleasing the oldies. If left to sweetie, I think he'd probably just say "Let's go on holiday". Typical.

With 2010 into its sixteenth day, I must say (with much regret though) that today's the only day I woke up early without an alarm clock and did loads. Am planning to whip up a mean dish this Sunday and since Sunday's the only day we probably can sleep in, I decided to do my marketing today. Didn't expect the cost to be so high over at Marine Parade Market though. Felt like I've been fleeced, especially for that $17 fish head! Perhaps coz the seller spoke English to me! Marketing, breakfast and cleaning up were all done by 10+am. This was followed by a series of admin work which needed serious sorting out. Managed to steal a quick nap before job proper started at 230pm. Fortunately for that power nap, I was able to last this long.

Rushed like a mad woman and was once again infuriated by screw ups in schedule. Just when I thought everything has been settled. Wish parents can be less protective, stop pampering their kids and accommodate my timing! That's the downside of the job. Am reluctant to re-look at my schedule. Will probably do so later. Sigh. Got news that G's in hospital and just had surgery, thus I rushed down after work to SGH. That place is a maze and there isn't a carpark next to every block! Was so frustrated as I had to beat the clock. Visiting hours ends at 830pm and I arrived at SGH compound at 820pm!! Fortunately, my muscular legs didn't fail me. I sprinted to the designated block and made it just on time! Ward 56. Before me was a lady who used to have the most upbeat smile plastered across her face...G looked like she has aged overnight and was perpetually tired. Pained me to see her that way. But we all know that God is kind and would look after her. She was not relying on morphine anymore thus was feeling the true intensity of the pain. 3 ribs were taken up and on her sides were 40 stitches waiting to be taken out! The poor girl must be hurting. Thankfully, hubby J was right beside her all this while, giving her support and love. Touched. I pray that her tumour's benign. This is the second time this killer cell's discovered but we all believe that she'll be strong and pull through it all. One's mind grapples with shock when you wonder why such a kind soul is plagued with such a condition. Had a good chat with her for almost 2 hours and rediscovered our friendship on another level.

Supper/ dinner was at my favourite mee sua place. Tried my luck and dated Jas who happened to be on her way home. Yeepee. Amazing that our friendship has passed the test of time -- We knew each other all our lives. Right from Primary one! Come to think of it, there are a couple friends whom I know since P1 and are still v much in contact! Cool. Am glad I managed to speak to Jas. Her bubbly nature has this indescribably way of cheering someone up. It's infectious. I'm happy once more and see light in the future. The panacea is to be focus and work towards my goals. Must endeavor to achieve more! Dreams is what one needs. Fuelled with dreams, I believe I'm able to face with any predicament *fingers crossed*. The new year has brought about contemplation and resolutions. I just hope I can keep them!!!

Lord, You said if I fear You and shun evil, this will bring health to my body and nourishment to my bones (Proverbs 3:7-8). I will not die, but live and proclaim what the Lord has done (Proverbs 118:17)

PS: Sweetie is already asleep. It's 2am for crying out loud! Feels weird. Doesn't seem like we've been spending quality time. How to when he sleeps at midnight and I'm back at 11pm and when you mk time for him, he's out gallivanting/ golfing/ entertaining. It's a vicious cycle. To maintain the sparks is of paramount importance. Heard an advice from "uncle agony" from Men's Health. He says that to please one's partner or maintain a healthy r/s, the man should do smth sweet (flowers, a gd meal, cool etc etc) for the partner at least once a mth. When was the last time your guy did something sweet and surprise you? The "sweetest" I've got recently was probably to know that he cooked dinner and left the extra plain rice for me!

Caught in a vortex of frustration

It's only been the 6th day of the mth and I'm already caught in a vortex of frustration. Perhaps due the fact that it's the first day in a long while that I've worked till 1030pm. The night owl's back again...then again, he has never really left me. Work aside, the yearly scheduling has been chaotic. It's that time of the year when you think u've done your best in fitting everyone in and alas, the schools/parents/other more important subject tutors has to spoil your plan at the 11th hour. I wish I can take it in stride and be more hard-hearted to say no to people who simply cannot accommodate. Somehow, the only thing that puts me off is the fact that I seem to be at people's beck and call. It's a race against time and I'm in perennial denial that I've got more than 24hours in a day. Suffice to say, I'm burnt out. I hope things will take a turn for the better and by next wk this time, I'm able to say that I'm energised by the journey from frustration to competence and comfort. I hate all these absolute dilemmas. Spoils the day.

On a less whiny note, when I felt that I'm bereft of love, sweetie surprised me with a little montage (complete with one of my favourite songs) he made of our Bali trip. Real sweet. The montage that is! haaha..the power of the Mac! He even burnt it onto a DVD which has an awesome menu page! It's inspired me for my next personal project...*secret* My irrational rage momentarily turned into tears when I saw that episode. With the back of my hand, I wiped away a tear.

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart but for you my heart has no bottom.

Happy Wedding Anniversary baby!

Can u believe it, it's our wedding anniversary already! Time absolutely flies! We've been married lawfully for 2 yrs n customarily for 1 yr. Amazin right? I keep thinking that I'm still in my honeymoon stage. However, with work on my back, I did not even realise that 14 October was TUESDAY! omg! A chat with my sweetie and I realised he knew it's Tuesday but dont know what to get for me. Thus i suggested going shopping together. Went on Monday, but nothing caught our eyes. Wanted the Canon Powershot E1, but it's bulky. kawaii but much bulkier than my SONY cybershot.

Woke up looking forward to the day. Felt like it's my wedding day (ok that's a little exaggerated). Made reservations at INDULGZ Tried it out since Xiaxue raved about it. Took up the Lover's Package which I felt was a little overpriced for that sort of Bistro Ambience. I felt the Blue lobster offered better pricing and good food too. But but but, at Indulgz, the service was fabulous. Really attentive. The waiter Joseph deserved the tip that sweetie gave. N did I mention there's no GST? well yes, great service from that kid! Anyway, let the photos do the talking:

Check out the deco they did. Well if you are paying $188+ for the package, it had better be romantic!
Awwwww...so sweet!
While sweetie was finding a parking space, (it's so horrid to find a space, we almost parked on the double yellow line next to a fire hydrant!) I read this. I think it's time i indulge myself!!!!!
This is so interesting. They wrote our menu on a mirror! cool!
yeah! I've got a rose!haha
This is so cool. Using a white wine bottle as a pitcher. I think I should do this at home too!

Slurp. Crab Chowder. Not bad, not that Crabby, but alright la. The best seafood soup is still the lobster bisque I had at The Flamingo @ Las Vegas. That was awesome! Out of this world! but US$12 for a bowl of soup la.
Mushroom soup with truffle. NIce till sweetie wanted to lick the bowl.

Two to share On the dish: Mash potato; Slipper lobster (3 pcs) + seared scallop; Rib eye steak (for him) and squid salad (interesting) What was not too flexible was that we could not have the same soup and initially we could not have both the lobster and the beef. Perhaps it's in the same expensive category. After some "negotiation", we topped up $8.50 to have the perfect set.

Angel. Some cocktail with Bailey's as base.
Homemade lemonade. My Chocolate Fondue. YUM!
Enjoying my mashmellow!It sure doesn't feel like 10 years! So is this the 1st or the 2nd or the 10th anniversary? hmmm

Ending off the night nicely.

One Relaxing Saturday

Finally! A Saturday off! Don't know whether to be happy or sad at times when I get a break. Coz a break = no money. But then again, i NEED A BREAK! Was looking fwd to this day as I can finally go out on a wkend with sweetie. we've even booked a body therapy at Roxy. Sounds sleezy but that place is 100% clean! It's called Tropical 21. Been there twice n it's pretty good so far. Price wise's great too! After discount (coz i'm supposedly a repeat customer after one foot reflex), 60 min -- $38! Wat a bargain right?

Anyway, ya, was looking fwd to it, but the morning has to start out bad with a quarrel. Shit happens when u talk about money! Why don't money just rain down from the sky. Sometimes I just feel there's no one in this world who can understand what i'm going through. Feel so lonely and for some strange reason, missed daddy lots. Called him just the other day and he was as usual roaming Sugnei road all by himself. He enjoys though. Later, i hinted that mom wanted to go China, but knowing him, he doesnt wanna sponsor. I understand the tight financial situation. Tried to cheer him up by saying next time when he retires (he should retire now, but unfortunately I'm not doing too much as a daughter), he can roam the world. He kindof heard the wrong thing n said something like he wont live for another 30 yrs when he hit 60. MY GOD LA! What a thing to say! He totally knows that result in tears cascading down my eyes! N I was driving then, so What a thing to say! I totally asked him to shut up and slap himself. I can't bear the thought even though I know that our time will all come. But i really hope that he gives me a chance to give him a good life and for him to play with his grandchildren before joining another realm.

Went to have my ba zi read on Friday. never really I did this, but was very curious to know. N gosh...interesting findings. In summary, my health seems to be in the red light as I age (that's quite logical for most ppl these days....especially with shitty things like melamine happening). I'm constantly reminded to take care of my health (this was told to me before too). n apparently, luckily i did not get married early. coz only 28 or beyond then will i have a happy marriage (but this morning, i wasn't too happy!).....apparently, i've got a 劳碌命...i think that's really true. but i'll have a good life when old! There's even a chance for me to stay big house! yeah! One significant thing brought up was that I would succeed real well in career if I were to venture overseas. hmmm....interesting. Anyway, next yr apparently my horoscope 冲太岁...hopefully things dont get too bad. Economy is already in the reds! Sian, as if life isn't suay enough.

Overview of the day -- It started bad but ended alright. Had fun cooking with sweetie. We totally refused to let anyone come to our house tonight. Finally had chance to soak in my bathtub n do a facial mask! shiok! Then watched 1408. Lame. I guess life has its ups and downs, and it's seriously not easy to think straight at times. Feel lost and in doubt at times. Fortunately, though sweetie often uses an accusing tone when speaking, he's nice enough to coax me back to sanity by doing silly and sweet things. Thank you.

Tony Leong & Carina Lau's Wedding

Heart in the sky! National day parade rehearsal as seen from my house

While waiting in the car, at the entrance. There was a snakelike queue coz the Valet parking guys were understaff.
Me, looking all pretty with my fake eyelashes and smoky eyes. I think i did a good first time job! What I wore. Shit! Putting on hell lot of weight!
Door gift ie. a glass coaster (useless if u ask me)
Forcing my sweetie to take a pic with me
Why am I best buy and he is person of the year? UNfair!


This is where the fairy tale begins
Blocked by the many pillars! grrrr

Somehow this didn't come up the way i wanted it to. But try to enjoy the melodious voice (albeit the wrong orientation and noise)
n nope, this isn't the couple who got married!haha

Finally they are married! How can a couple ever go through such a long courtship?..N I thought my hubby and I went thru it long -- 9 yrs! This golden couple have dated for 20 yrs! So happy they finally tied the knot in a grand way at a resort in the Himalayan nation Bhutan (i didn't even know such a place exist until today!) Did you know that Carina's makeup was done by Singaporean makeup artist Zing? WOW! Makes me proud to be a Singaporean man! That guru apparently left Singapore for HongKong and is a big hit with celebrities there. He did make up for Faye Wong and Carina and Fann Wong just to name a few. The dewy look on Carina's wedding day was absolutely princessy. Can't tell she's already in her 40s! The wonders of makeup. I recall having my makeup done on my wedding by Liren. It was great too..she had magic fingers too..just tat I saw more magic on others than on me.

On the topic of wedding, wow it's been almost 2 yrs since i've ROMed! Last nite, I attended my cousin's wedding at CHIJMEs. The place was nice, but it had loads of pillars. Half the time i could not see the couple on stage. Service was also poor. Asked for red wine twice before the waiter finally admitted that they had not enuff glasses and were in the midst of washing!!! It's not like we had 100 tables. there's only perhaps 30 tables! The food was YUCKS too! Cold. I think it's coz they do not have an in-house kitchen. I wanted to leave halfway but thought i should stay for the dessert -- YAM. It's one my fav but it was soooo disappointing! it was very lumpy n extremely sweet. Overall, i think apart from location, the place deserves a 3/10!

But, i must say the entertainment was great. There was live singing by a couple. I think cousin engaged them. The ger was fabulous! Hit the keys wonderfully!

Anyway, here's a little something on practices for those who are gonna get married:

1. Guo da li or betrothal

When: One or two wks b4 the wedding
What: gifts and cash delivered to the bride's home by the groom's family. The bride's family
will take some of the items and return the rest to avoid the impression that they are selling
their daughter.
Why: It shows the groom's financial dependability and assures the bride's family that she
will be well taken care of after marriae
Must haves: Pin jin (money in red packets), jewellery for Teochews (si dian jin), dried
seafood for Cantonese, pig trotters for Hokkiens, oranes, liuor and dragan and
phoenix candles. Symbolism: Pin jin is given to the bride's family for taking care
of her. Accepting the dragon candles signifies that her family accepts him as a
son-in-law. Offering the phoenix candles to the groom's family symbolies the
giving of their daughter's hand.

2. Dowry

When: On the same day after offering the guo da li

What: Gifts are presented from the bride's parents to their daugther and future son-in- law.
Why: The gifts are to bless the couple and to show that hte bride is ready to take the new roles of wife and mum.
Must-haves: Baby bathtub, basin and potty are to encourage the couple to have children.The sewing kit signifies a capable wife, the wedding lamps a brigt future and the bowls abundant food

3. An chuang

When: 8.30pm on the eve of the wedding (or any other auspicious day la)
What: Items are placed on the marriage bed and the couple is not allowed to enter the room till wedding ceremony is over
Why: Symbolises gd health, abundance of fortune and offspring for the couple.

Must-haves: Eight types of auspicious seeds and grains, oranges, red packets, metallic discs (da yuan and xiaoyuan) My mil used red packets. She placed them on each corner of the bed. Some will even get little children to jump on the bed

Symolism: The discs signify a blissful marriage while the foodstuff is to bless the couple with children early. The whole process is usually done by a woman with good fortune ie, have loads of children, parents still alive etc

4. Hair combing (I DIDN"T HAVE THIS!)

When: After 11pm on the eve of the wedding. In the Chinese calendar, any time after 11pm denotes the next day.

What: The bride and groom's hair are combed by their parents. Te father recites the blessing while the mother combs the hair three times.

Why: Each stroke holds and auspicious meanin for the various stages of life after marriage.

Must-Haves: Coms, sewing kit, mirrors, red string and ruler.

Symolism: The red string, which signifies a blessing, is used to tie the bride's hair. the ruler is to remind the couple to cherish the relationship and take care of the family.