My sister Sean, 

I have known you since you were born. Our thirteen year gap often feels like we are a whole generation apart. Almost fifty years have passed in a blink of an eye, despite the long hours when the going got tough.

I hope by now, you have learnt to love your name, and to forgive the misleading spelling. Honestly, I never thought Pa would take me seriously when I suggested both your Chinese name - translated into "angel" in my thoughts, and the same first name as the James Bond actor, Connery. Isn't it just your luck to have me there at birth? Perhaps, this was the seal of our sisterhood bond for almost half a century now.

Hasn't life stretched us to our limits, threshed us in every possible direction? We never grew up poor, although we were broke more often than not. There was always enough good food. We were blessed with Ma's cooking ability and the best cuisine Kota Bharu had to offer. We had the privilege of growing up in one of the "heritage" shophouses, despite never owning it. They say children in families with hardship learn to be independent quickly. Isn't that true? Remember the bicycle rides everywhere on the bikes bought with our angpow money, the long walks in town which continued up to the time I was carrying Lin. Haven't we come a long way together?

Life is perfect in its imperfections. Let's continue our journey of life gladly together. Thank you for being my sister. 

Love,

Jici