Aisha at peace

Last Saturday night I was at my 3rd aunt's home for a get-together with the family. I was enjoying the company of the kids, my cousins and aunts when I received a call at about 10.30 in the evening.

It was from Mary, my colleague. And the moment I heard her voice, I knew something terrible had happened. Although she sounded calm, the little quaver in the voice gave her away. But I honestly did not expect to hear the news that she was about to deliver: Aisha's gone.

Madam Aisha Hussain was my first section head (supervisor) when I joined the polytechnic in 2006. She was part of the interview panel who assessed me and was the very first person from my department whom I met on my first day of work.

Right from the start, she was patient and understanding, and helped me settle into the new work environment. We got along very well and she became more than just my supervisor. Aisha was my mentor, friend and confidante, always ready to offer her support, advice and help.

I remember in April 2007, dad was warded in hospital with the threat of prostate cancer looming, and our old German Shepherd Fanny had passed away only days ago. I was a bundle of nerves, fraught with unstable emotions during that period. I had kept the death of Fanny and dad's condition to myself, and Aisha sensed something amiss and asked if I was all right. It only took 2 seconds before the dam broke and my tears flowed too freely. She hugged me and gave me tissues, and said that things would be ok, that my dad would pull through.

And in those few moments when she spoke, I felt a great burden lifted from my shoulders. Her words were a source of great comfort to me.

When I became pregnant with Wei in the later part of 2007, Aisha was the first person in my office I shared the news with. Unfortunately, she soon broke the news that she was leaving the polytechnic (after 10 years of service) to help with her husband's business for a while and after she resigned, we didn't communicate much as we were both busy. Plus I was juggling with an exhausting pregnancy, older kids and work. I invited her for Wei's 1st month celebrations but she was busy too. And we didn't meet after that.

So Mary literally dropped the bomb when she told me that Aisha passed away last Saturday evening. My reaction was of shock: WHAT? HOW? WHY? I had no idea that she was sick, and that she'd trouble with her kidneys. I really wanted to attend her funeral, but there wasn't anyone to take care of the baby and it wasn't a wise to bring Wei along so I missed the chance to offer her my last respects.

Then again, perhaps it was a blessing that I didn't go. I'm very sure I'd be traumatised by the sight of her lifeless body. I want to remember her as a cheerful, bubbly, lively, loving and big-hearted person who gave endlessly and selflessly. She had an infectious and hearty laugh, and she was impossible to miss. But most of all, she'd touched the hearts and lives of all who'd come into contact with her, including myself.

It's been a few days, and life's gone on for us but the unspoken truth is that we're shakened. As of this moment, my Facebook status reads: "Y.C. Teo prefers to celebrate the life and times of the late and great MDM AISHA HUSSAIN instead of mourning her sudden, shocking passing away."

Aisha, thank you for your kind words and support, your guidance, patience and understanding. And I pray that you've found peace. You will be painfully missed.

Aisha Hussain (1962 - 2009)