I am 70 years old. I have 4 children, my eldest child is 50 years old. Back in the days, I would plant rice seeds in the paddy fields and do some farming. I can’t do them nowadays – I’m unwell (I think she has gout). I need to go to the hospital every month. 2 days ago I went to the hospital to see a doctor. The doctor said my cholesterol is under control and I am not diabetic. I only have high blood pressure and gout. He gave me medicine for my high blood pressure, painkillers and some calcium to strengthen my bones. They usually last me for 4 months. When the time comes, I’d go back to the hospital to get them.
I don’t have any money to buy them outside. My son isn’t working so he doesn’t have money either and he’s old now! My youngest child is 14 years old. But I didn’t send my eldest to school last time. It was very far from home. There was no school here. The nearest school was in town. How were we to send him to school when we didn’t have money? How would I know? Life was just planting paddy seeds, farming and tapping rubber trees. We sold what we got to get money. My son still couldn’t get a job – so what he did every day was eat and sleep.
What is the secret in having a long-lasting marriage?
It was easy last time! No fuss like nowadays. You can’t divorce someone when you’ve married him. You have already built a family with him.
My eldest son wasn’t even born yet during the japanese occupation! He was in my stomach then. I was young then. I can’t remember my husband’s age during the japanese occupation. A bit older than I was, I think.
