It has been ages since I last went to a Raya Open House on the first day of Raya. So imagine my joy when, after more than 10 years of losing touch, my Chinese-Indian Muslim first cousins texted me with an invite.
There was a time in our childhood when we were quite close. But like many others, life happened. We grew up, went to different cities to chase our careers, and slowly drifted apart.
Last night, we sat down at the dinner table, enjoying the delicious, aromatic herbal rendang cooked by my aunt, while we caught up on each other’s lives over the past 10 years.
All three of us are now in our mid-40s, and I couldn’t help but feel amused that we all shared the same sentiment – we have no desire to go back to employment anymore.
Sufrie (left) is doing freelance architectural work.
Zubrie (right) is planning a ready-to-cook food business.
And me? I’m happily cruising along as AuntyHR.
The conversation made me pause and wonder – after working so many years for others, is it really freedom that we’ve been quietly craving all along?
That deep urge to reclaim our time, our identity, and our dreams?
Turns out, you don’t need fancy plans to reconnect. Just familiar faces, shared memories and good food.
Selamat Hari Raya from me and my long-lost cousins. Reunited and ready for what’s next.
May this festive season bring you reconnections and gratitude. 🫶
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
P.S. Singapore, if you love good desserts like mango sticky rice tart, hit up my cousin at @bloomadore.co!
