From Tioman, the ‘diving with dad’ trip [3rd to 8th July]
I don’t know if the feeling in me is one of pride or disbelief or utter
amusement, or indeed all of them, all in one.
My 61-year-old mother is with me in the hotel gym, on the threadmill
next to mine, going toe-to-toe with me in a mixture of speed walking
and running.
I am quite aware of her physical health, as she has always been one
of the healthier ones in the family, but this is the first time we are in
the gymnasium together (one which faces the beach – interesting exercise
entertainment), and I get a rush out of passers-by staring at us.
In my head I can’t help but think “Yeah bitches, she is in her sixties,
don’t play”.
She doesn’t go as fast as me but with just about two notches below my
walking and running level, and handling it very well indeed, I smile.
I start to think that I probably will not need to worry about her as
she grows older, as she is now worrying about her father, my grandpa,
in his old age.
Random pix of dad peering into old family house in Batu Pahat
During the next few days in Tioman I would also
come to realise this Run-With-Mom thing was no one-off. Every time I
wanted to hit the gym, she followed too.
I always think about whether my dad feels the need to match
(or at least) better his fitness, I hope so, of course. (I also nag so, much
to his annoyance)
My brothers are in the pink of health, both being former young athletes,
and mother and I are well versed in the need for exercise and healthy
eating. (Or at least we try).
Part of why I quit smoking this year was the influence from within
my family, actually.
I wonder what it’ll be like in the future, and hope to inspire the same
confidence in my children – that I am fine, that I am taking care of my
health, and that I’ll do my best, that
I can say “just worry about your own health, kids”.
It is a fine gift, I reckon.
Now, if I could only just handle that one last vice …
Btw, here’s a link if you want a teeny tiny reality check on your
health, it’s an 11-question Newsweek quiz on health.
I didn’t get an A plus, hmmph, but was reminded to do
an annual health check soon to update all that important information.
It’s not supposed to scare me, but damn it, trips to the doctor’s
for annual health checks get scarier by the year.
Bah humbug.
I want whatever Tun M & Lee Kuan Yew are taking.
[Sorry, not many pictures taken in tioman, or of sweating self in
gym (yeuxx) so LOL pictures from the brilliant Lolcats, will have to do :)
ok this one's a pup. loldogs! xo
[More from Letters from Tioman to be continued ... ]
