Al-Fatihah

Got news that Azura Hani Ahmad a.k.a Zoorek and Norhashimah Wahid a.k.a Sheema both succumbed to their illnesses this morning. They both have passed on. As and when there is info, I shall keep the updates coming on this post.

Al-Fatihah to my two lovely sisters. Ya Allah, grant their loved ones the strength to carry on.

I was totally numb, trying to make sense of things. It was so overwhelming that I had to stop the car and park by the roadside and cry and cry and cry. What a devastating way to start the week. I shall miss them dearly.

*Update on Allahyarhamah Azura Hani Ahmad

8:55am : Jenazah akan dibawa ke rumah aunty dia di: No 48, Jalan 17/4, Petaling Jaya. Kebumi sebelum Zohor.

10:28am : Directions to her aunty's house - if u are coming from the Masjid Bulat Section 14, at the Rothmans roundabout, take the 3pm exit. Take the first second left turn and look out for Jln 17/4 on your right after Pasar Seksyen 17.Go straight on until you get to a cross-junction. No 41 is the first house on your left.

10:55am :(via sms) Azura Hani, akan dikebumikan @ Kota Damansara, Seksyen 9. 2:30 today.

6:00pm : Tahlil arwah will be carried out at her aunty's house (same place) after Isya' for the first night.

9:00pm: Zoorek's mom confirmed that the 2nd night tahlil will be carried out at the surau instead of her aunty's house. The 3rd night will be done in Meor's house - 105B, Menara Jaya, Section 14, PJ (Opposite Milleneum Tower) Tahlil as usual will be after Isya'. She encouraged that we come to the one in Meor's house. :)

2nd June 2010 : Tahlil arwah malam ke 7 akan diadakan di rumah Abang Hak - No. 78, Jalan Lee Woon (Belakang Zoo Negara) The itinerary would start after Maghrib. Aunty reminded to be there a little earlier, takut sesat.

*Update on Allahyarhamah Sheema Wahid

9:05am : Jenazah akan dibawa ke: No 41, Jalan Enggang Timur 1, Taman Keramat. Kebumi estimated around 11am.

10:07am : Jenazah bertolak dari Hospital Klang pukul 11am. Burial will be a little later.

10:25am (fr sms) : Skrg arwah sheema di bilik forensik, after that dimandikan di Masjid Al-Ansar, Jln Enggang 1, Tmn Keramat, all details about arwah ada di nst, utusan n few local newspaper, all press n govt ppl ada di hospital, arwah akan dikebumikan selepas zohor atau tgh hari ni..time x confirm lg

5th June 2010 (fr sms) : Salam, Di jemput utk menghadiri Kenduri tahlil malam ke-7 for arwah Norhashimah Wahid on 060610; tomorrow nite will be held @sheema's mother house @ keramat after isyak. Please forward to other family member and friends as well.. TQ

-dillz blogging out-

Breast Cancer: What can we do?

This post is dedicted to Allahyarhamah Siti Marlina Zainal (1976 - 2009) , my junior Srikandi thoroughbred 89-93. She passed on last Monday, 6th July 2009 after a brave fight against cancer. Do read her "My Surviving Years" blog. I was so touched and saddened by her heartfelt posts. She was also featured as a Winner in "My Story -Ceritaku" competition in conjunction with National Cancer Awareness & International Breast Cancer Awareness months. Read it here: I lost my breast but not everything else!

Al-Fatihah.

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Just about everybody knows that the most common type of cancer in women is the breast cancer. Everyone would know at least one person within their circle that had passed on due to the deadly disease.

The statistics doesn't help either:

• Breast cancer afflicts an estimated figure of more than ONE MILLION women in the world each year and it is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, second to lung cancer.
• For new cases of female breast cancer reported in Malaysia in 2003, 64% of these cases were women between the ages of 40 to 60 years old.
• Early detection and getting the appropriate medical attention can help save lives. It is so unfortunate that in Malaysia, nearly 40% of new cases identified each year were already in the very advanced stages of the disease.

(Taken from: Pride.org.my - Statistics)

What I can say is that Early detection is KEY. We need to be aware of the Do's. Don't just wear the pink ribbon, you need to know what to do and you need to DO IT!

From Breast Self Examination (BSE):

Every woman from the age of 20-39 years old should:

• carry out BSE once a month, between the 7-10 day from the start of your period (Truth be told, I have NEVER done this in my life. I know about it,sure. I feel embarrassed when approached by the lady with the pink ribbons, that I just quickly get the DIY manual on BSE and hurried along)
• do Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) once every three years, though there are also other recommendations to do it once yearly when you reach 30. (I am guilty too , I have NEVER done this ever!)

For ladies aged 40 and above:

• carry out BSE once a month. For women who have reached menopause, do it on a specific date of the month
• do CBE and mammogram once a year

We need to be breast aware - i.e. know how your breasts actually look and feel. Look for changes in breast size and shape, any pains and lumps, changes on your skin and nipple.

On another note, I feel that we would also need to participate in breast cancer awareness campaigns. I found a local community program called Passionately.You - " a woman driven campaign dedicated to women's health and to celebrate all cervical and breast cancer victims and survivors' fighting spirit. The Passionately You Duck represents HOPE for those battling cervical & breast cancer."

They organized a 2 months campaign last year called "Passionately Pink" in which pink rubber ducks , a commonly used symbol to fight breast cancer, were given a make-over by Malaysian celebrities and then auctioned off. The objective was to raise RM100,000 to fund the Breast Cancer Community Treatment Programme at Assunta Hospital.

The Passionately You roadshows aimed at telling women about breast cancer prevention and and HPV immunization campaign for young women to protect them against cervical cancer. The next roadshow would be at TESCO EXTRA Selayang on 16 - 17 July and TESCO Setia Alam, Shah Alam on 18-19 July 2009.

There's other exciting activities in store, including "All Things Women" shopping weekend scheduled sometime in August whereby a percentage of sales from designer clothing, footware and accessories will beused for women's cancer treatment. There will also be fashion shows and music entertainment in the agenda.

Another interesting activity is the Passionately YOU Quacky Run of 25km and 5km Family Fun run on October 11,2009. For more information call 603-77839509. (You could run or volunteer, either way, do call the number) Make that call and start practicing for the marathon with benefits - this would go well with my "Muffin Top" eradication program.

-dillz blogging out-

Remembering MJ

Was up last night ramping up my report. Coincidentally, "Remembering MJ" was also on on E! It was the live telecast of the memorial service for the great legend, Micheal Jackson in Staples Center. Loads of celebrities were present for the public service and apparently, some millions of fans applied to be there in the flesh but only 11,000 was allowed entry into the centre with another 6,500 more watching via video streaming in the opposite Nokia Theatre.

There were loads of singing - not in a hoo-hoo.haa-haa kind of way, the ambiance was very sombre and tensed. I especially liked the rendition by Jermaine Jackson singing MJ's favourite song, Smile by Charlie Chaplin. Usher's "Gone Too Soon" also struck a chord with me. Mimi's intro song, "I'll Be There" was a bit off, I thought; maybe she was feeling too sad to sing nice.

There were also friends giving their last respects, like Brooke Shields and Queen Latifah. The son and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. were there too. But most of all, I thought the most moving was when Paris, Micheal's only daughter voiced her heart out to share with all the world. She said, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him. Sooo much " Then she cried some more as her aunt Janet hugged her tight and then whisked her off the stage. Here's a snippet off youtube:

I couldn't help but shed a tear. It was just so sad and so touching. Can't imagine a child that young losing her father. And to think that their identities have been so protected with the masks and what not. Here she is baring her heart..

Read the full story on NBC's Poignant service says goodbye to Jackson

Rest well, MJ. I got my sleep at 4am this morning.

(Picture credit: here , here )

Oh, by the way, if you didn't catch it this morning, 8TV will be showing the repeat tonight.

-dillz blogging out-

On This Friday Morning

I was shocked to hear about the demise of MJ on my way to work this morning. The "King of Pop" is no more. He apparently collapsed in his house and was taken to UCLA at about 4am MST where he went into a coma. After a while, he was pronounced dead, at the age of 50 years old.

Controversies surrounding the great MJ are many, but he really is a gifted and brillant entertainer. After all, they say, the line that separate true genius and insanity is a very thin one. He will surely be missed.

Read the story here

Picture from here

Anyhoots, I seemed to have started the day on my right foot otherwise. I was certain that entry to the parking hell that is Level -2 of Menara TM has been closed for any vehicles but as soon as I got the mouth of the entrance, the Pakcik Guard was waving to me to enter. There's one spot left! What luck, what timing. So, alhamdulillah, I am parked legally in Level -2 today. :)

The next good news has been anticipated for quite a while. Finally got word that I passed my Band 2 Assessment and am being "processed" for promotion. Double Yeay! Alhamdulillah.. my prayers have been answered..

Seems that I am starting on the right foot today. Hope you guys have a good day too and have a great weekend, y'all!

-dillz blogging out-

Mull over these...

Came across the following entries from my favourite bloggers that made me ponder a little longer than usual.

ONE - Taken from Noresh's post: Chicken Ala Carte

Chicken Ala Carte : Directed by Ferdinand Dimadura Genre: Drama Produced In: 2005

The synopsis says:

This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

Very touching inde film. I have seen this link posted by a few people in FB as well. Makes you think about that extra scoop of rice you took during breakfast / lunch / dinner and was not able to finish. Makes you think where will that extra piece of chicken meat go if you don't finish them. Makes you really think how could they be so happy when they are actually eating leftovers - not even leftovers, you know.. It's more like sisa-sisa that you'd give to your pet cat. Really sad and kesian, kan?   I think I'd need to show this to my Khadra and Khaleeq to knock some sense and realization to them. Remind me, will you, hubs?

TWO -Taken from Idlan's post: Now it's not everyday that I rant but.. yonks ago. I know, I am lagging, but still... 

It is the story of Ms. Susan Boyle - a going to 48 year old spinster with a magical soulful voice. She is contestant number 43212 in the current Britain's Got Talent. In the pre-performance interview with Ant & Dec, she confessed that, "At the moment, I live alone with my cat, Pebbles. But, I've never been married. never been kissed. Aaahh.. Shamed.." and she added "But, that's not an advert!" 

When she first strutted her stuff onto the stage, she was stuttering, even looked like she was a little slow when she answered the judges. She swivelled her hips when Simon asked her how old she was. "I am 47. And that's just one side of me" Note the judges' rolling eyes and disapproving looks. When she proclaimed that she wanted to be a professional singer - two female audiences at minute 1:24 through 1:26 was going "Yeah right?", "What the hell are you doing here?" , "Are you sure you want to sing?", "Hrm?" - complete with the "Can you actually believe that?"-look. 

Before she even opened her mouth, I could see that some people in the audience and the female judge were secretly hoping , "Please, please.. let this one be able to actually sing." Oh, and sing she really can. :) Watch her on Youtube here. You'll understand what I mean. :)

Good on you, Susan. It just tells you to go for your dream, no  matter how ridiculous it seems to others. I also especially like the article by The Guardian's Tanya Gold. She gave an even more detailed breakdown of what went on that night.  I guess, I wouldn't go as far as saying that she is ugly. But, there is some truth to what Tanya wrote. Female are expected to be beautiful and smart and all that. If you are dog-ugly, then there is no hope for you. You are not expected to do well, nor is there even a slight possibility that you could have a remarkable talent. Most unlikely! There is no reason what-so-ever that anyone should envy you. Why is that so, really? Why don't we have these issues if it was an ugly man standing on Britain's Got Talent stage, instead? (Case in point, that Potts guy who went on to win the show!)

THREE -Taken from Ema's post: 99 Balloons

As usual, if you can't see the video now, click on the link later. 

The video-documentary is about Eliot Hartman Mooney, born on July 20th, 2006 with Trisomy 18 a.k.a. Edwards syndrome. It is a condition whereby there is a presence of an extra 18th cromosome in the baby's DNA. One should also know that this is the second most common trisomy, after Trisomy 21 a.k.a. Down syndrome, occuring in about 1:5000 to 1:8000 births. Unfortunately, Edwards Syndrome is usually fatal, with most of the babies dying before birth and even those who do make it to birth typically only lives for a few days. A small number of babies (<10%)>

Every day is celebrated , every day is God's gift for them to be one more day with their beloved son. It was inspiring to see how they coped with the cards that was dealt for them. It was also way too easy for them not to have felt the gratitude. To blame fate and their miserable fortune. To be bitter at life and God. To be angry. I am just plain amazed by their strength and their faith. How great to see 99 balloons were released on the day of his funeral to mark his 99 days he graced Earth. 

Now, who said that blog-hopping was a waste of time? Didn't you learn a thing or two today?

-dillz blogging out-

DZ's Update

DZ's Update series: | Red Alert:Prayers needed | DZ's Update | DZ's Update 2 |

I am a little overwhelmed by the response and hits that I got due to my previous post. Firstly , for those who were seeking news and reliable sources on the DZ's sister, Ms Dzulita Md Sakan; here's an extract from our HR division regarding her.

"Dengan dukacitanya dimaklumkan bahawa Cik Dzulita M Sakan (30 Tahun), Pengurus Business Support & Admin, Group Performance & Program Management Office (GPPMO), TM Ibu Pejabat telah kembali ke rahmatullah pada hari Sabtu 04-04-2009 kerana terlibat dalam satu kemalangan jalanraya di Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan berhampiran kawasan rehat Sungai Buloh.

Jenazah Allahyarhamah telah selamat dikebumikan di kampung halamannya di Kota Tinggi, Johor. Bagi yang ingin melawat keluarga Allahyarhamah Dzulita, bolehlah mengunjungi mereka di alamat 3374, Jalan Intan 6, Felda Lok Heng Barat, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor.

Untuk makluman, kemalangan tersebut turut melibatkan 5 anggota keluarga lain termasuk kakak beliau, Dzuliana M Sakan (bekas anggota TM), 2 orang anak Dzuliana, pembantu rumah dan rakan kepada adik beliau. Mereka semua kini sedang dirawat di Hospital Sungai Buloh dan Hospital Universiti, Kuala Lumpur.

Pemergian Allahyarhamah Dzulita merupakan kehilangan yang amat besar kepada TM khususnya kepada GPPMO. Beliau merupakan seorang warga TM yang sangat cemerlang dan penuh berdedikasi.

Sudilah bersama-sama kita menyedekahkan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah kepada roh Allahyarhamah dan roh muslimin muslimat yang telah mendahului kita. Semoga didoakan rohnya bersemadi aman di alam barzah yang menanti.

AL-FATIHAH"

A small tahlil was conducted in her office on Monday morning and at the end of it, her VP spoke highly of her, how she has surpassed his expectations with her commitment, organizations skills and support that she has given to her department. How even in the her last days she was exhibiting who she really was - organizing the transport and logistics for her family members from the airport back home. His eyes were filled with tears when he said those words. It really showed how sincere he was and how adored Allahyarhamah was. We were also told that Allahyarhamah was also looking forward to her week long holiday , who would have thought that she would be taking a permanent leave of absence.

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We also got a link and pictures to the accident. It was posted by a good samaritan who came across the accident. Pictures courtesy of: burt

You can read more about his encounter here. Am really touched by his words and good samaritans all around. DZ related that she was helped by passersby who tried everything to get them out of the Naza Ria. Iskandar was sent to Hospital Sungai Buloh by a good samaritan. DZ's brother got to PPMU by flagging down a passing car. These acts rarely get any air-time. What we normally hear are stories of lost handphone, lost money , etc etc from the scene. So, bravo to all good samaritans, the unsung heroes.. So glad to see that the culture is still embedded within us..

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We went visiting Tasha at PPMU at lunch time yesterday and Alhamdulillah, she has completed the procedure on her legs to fit the brace. She is still in the Peadiatric ICU and it seems that she is into her recovery stage. As of now, she is being sedated to minimize her brain activities and to avoid shock should she realize the trauma she had gone through. Her dad was with her when we visited. Azmarin was looking well despite the commuting and he had spent the night before with his son Iskandar. Be strong, bro.. My heart really goes out to you..

On the evening, we went to visit DZ in Sungai Buloh. She is looking much better, talking incessantly about this and that.. :) She has her right leg nicely bandaged after the successful operation the day before. I really think the visits are really benefitting her.. She seems more upbeat, more positive.. Thing is, she still hasn't been eating that well.. Maybe, I'll have to bring some goodness of Gardenia Butterscotch and tempt her with it. Otherwise, she looks pretty good. Need to remember to bring some trashy magazine when I go see her next as well, to get her mind off things..

Update on their helper: she broke 5 ribs (3 on one side and 2 on the other) and also has possibly slipped her tulang belakang. Still a little traumatized.. I don't really know on the status of DZ's brother's fiance, though..

While with DZ, we were visited by Iskandar who came down with his grandpa to visit his mom. He looks fine now, more upbeat then before and as soon as he saw the toy we brought him, he was ready to bid good-bye to mommy. :) Iskandar is scheduled to meet the neurosurgeon today. (He loves small cars, so, think HotWheels and the lot if you come visit!)

-dillz blogging out-

Red Alert: Prayers Needed..

DZ's Update series: | Red Alert:Prayers needed | DZ's Update | DZ's Update 2 |

An unfortunate accident has just happened to a dear friend of mine and her family. The person in question is Dzuliana Md Sakan, whom we fondly call DZ, my friend from STF, SPM Year 1992. (Block A, band girl)

(Disclaimer: This will be the encounter as I gathered it. The details maybe a little out, though.)

What had happened? DZ and her family lives in Jakarta and touched down around 10am Saturday morning at KLIA. Her sister, Dzulita Md Sakan, insisted to come and fetch their family from the airport. Two cars convoyed from the airport back to their house in Sungai Buloh. Car 1 - Naza Ria, driven by Dzuliati; co-driver : DZ's brother's fiance (The fiance), Second row passengers: Tasha - DZ's 7 year old daughter (right hand side), DZ & her 5 year old son Iskandar (left hand side) and third row passenger: The Bibik. Car 2- X-Trail, driven by DZ's husband ;Azmarin and co driver :DZ's brother.

They were driving along on NKVE and around the Subang Jaya interchange the X-Trail overtook the Naza Ria. Azmarin related that after he reached the Sungai Buloh interchange, he received a call from DZ that the Naza Ria was involved in an accident and he was to hurry back to the accident scene.

Fortunately / Unfortunately; DZ was awake and aware of the whole ordeal. She even saw the 20-tonne lorry coming from the other direction hitting the divider and flying towards their vehicle that was on the left-most lane. The lorry actually flew across 3 lanes of traffic to hit them on the driver's side. At the point of impact, DZ could only hold Iskandar very very close and tight , while fearing for their lives. She related that 3 of the passengers were unconcious, her sister, Dzulita who she suspected died on the scene, The fiance and her daughter Tasha. Good samaritans came over to break the windows as the doors were already jammed. Though hurt in the accident, the boy Iskandar was taken out first, followed by the Bibik and then, DZ. She told us that she remembered to recite the Syahadah by each one of the unconcious ones before she left the car.

By the time the first car arrived at the scene, they were extracting the unconcious ones from the car. The first ambulance carried Dzulita, Tasha and the fiance to PPMU and Azmarin followed suit. Iskandar was taken by a good samaritan to Hospital Sungai Buloh. The second ambulance took DZ and the bibik also to Hospital Sungai Buloh.

We (Mira, her hubby and mom; Lily and Amar) came over to Hospital Sungai Buloh this morning to give DZ some moral support. She broke her right leg and shattered her patela and was scheduled for an operation today. She was not in her best condition as she could still see the image of the lorry flying over to their car and still not over the demise of her sister. Even the morphine could not help her sleep. Iskandar is being treated in the peadiatric ward upstairs whereby he's suspected to have some concussion in his head. It was fortunate that Azmarin's family lives in Sugai Buloh and his sisters have been taking turns keeping Iskandar company. The bibik had some fractures on her ribs. The fiance broke her hand and has been concious since this morning. Tasha is still in ICU due to some clotting in her head and has been induced into a coma. Tasha and the fiance are still in PPMU.

Please say a prayer for DZ and her family; for their speedy recovery, for the strength to go though this trying times, for the resilience and courage for Azmarin to be everywhere at the same time.

To anyone who is in Hospital Sungai Buloh, please take good care of my dear friend DZ at Katil 14, Ward 5D and his son Iskandar at Katil 11, Ward 8C. Doctors in PPMU, please give lovely little Tasha who is in Peadiatrik 1, Tower Timur the extra attention and tender loving care as her mom is not able to be near her during this critical period.

There will be a tahlil conducted in Level 51, Menara TM for Allahyarhamah Dzulita at 8:15am tomorrow morning. Please recite Al-Fatihah for her.

-dillz blogging out-

A Tribute to Ayah Teh

Today marks one month since our Ayah Teh Zohdi left us due to cancer. Me and the hubster just came back from a kenduri arwah at Mak Teh's place in Bandar Kinrara.

His was a very sudden death, something like 2 days after we found out that he had the "C" and the actual passing.. I can distinctly recall that fateful Monday when I got the sms telling me that he did not have much time left. Hubby picked me up from office and we headed to the High Dependency Ward in HKL to pay him a visit. The ward only allowed 2 visitors at a time, so most of his were literally setting camp outside. There were many relatives and friends reciting Yaasin and taking turns to be by his bedside. Even the Chief of Police came by that day. All his 6 beautiful girls were around him, with the elder ones and Mak Teh softly whispering "Laa ila ha illallah" in his right ear. He was so blessed in that way..

Even the preparation for his burial was smooth and easy. I remember thinking that he really looked like he was peacefully sleeping when they opened up his kain kapan prior to the actual burial.

Ayah Teh (he's the one in the big rimmed specs) made the news when he went back to school to get his Law Degree sometime in the 90s. At that time, both him and Ayah De were doing Law and Ayah Cu (who is about 20 years their junior) were all studying in UIA. So they made the news, lah. I always remembered him as a jovial person. A man of not that many words, but very loving indeed.

Semoga rohnya dicucuri rahmat. Rest well, dearest Ayah Teh.

Al-Fatihah..

-dillz blogging out-