My Oma

My Oma
Originally uploaded by Spunkycynth.

Last Sunday my grandmother turned 90. Yes, she pulled herself through Indonesia's war of independence (where we heard stories of her carrying my baby father across the river for a safe refuge in a nearby town), the communist laden times of 1960's where food was scarce and paranoia was everywhere, lost a husband to scumbag back stabbing relative, lost 2 sons to the war, but still manages to raised 4 kids to create a God fearing family. She lives through to see 3 generations of her family blossomed; her children give her grand children, and her grand children give her great grand children. Well, one cousin did.

Last Sunday, her family, friends and distant relatives gathered to celebrate 9 decades of her life. One of her nephew said that he'd always remembered my grandma as being fierce, super disciplined and strict. She would not hesitate to whack you when you didn't do what you're told.

She told me that there was only one thing that crossed her mind that day. Gratitude. 90 years is not a short period of time and even if she is not famous, nor rich in material wealth, she is abundant in love.

It is about making the choices in one's life and continue to live life as if there's no tomorrow. Life is full of ups and downs and that is why it is so great. We are given numerous chances to shape and mould our characters to whatever we wanted to be. Not knowing if we would get second chances on things. Life is a gamble for happiness. It is your choice if you want to live in happiness or strife for something else...

In living the 90 years of her life, I think my Oma has made hers. Her life is for her family, and her God. She tries to live her life to her Creator's wish and continue to surrender.

Wow!! Happy Birthday Oma...