The Second Day .."Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference".

In previous years this event was held at the house in Sungai Pinang but this year it was decided that only close family and relatives were invited to join and the venue was at the Sunshine Hotel. It was fun but not as merry as it has been where almost the whole neighborhood had turned up for the occasion.

It most probably was due to budget constraints as there is in the planning two or three weddings to happen in the ver y near future within the family. The event has also become primarily the Merikan family gathering which sees mostly my late uncle's Isahak Merikan' children and grand children and maybe great grand children too. This trimming down of the festivity to include only close relatives is understandable but it will reflect upon the overall status of the family name in the community.

It was also the coming together of the two sides of the family as my late uncle had married two wives and both were equally productive in procreation. 

I was a guest as always and did my share of entertaining and being there in the moment to make things more cheerful for the others. As is said in Buddhism, existing for the benefit of other beings. It was a good venue that reflects class but must have cost a bit of a fortune which to me could have been well spent if it had been done at the house as in previous years, but tribal and clan makes up for a good support system in this day and age where one may need to depend on family more so than before.

I was asked to be the jury for the selection of the King and queen of the evening. This is the climax of the Aidil Fitri Celebration more or less for most Muslim families all over, however in some cases there are a few more get together and open houses where friends are invited to the home to share in the festivities especially those of the other ethnic backgrounds. Hence this event has now taken on a new phase from an open house to closed one and which eventually become for members only. 

Marissa, did her best to fit in and most probably had more fun than she bargained for.
“That's what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you're not so lovable.” 
― Deb Caletti

Picture with my favorite cousins. People in general do not ask or expect much out you but to just be nice and if possible more caring and loving. It is all it takes to become a member of the family if not the nation itself, so if you stop placing too much value upon yourself you might become the most popular guy in the neighborhood.
“You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” 
― Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society

With, Ahmad Kalam, my niece and her family if your presence gives those who look up to you some sense of comfort or even confidence why not be there for that reason; become the symbol of hope and courage for the little ones just like the bulls that stand guard  over the herd in the forest become their model.
“HAPPINESS [is] ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED” 
― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

Karim and Marissa enjoying the evening seeking out their own corners away from the rest .I have done most of what i could to instill in my children the fact of interdependence we should have with one another and the fact that we exist for the benefit of others as a great virtue to practice but...As much as i would love to disappear and live in the jungle or mountain somewhere away from it all, a greater part of me tells me that i am needed where i am to my role as being who I am in the scheme of things.

For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.

Christina Rossetti

With the 'terrors' from Balik Pulau, Suhana's daughters Rabiaton and shiken, my late brother Gina's grand daughters who he never got to see.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.

Barbara Bush

The third addition to the family  The most common greetings that one receives whoever you meet is Selamat Hari Raya or something like Merry Christmas. Then Maaf Zahir dan batin, which implies, forgiveness in both physical as well as spiritual outer or inner wrong doings  that might have occured throughout the year. Then there is the Halakan yang termakan dan minum, which says to make it kosher for all that we ate and drink at the other's expense. Islam has made it simple these acts of humility and cleansing of relationships between young and old. At gathering like these one is reminded of one's connectedness to others.

My nephew Husin and his family. Nora is my second eldest brother's daughter and married to Husin formerly from Myamar. hey have four children, with Shukri, Sha, Haikal and Amira.

":You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." ..Desmond Tutu