A review by:

Mr. Chan Bing Fai

Former school teacher, Headmaster and educational technologist

Lynn Wong's latest book is SMILE though your heart is ACHING. This is a much awaited book, a worthy sequel to her first book "As Time Goes By" published five years ago. Both her books are generally about life and living. They are not autobiographies.

Her first book is centred more on childhood memories and growing up pains based more on events, observations and her responses and reactions to them, with the innocence of a child. Her latest book, however, is about the adult world with its ups and downs.

It is also about fighting corporate battles.

The words she has chosen carry her thoughts succinctly. They are warm and friendly without being pretentious. The topics included in both her books cover a broad spectrum of subjects and events. Some are more hilarious and many are focused on a more serious note.

Her approach to life is spontaneous, governed by prudence and common sense. It appears lighthearted and easy. Being a keen observer, even trifles, will not escape her scrutiny. Her response to these is largely based on common sense and knowledge; laced with wisdom.

Her thoughts flow through smoothly from one idea to another and the transition is gentle, methodical, tidy and logical. Lynn's philosophy appears simple and yet very profound and thoughtful; gracious and tinged with a lot of human skills and understanding.

Her books are very personal and subjective; unique, highly perceptive, intimate and reflective. I have enjoyed reading both her books and excitedly look forward to her next one which I hope will not take too long to come to fruition.

Her artist -illustrator- is equally talented in bringing out the many encounters and experiences of the author through her drawings; depicting expressions, moods and emotions subtly and with precision. Congratulations to both of you for complementing each other perfectly!

The typography and layout is attractive and designed for easy reading. The book is available in major bookstores.

It is priced at RM27.90.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

HERE I AM, USE ME...

More than twenty (20) months had gone by and I'm still around and kicking!
(Sorry, if some of you are disappointed!!)

Sometimes I wonder why I've been spared but I don't ponder long over something that only God knows.

Am just grateful for another day and opportunity to speak of His great love, grace and mercy... 

As brain surgeries go, mine was certainly not the scariest or riskiest. 
Still the surgeon had explained that any procedure that requires 4-5 hours of intense pinching, prying and probing has some reason for concern.  Just a wee bit.  Nothing to lose sleep over!

The neurologist was a cheerful, kind and burly fellow; barrel chest with a boisterous laugh.  He was big in confidence as well; I liked that.
With a wicked wink and playful punch on my shoulder, he had jokingly advised me to put my estate and other pertinent matters in order.  Standard practice.

No hassle there, since I have little worldly possessions to bequeath!

When the time came I was all prepared.  Fearless really, even to the point that other doctors who attended to me were alarmed.  Come to think of it, I was cheerful, chirpy and confident.  Some said this was abnormal.  I should at least be showing some anxiety.  Sorry, but I couldn't fake even that!
Perhaps it was in defiance over the disease that made me put up this brave front, I don't know.  Or maybe an important sensitive nerve in the brain had gotten confused and'short-circuited' leading to such unnatural behavior?!?!?  Whatever the reason, I took the sudden calamity in my physical well being in stride and surprised even myself.  I refused to fall apart!
(Sorry again, if some of you are doubly disappointed!!  Seriously though if that is how you feel, we really must talk!!!!
In the OT, staring into the blinding bright lights above me, I whispered my final prayer just moments before falling into deep sleep: "Lord, thank you for the good life. Can't complain. Need your strength more than ever before.  Please guide the surgeons, watch over the nurses. Know they are very competent and will look after me. But I also know that things can go wrong in the best circumstances. So, God, if something should go wrong, it's okay...really. I'm not afraid to die."

I awoke but not at the entrance of the Pearly Gates!  
It seemed my time was not yet up.
Meeting Moses will have to wait.

There's unfinished work for me this side of heaven...  

God knows best: "Here I am, use me."



Posted by As Time Goes By...by Lynn Wong at 10:02 PM

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