I recently returned from a diving trip at Redang Island. Before returning home I stayed a night at my aunt's place, which was good timing as my cousin turned 13 on the evening that I flew back. We had a very nice dinner (grilled lamb, yum yum my favourite).
I spent some time alone with my aunt in the morning, catching up and watching her wrap presents for middle M. While we were chatting, I realized something and asked her where Cookie, their pet dog had gone to. My aunt stopped what she was doing and asked me, "Didn't you know what happened to Cookie? That was quite some time ago." She sighed and told me in a very solemn fashion, that Cookie is no longer with us. I was shocked and asked her how it had happened. In gist, she was in a state of anger over a family matter and accidentally ran over Cookie who was sleeping under the car when she was reversing the car out of the house. She recounted the story in detail and shed tears of regret, even after 18 months had passed by since the accident.
She said that she used to curse Cookie somewhere along the lines of "Die la!"at times when she was irritated with her. The kids will do that too although those words where not spoken with malice. Little M used to tell his friends in school that Cookie died as a joke but now Cookie really is dead. My aunt had to break the news to the kids and waited until they arrived home to do so. At first they thought my aunt was joking and called out fo Cookie. But when Cookie never came, they realized that mommy was telling the truth and burst into tears. After composing themselves they plucked some flowers from the garden and visited Cookie where she was buried.
One lesson my aunt learnt was never to curse, no matter how angry or out of control you feel. She has asked Cookie so many times to die and she ended up being the one that killed her. The pain must have been immense. I remember accidentally running over a newborn puppy some years ago and I cried with pain and regret as I saw the pup draw its last breath before the life went out of it. What more for a companion who has been with the family for some time.
Words are very powerful tools. Do not take them for granted. Do not say what you don't mean, especially when you are not in control of yourself. Words can forge/destroy, make/break and give/take away. Use them wisely. Be alert and aware of what you say. Sometimes silence is the best thing in a given situation, or just walk away.
RIP Cookie. You are in a better place now.
