It was on a winter night way back in 1982, i witnessed something that etched permanently in my mind for life. I was drinking with a group of friends at the lounge of Westin Hotel in Toronto, Canada. The tranquility were suddenly disrupted by an announcement followed by an aged couple taking to the dance floor. Everyone remained silent as the couple began to dance when the band started to render the man's dedication to his partner.
I can't remember when you weren't thereWhen I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do
Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years
I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted, who I listened to before
I swear you taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more
Through the years, through all the good and bad
I KNOW how much we had, I've always been so glad
To be with you ... Through the years
It's better every day, you kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years
Through the years, when everything went wrong
Together we were strong, I know that I belong
Right here with you ... Through the years
I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out
I've learned what life's about, by loving you
Through the years
Through the years, you've never let me down
You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
It's better every day, you've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years...
Through the years by Kenny Rogers included in my playlist
At the end of the song, the crowd roared into a standing ovation. Many with tears in their eyes clearly being moved by this meaningful event. Well, at least it was meaningful to the couple who were then celebrating their golden 50th wedding anniversary.
That night continues to move me till today and will forever stays with me for the rest of my life. But this is not my reason why i am sharing this story...
My main reason may well point to this couple... Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) and Puan Marina Lee Abdullah. Much as i respect Raja Petra for his fearless battle against all odds in the name of humanity for the rakyat and the country, i hold my utmost respect to the woman who stood by him.. the woman who continues to sacrifice so much just to support her husband's journey selflessly.
I paused and took a moment of my time to put myself in her shoe when her photograph appeared in MalaysiaKini yesterday. I see the strength in her for continuing to go through what she have been through over the years of living through a world of uncertainties and worries as her man battled on. That lives out the whole true meaning of "through good and through bad, till death do us part".
Puan Marina Lee Abdullah, please consider this as my tribute to the GREAT lady in you and to the GREAT couple in you and RPK. May God Bless You Both. After 26 years i finally get this befitting moment to share my story.. This song is for both of you. Thank you and thank you again...
6 comments:
I share your emotion and sentiment.
She is a great lady and it takes a very special person to be able to endure such hardship and be with the man she loves through thick and thin throughout the years.
The song is beautiful...
nin, this song nvr fail to bring tears to my eyes. its hard to hold back my emotion writing that post.
i am a man but somehow i am always moved by situation like this.
my heart bleeds with her.
Let us NOT waver. Let us ALL, one way or another, push forward together. The March 8 election was a ray of light for all malaysians. This ray of light must be broadened until ALL malaysians is free of the greed of those in power. Greedy politicians must be kick out of the malaysian power structure.
thanks joe.. this fight is here to stay. they are worried and desperate now. we need to stay on guard..
thanks joe.. this fight is here to stay. they are worried and desperate now. we need to stay on guard..
comments from malaysia-today
Comments (22)
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written by freedom lover, May 09, 2008 | 15:18:28
In the lives of of every freedom fighters and those who have fought for justice and freedom tirelessly, there seem to be an equally moving force pushing them in the attainment of their goals!
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written by kampungboy2, May 09, 2008 | 15:22:10
For every great man there is always a great woman to support him.
Alas, for every evil man there is also an evil woman to support him. Just look at Mr. C4.
report abusevote downvote upVotes: +34
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written by freedom lover, May 09, 2008 | 15:22:24
"One of the best parts of being a family is that you can encourage one another. You can believe in one another. You can affirm one another.”
Stephen R. Covey
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written by Kerajaan Rakyat, May 09, 2008 | 15:25:29
Polis sepatutnya lebih mengutamakan kes rasuah berprofil tinggi
daripada membuat kerja-kerja durjana seperti penangkapan dan
pendakwaan terhadap Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
I benar-benar pelik dan benci dengan sikap manusia yang suka
membuat kerja-kerja karut-marut.
http://kerajaanrakyat.blogspot.com/
report abusevote downvote upVotes: +14
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written by SeriousLy, May 09, 2008 | 15:25:54
(NST) MERSING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the case against blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin was not politically motivated.
DPM: It's not, really it's not but it's my dream!
report abusevote downvote upVotes: +8
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written by East Highlander, May 09, 2008 | 15:29:29
Let us also remember the pain Shetev Shaariibu and family are going through.
report abusevote downvote upVotes: +16
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written by cwy, May 09, 2008 | 15:32:51
Hand in hand,this couple has built a rock using the sand!
Heart to heart, till death will you ever depart!
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written by K W Waran, May 09, 2008 | 15:33:04
YES SIR, She is one PLUCKY ELEGANT LADY with nerves of STEEL. Otherwise, how could she be a SOLID PILLAR for our beloved YM RPK. A real big MARINE SALUTE to both YM RPK AND Puan MARINA.
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written by wag the dog, May 09, 2008 | 15:34:30
Compilation of Quotes on RPK - Bapa Bangsa Malaysia
Over the last three days most of us have gone through a rollercoaster ride over RPK’s case and have posted comments on blogs. To honour This Towering Malaysian I have compiled some of the quotes in my blog so that these last three historic days are etched in our history.
Visit www.wagthedog-malaysia.blogspot.com for details.
report abusevote downvote upVotes: +4
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written by malsia1206, May 09, 2008 | 15:41:11
The righteous fear no evil. And good shall triumph. These are all from time immemorial since the days of the Bible or Quaran, or Quaran and Bible whichever way you look at it. Keep the faith.
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written by babakl, May 09, 2008 | 15:42:57
If good people makes good commitment, they will be together through thick and thins. A good sincere heart is hard to for everyone to see the suffer what morefro a good wife to their spouses. We share our joy and the sadness you went through Marina. God will reward the good and the bad they open themselves for the evil ones to take them into their world. Do not blame God for the bad which will befall those bad people cause they are the ones inviting such situation.
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written by Hanif07, May 09, 2008 | 15:43:00
Thank You Madam Marina Lee
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written by Cikgu Bedah, May 09, 2008 | 15:51:21
Puan Marina
I envy your strength and courage! You are truly inspiring. Editors of women's magazines should feature exclusive interview with you. I for one would find it very interesting.
Salute!
p.s. Has anyone seen the cover of Nona magazine, men's edition at the newsstands? DSAI and Nurul Izzah grace the cover beautifully!
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written by The Truth Seeker, May 09, 2008 | 15:51:38
Miss Trengganu
admired the way u supported RPK,
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written by mawi, May 09, 2008 | 15:52:09
The real test are for those whose husbands are detained for years inconclusively and the suffering of having to raise toddlers with limited funds and subject to day to day hardship of making ends meet.
Puan Marina may be a new member but she has yet to feel the real pain
report abusevote downvote upVotes: -2
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written by jewels, May 09, 2008 | 16:03:56
Proverbs 31... you are the perfect woman for RPK.
3 cheers to you, Marina!
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written by knack, May 09, 2008 | 16:39:04
Here's not only to Marina and family, but also to all other wives and family of all detainees under the ISA and other sedition laws - your courage, strength and dogged determination are an inspiration and a lesson to us all.
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written by ultraman, May 09, 2008 | 17:13:17
Pn Marina,
I believe in prayers.
With thousands of blogges praying for the well being and safety of RPK, you and family, I believe everything is going to be fine at the end of the day.
Yes prayers can move mountains.
At the same time, Altantunya's murderers would face the wrath of God since thousands are wishing them be sent and burn in HELL.
Marina, have courage. RPK is litterally fighting theevils of the country. We truly appreciate his selfless efforts. Many a time he said that he could lead a luxurious life style. But with the corrupt and devilish forces plundering the country's wealth like no tomorrow, RPK choose the tough path to fight them.
YES. GOD WILL PROTECT HIM AND HIS FAMILY.
WE LOVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY
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written by teo siew chin, May 09, 2008 | 20:42:52
Puan Marina Lee Abdullah is one heck of a lady many woman would aspire to be and many men would aspire to wed ! This is one of those rare perfect matches where one completes the other and YM RPK and his beloved wife are one lucky pair who found each other.
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written by seek justice, May 09, 2008 | 20:51:08
It is very, very inspiring to have women like Kak Marina and Kak Wan Azizah amongst us. They're both Superwomen to the core.
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written by Angela Ooi, May 09, 2008 | 23:22:26
I have said this before.. MARINA RAJA PETRA, thank you for keeping our RPK sane; for being his rock, his lover, soul mate and among many other things, his driver too!
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written by Angela Ooi, May 10, 2008 | 21:30:37
If PM's wife is Jeanne Abdullah, why isn't our MARINA not given her due honor and called MARINA RAJA PETRA!!!!
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