Mdm Haslinda, a vibrant 50-year-old with an unbreakable spirit, recently gathered her family for a deeply cherished day as she faced the final stages of her battle with cancer. When we met her at Alexandra Hospital, her prognosis was fewer than three months. Yet, she continued to embrace life with strength and positivity, remaining focused on bringing her family together as her wish.
Known for her boundless warmth and famous cooking—especially her beloved satay—Mdm Haslinda wanted, more than anything, to cook for her family one last time, celebrating her daughters’ birthdays and gathering her loved ones close for a family staycation. A talented cook, she learned from her great-grandmother, who once ran a bakery on Haig Road. Even during recent hospital stays, Mdm Haslinda baked treats and brownies for her nurses, expressing her gratitude through her passion for food with everyone around her. We also discovered that Mdm Haslinda is an avid rock ‘n’ roll fan with a deep admiration for the profoundly meaningful melodies of Dato Awie.
Her wish for this family staycation was simple yet profound: to spend quality time cooking, celebrating, and creating memories with those she loved most. As we planned the day, everything began to fall into place. But in an unfortunate turn, Mdm Haslinda was admitted to the hospital a week before the gathering, with a revised prognosis of less than a month. Even from her hospital bed, she was determined: the gathering must go on. Life’s demands had often limited the time her family could spend together, making this reunion even more monumental. She longed for her daughters and grandchildren to reconnect and embrace the unbreakable bond of family. Though her body was weakened, her mind remained resolute, her spirit resilient. No matter what life brought, Mdm Haslinda never let anything get her down, living life with a rock ‘n’ roll heart and showing that, no matter the challenges, she would always keep rocking on.
The day finally arrived, and her family greeted her with a warm welcome of kisses and hugs, setting a heartfelt tone for the gathering. Although Mdm Haslinda couldn’t cook her beloved satay herself, her love seasoned every moment. Her husband, Mr. Sajale, their five daughters—Nabilah, Sulastri, Farhana, Zahirah, and Athirah—sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren gathered in the cozy chalet, surrounded by the warmth of her presence. And though her hands weren’t stirring the pot, her love filled the room. Her family ate heartily, savoring each bite as if she had prepared it herself.
The gathering was filled with meaningful activities—the taking of family portraits, a moving video montage and tribute to Mdm Haslinda pieced together with decades of photos and memories, a surprise message from her music idol and rock legend, Dato Awie. Flowers, birthday cakes, songs, and beautiful balloon arrangements created an atmosphere of celebration, love, and togetherness.
A highlight of the evening was a wonderful rock band’s tribute to Mdm Haslinda with covers of Dato Awie’s greatest hits—bringing the family together in song, creating a soundtrack to this unforgettable night that will echo for years to come. While Wish Day brought some tears, every moment overflowed with warmth and love, the chalet alive with laughter, rock ‘n’ roll music, and the sounds of family. She smiled, watching her family bask in the joy she had woven into each moment of this special day. It was her love, her legacy, and her gift to them—a reminder that, despite her illness, the heart of this family beat strongly, united by love.
This beautiful day was made possible by the incredible kindness of sponsors and volunteers—a small community unto itself—who came together to fulfill Mdm Haslinda’s wish. Mdm Haslinda’s life is a testament to resilience, love, and a passion that even illness couldn’t dim. Her legacy will live on in every laugh, every song, and every meal shared. Thank you, Mdm Haslinda, for teaching us what it means to love fiercely and live fully. And thank you to all those who helped make this day a beautiful reality.
