Tropicana Nov-Dec 2017 #116 Celebrating the Classics

WINNIE TAY
GREATER CHALLENGES
Challenges did not end there. Back at home, her beloved
husband, George, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1977.
“I knew then that I had to be a wife and mother first,” she
shares. “By God’s grace, with one kidney removed, George
recovered. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, this was just the
beginning of more medical challenges ahead.”
“In 1994, George was hit yet by another big blow,” she says
ruefully. “This time he was diagnosed with Oesophogus cancer.
Without the necessary expertise available in the country, we
sought medical help in Singapore. “
Due to the severity of George’s
condition, and the 25 per cent survival
rate from the operation, the doctor
advised Winnie to call her sons back
from overseas to be by his side.
“My sons were in the midst of their
exams but this was a dire situation
and their presence was needed by their
father’s side,” she explained. “This time,
they removed half his stomach and
oesphogus and two ribs.”
Winnie and her family’s strong
spiritual belief and prayerful
inclinations led to another successful
blessing for George’s recovery.
“That day changed my life’s focus
and aspirations. Life was too short.
I stood by George and watched over
him like a hawk, ensuring he watched
his diet and maintained good health. As a result, I became a
nagging wife!”
“Today, he is just recovering from hernia surgery,” she says.
“It’s amazing how well he is doing.”
She gazes over to George who is pottering about the house
– with a little skip in his step, no less – to ensure that he is
ready should Winnie need any assistance. “He is my pillar of
strength,” she said. “In everything I have done, it’s not without
his worthy consult and he is always ready to stand by me and
encourage me to move forward and do things.”
“All that I have achieved in my life, I did so because of
George. Like my late father, he, too, believes in me.”
Today at 70, Winnie is the epitome of calm. Having
weathered many storms in her day, she is ready to deal with any
more that may come her way.
“I am still the hawk and barber to my beloved husband,”
she smiles. “and cook and baker to my children and seven
grandchildren.”
“I am still very involved in my work but I keep a good worklife
balance and make sure I enjoy my time in my courtyard
that I designed, cooking up a storm every weekend.”
Life has thrown many challenges her way, but yet Winnie,
armed with good support and a determination, has risen above
it all, keeping calm and order and staying resilient each time.
“He is my pillar of
strength,” she said.
“In everything I have
done, it’s not without
his worthy consult
and he is always ready
to stand by me and
encourage me to move
forward and do things.”
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
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