Farnie’s company – Natalie’s relatives – also included Farnie in their vacations, extended family events and gatherings, and even marriages.  , During Chinese New Year this month, she returned to Singapore to be with them. There was a family meeting, after all – and she was community.
Farnie recalled warmly everything that Natalie’s aunt, her employer’s younger son, had once told her:” You are not my lady. You are my aunty”. She merely stated,” I’m only your lady, so I’m not required to dress up to go shopping with him.”  ,
Similarly, when Natalie’s aunt got married,” they did n’t allow me to dress like a maid”, she added, chuckling at the memory. Farnie dressed like “one of them” – as far as the community was concerned, she was one of them.
They often reminded her,” If you have a problem, you can just tell us. We count you as home”, she recalled.  ,
” That’s why I felt secure to stay long with this home”.
Recalling her painful decision to retire, Farnie said:” I think I have done enough for this family, so I decided to go back. I even see Natalie ( and her sisters and cousins ) all great now”.