The following is the subsequent email exchange (edited for confidentiality) which resulted in positive exchange of energy between two strangers. It truly is amazing in cyberspace!
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Norman has left a new comment on your post "May
http://nocturnal-mind.blogspot.com/2007/05/may-13-1969-revisited-ol-soldiers.html
13, 1969 Revisited. An Old Soldier's Perspecti...":
I am researching on the Penang riots of 1967 and came across references to the Royal Malay Regiment's role in the British archives. I enjoyed reading the Colonel's views and would like to communicate directly with him.
I can be contacted at [deleted]
Thanks very much.
Norman Chua
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Hi Norman, I have forwarded your request to the colonel. Thanks.
Regards.
Cheah
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From: Norman Chua
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 11:53 AM
To: Cheahs
Subject: Re: FW: [THE NOCTURNAL MIND] New comment on May 13, 1969 Revisited. An Old Soldier's Perspecti....
Am very grateful. Having looked through the British and Australian archives, there are some materials which are possibly inflammatory which I have no intention of putting up on a public forum. It would be far better that I address my queries to the Colonel as I am researching on the role of the Malaysian armed forces in regards to riot control.
Thanks.
Norman
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Hi Norman,
I have forwarded your emails to the colonel (including this one). You are in luck because you have chanced upon the mother lode. But there is one constraint; as you would understand, some information could be sensitive and the colonel needs to know who you are and whether you are Malaysian. Would appreciate if you could give us some background information about yourself.
Thanks.
Regards.
Cheah
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From: Norman Chua
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 7:49 PM
To: Cheahs
Subject: RE: FW: [THE NOCTURNAL MIND] New comment on May 13, 1969 Revisited.
An Old Soldier's Perspecti....
Dear Mr Cheah,
I am enclosing a letter of reference from my supervisor in [deleted].
Thanks.
Norman
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Thanks. Will forward as usual.
Cheah
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After a few more emails regarding his background and the colonel agreeing to assist him.
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From: Norman Chua
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 8:44 PM
To: Cheahs
Subject: RE: FW: [THE NOCTURNAL MIND] New comment on May 13, 1969 Revisited. An Old Soldier's Perspecti....
Dear Mr Cheah,
On a personal note, may I express my deepest condolences to you for the loss of your wife. Having experienced something similar in the past, I can understand in a little way how it is like. Though it is religiously inspired, I found CS Lewis' A Grief Observed very comforting during my time of bereavement.
Do take care and I really appreciate all the help.
Norman
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Dear Norman,
Thank you for you kind thoughts. I regret to hear you too have experienced such profound loss. Will get a copy of A Grief Observed as you recommended. Thanks again.
Cheah
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From: Norman Chua
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 9:54 AM
To: Cheahs
Subject: RE: FW: [THE NOCTURNAL MIND] New comment on May 13, 1969 Revisited.
An Old Soldier's Perspecti....
Dear Mr Cheah,
If you don't mind, it just happens that I have a spare copy of the book and would be most glad to send it to you.
If you are OK with it, please provide a mailing address.
Norman
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Dear Norman,
You are most kind. I was discussing our email exchanges with my daughter last night and we concluded that our interaction somehow had something to do with Mummy. And now you make me this kind offer. It would indeed be a privilege to receive the book from you, thank you. I will still buy a copy to be given away later to the right person and keep yours.
My address is [deleted]. We will be moving at the end of this month as I have sold this house and want a change of environment for the family. July 12th would be Jeannie's first death anniversary.
Cheah
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Sat 7/12/2008 9:47 AM
Dear Mr Cheah,
I posted the book to you a few days ago and hope that you will receive it soon.
Given the significance of today, I think I understand in a small way how memories can flood one's mind on such anniversary dates. And I can fully appreciate why you feel the need to move to a new home.
I pray that you and your children would be able to find peace and acceptance during this difficult time.
Norman
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This book arrived in the mail from Norman Chua exactly on 12th July; the exact day of Jeannie's passing one year ago. I do not think Norman planned for it and given the "exemplary" service of Pos Malaysia, exact arrival date is never certain.At the time of this blog posting, I have not read the book yet but I already know My Darling Jeannie wants me to see something in it.
Coincidences? It does not matter to me what others think. I know.
By sheer circumstantial necessity, Krystyn, JJ, Prince and I had to drive to Penang on the 12th of July. It was as if Mummy did not want us in the house on the day!
Foster daughter YW was in need and Jeannie would have wanted it no other way than we go to her aid. It was a situation more befitting Mummy's special talents but we were "forced" to do without her. Thank you Darling. We got your message.
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