Hidden strength, just like a ‘tea bag’

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Analogy aptly used as title of new book by doctor highlighting the struggles, experiences and achievements of 29 amazing women

Dr Loh holds the copies of her just-published book.

THE title ‘Of Women and Tea Bags’ of Dr Loh Yunn-Hua’s first book may not sound as serious or as provocative as many of those in the non-fiction section, but it is just as significant in view of its content.

Reinforcing this is an inspiring quote by former First Lady of the United States of America, Eleanor Roosevelt, which is printed on the bottom-right corner of cover: “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water!”

“This book contains awesome stories told by women, and how they make a difference in the lives of those around them.

“They are from all walks of life – there are nurses, community leaders, housewives, medical doctors, teachers and artists.

“They are connected to Sarawak either by birth, marriage or their work, either through the public sector or NGOs (non-governmental organisations),” says Dr Loh, 68.

The book cover, where Eleanor Roosevelt’s empowering quote can be seen on the bottom-right corner.

There is one Lu Yieng Chu from California, who recounted her life in Sarawak – how her family would be relocated from one place to another following the transfer orders given to her father, who was a government employee back then; how following his passing, her mother had to support 12 children; and how Lu struggled in education, which eventually helped her settle in the Silicon Valley.

Then, there is Faridah Shibli – a Jeddah-born Arab-Chinese who spoke about the challenges of adapting to life in Kuching following his father’s appointment as the Mufti of Sarawak in 1959.

The back cover, which depicts a caricature of the author.

The book also highlights an unassuming Rose Siaw, a nurse who continued to provide sincere, wholesome service to the people in Miri and Marudi until the day she retired. Her story signifies the presence of many kind and humble individuals in Sarawak who always prioritise other people’s needs above them, and bring them hope and cheer even in times of sadness.

These three are just amongst the 29 amazing women writers featured in ‘Of Women and Tea Bags’ – all of whom Dr Loh knows well, and some of them are her childhood friends.

An old photo, provided by Faridah Shibli for the book, shows her (left) and a friend – both wearing the old St Teresa’s uniforms.

Leaving a legacy

It was quite a hectic morning when the writer visited Sim’s Clinic at River Road in Miri recently.

However, the soothing ambience of the waiting lounge and the courteous nurses and assistants managed to offset all that.

“When we are gone, what we will leave behind are our deeds and thoughts,” said Dr Loh as we began to talk about her book.

She cited composers such Bach, Handel, Wagner and Debussy whose classical work could still mesmerise today’s listeners.

She was also amazed by Tchaikovsky, who despite having suffered from depression throughout his life, was still be able to produce outstanding compositions.

Dr Loh: When we are gone, what we will leave behind are our deeds and thoughts.

“His beautiful ‘Swan Lake’ never fails to enthral me,” she told thesundaypost.

On books, she listed the writings by Nobel Prize winner Bertrand Russell, and the delightful animal tales by Gerald Durell as amongst those that that had captivated her when she was young.

“Reading biographies, heroic exploits and exciting travels – they all inspired and helped me become what I am today.”

The legacy that all these key historical figures sparked an interest in book-writing – she, too, would want to leave her own legacy.

Dr Lo said the idea of compiling stories about her thoughts and experiences, as well as those of her friends, surfaced not too long ago.

“I write because I feel that I have gained a lot from writing. I summarise this through the word W.R.I.T.E. itself.

“W, as it is a worthwhile activity; it gives me joy and peace to recall, reflect and discuss events.

“R, as it allows me to review and reflect on the flow of life, just like the lessons in life that my patients have taught me.

“I, as it allows me to be innovative with my thoughts and ideas – the use of language, story plots and views on life and living.

“T is therapeutic. Whenever I feel the need to vent after facing the ups and downs in life, writing becomes a safe avenue, versus alcohol and drugs. It’s also inexpensive and may even bring me even more friends and incomes – hopefully, it would not make enemies.

“And E, because it’s enjoyable – I have a great excuse to be myself, to do the talking with my fingers and to make full use of my God-given talents and brain power.”

Those who know Dr Loh describe her as a kind, friendly, humble, compassionate and always cheerful person, and also a woman with many talents; she is an accomplished Toastmaster (public speaker), as well as a singer and a dancer.

Now, they have another description for her – a writer.

File photo shows Dr Lo (seated, left) with fellow mentors participating in a programme run by the Women’s Entrepreneurs and Professionals Society Miri. All those standing behind them were the protégés.

Remembering her teachers

Education is a subject that is very dear to Dr Loh’s heart. She dedicates the book to all the teachers and students of her alma mater, the St Teresa’s School in Kuching.

She remembers the Irish nuns who came to Sarawak with the mission of moulding the minds of Sarawak girls and their children too, so that they would become useful members of the community.

“Our then-principal, Sister Judith, reminded me of the movie ‘The Sound of Music’,” said the doctor, adding that every directive given by Sister Judith had its ‘between-the-lines’ rationale.

“When she said: ‘Girls, say your prayers every day’, it’s actually stress management; ‘Pay full attention in class’ was her tip for passing the exams; while ‘Those who come late to school have to stay back to sweep the classroom’ showed us some tough love.”

Indeed, the nuns ran the school with strict discipline, said Dr Loh.

She said the convent girls were expected to be well-behaved, score top results in public examinations, as well as be outstanding in public-speaking and debate competitions.

“We also attended singing, dancing and drama classes run by the nuns.

“I still remember all my teachers: there was Master George who taught us literature in great details; Mr and Mrs Paul who taught Mathematics, Science and Bible Knowledge – Mrs Paul, especially, would often cite verses from the Bible meant to remind the girls against going astray; then there’s the enthusiastic Mrs Sebastion, who would always keep the Biology class alive with her dynamic way of teaching; and our History teacher, the gentle and graceful Mrs Gomez who initiated the school’s History Club where I was the first president.

“Another unforgettable teacher was Mrs Joachim Tan from Penang, whose English lessons was on the last period of the day, before the school bell rang at 1pm. Her class was interactive and entertaining – I didn’t mind staying back a bit longer, despite my grumbling tummy as it was past lunch-time, made worse by the delicious aroma wafting from the nearby kitchen of the Domestic Science class.

“Then there was Mrs Shim, our dedicated music teacher who taught us singing and music theory.”

After finishing Form 6, Dr Loh was awarded a Yayasan Sarawak scholarship to study medicine at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur back in 1973. At the time, UM was the only university in Malaysia that had a medical faculty.

Upon graduation, she joined the civil service and throughout her years as a government employee, she had been posted to the hospitals in Miri and Marudi.

This photo, also featured in the book, shows Rose Siaw (right) and her colleagues. This shot was taken in 1975, when she was promoted to nursing sister and got transferred to Marudi Hospital.

It was during her university days that she met her husband, Dr Sim Cho Kheng.

Dr Loh said as a government doctor, she particularly enjoyed the ‘Flying Doctor’ service.

“I had gone to many places across the Ulu Baram, where I got to know many patients and understand the countryside better.

“I made sure that I took notes for future references,” she said.

However, Dr Loh left government service in 1982 and together with Dr Sim, they set up a private practice in Miri.

Dr Sim had just passed away, at age 69. He is survived by Dr Loh and their five children.

Involvement in palliative care

Dr Loh has been involved in palliative care service in Miri since 2005, and has been the president of the Palliative Care Association of Miri (PCAM) since 2008, the year when the association got registered with the Registrar of Societies.

The association helps cancer patients go through life with dignity through quality palliative care.

It also provides support to family members to ease the challenges as the diseases progresses.

Archive photo shows Dr Loh (centre) and Dr Meike Van De Leemput, on her left, with PCAM members and guests at a gathering. Dr Van De Leemput is the Dutch doctor who started palliative care service in Miri over a decade ago.

“The PCAM nurses visit the patients where apart providing treatment, they also help by giving counselling.

“Our volunteers also assist us by helping to raise funds.

“Through all these years, I have met up with so many men and women, and also I recognise the contributions of women in society.”

Dr Loh’s involvement in the NGO links her with the women featured in her book – many of whom did not come from a privileged background.

“They all made it through thick and thin.

“They’ve always been able to multi-task, but remain humble about their capabilities and achievements.

“I feel that I must share their heart-warming stories with everyone,” said Dr Loh.