In a heartwarming tale that has touched the hearts of many, a grandmother from Sabah embarked on a visit to her grandson in Kuala Lumpur, and her approach to packing for the trip was nothing short of extraordinary.
Zaharah Mat Jelas, affectionately known as Opah, is 72 years old and was making the journey from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur for a medical examination. However, instead of focusing on clothes, as most travelers might, Opah had a different idea in mind, one that showcased her boundless love and devotion.
Photo via Instagram (@syfqrzkk)
Opah's grandson, Muhamad Shafiq, was the one tasked with picking her up from the airport, and they settled into his home after the long trip. However, when it came time to help his grandmother unpack her luggage, Shafiq was in for a surprise that would warm his heart and spread joy far beyond their family circle.
As the suitcase was opened, it wasn't filled with clothes or toiletries as one might expect. Instead, it was brimming with an assortment of delectable foods, lovingly prepared and packed by Opah herself. The contents included fish, chicken, vegetables, curry puffs, popiah, and an array of fruits—a gesture of pure affection and care.
Shafiq, taken aback by the sheer volume of food, realized that there was not a single piece of clothing among the contents. Perplexed, he questioned Opah about her clothing, to which she offered a simple and heartwarming response: "Let's go and buy clothes later." Her carefree attitude was a testament to the warmth and love she had for her grandson.
Shafiq, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, couldn't resist sharing this heartwarming story on his Instagram. Little did he know that it would quickly capture the attention of social media users after local netizens shared it on Facebook.
While Shafiq's initial intention was to share his grandmother's charming and humorous actions with his cousins, he was pleasantly surprised when the story garnered widespread attention online. Opah, on the other hand, was unfazed by the news of her story going viral and even inquired about the meaning of the term "viral." Her innocence and nonchalance endeared her even more to the online community.
Local netizens, touched by Opah's loving actions, shared their own heartwarming experiences. One netizen pointed out that many mothers from Sabah exhibited similar behavior, prioritizing bringing unique food items for their grandchildren over clothing when they visited.
Photo via Instagram (@syfqrzkk)
Another netizen shared that her mother, when visiting from Kuching, Sarawak, would pack an assortment of vegetables like chili, lemongrass, ginger, herbs, salted fish, anchovies, and pandan leaves. She humorously noted that her mother could practically bring an entire garden onto the plane if she wanted to. Despite the readily available ingredients in her own fridge, her mother insisted that the taste was different, emphasizing the importance of her happiness above all else.
In a world sometimes marked by distance and detachment, Opah's actions serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring warmth and love that grandparents bring into our lives.
Even the simplest gestures, like filling a suitcase with homemade delights, can leave an indelible mark on our hearts, reminding us of the power of love and connection within families.
