The Watkins, Part Deux

Where were we? Ahhhh...yes, Susan and Bruce.

I met Dr Bruce in PPP, UiTM. He came as a Physchology Professor into the MUCIA/AAD Twinning Program. Susan came about a year later into the program, as a Program Advisor (if I recalled correctly).

Two years later, I got news that I was to extend my studies at the University of Michigan (Umich) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And guess what? That's Dr Bruce's working university, and he was going to go back to the States a few months before I was to arrive.

During the PPP/UiTM graduation ceremony, your grandparents met Dr Bruce, and got to know that he's from Umich, and that he's heading home soon. So, what do you think happened? Well, Atuk and Nenek basically "handed" the parental responsibility to Dr Bruce and Susan, with dialogs such as the ones below:

"Please keep an eye on Rosma and make sure she studies well, and not go gallavanting around".

"We give you full rights to drag her back home if she doesn't listen to your advice"

Sigh. Well that was then.

October 15th 1994, my housemates and I landed in Chicago O'Hare. Five days later, in Ann Arbor Michigan.

As instructed, I made a phone call to Susan. (or was it your Aunt Tasneem?). And from there on, we were treated as family. They were never too parental on us, but we always felt assured that they were there to make sure we were okay.

I house-sat (and cat-sat, Bob, their cat,) when the Watkins went away for vacation and Christmas holidays. They actually let me use Dr Bruce's Nissan Sunny station wagon, "10SMAN" during the time I had to house-sit. The fridge was always well-stocked. Overall, made sure the house-sitter was well taken care off.

On my graduation, they came. They gave me a Umich gold ring, with their names engraved at the back. I still wear it with a chain around my neck.

After my return to Malaysia in 1996, Dr Bruce came back to Malaysia on a Fullbright fellowship program. He stayed on for another tow years I think. Susan came too for a short while.

Its been almost 16 years, and I will never forget the kindness, warmth and trust they have shared with me.

To Bruce and Susan... THANK YOU.