We had a meaningful family reunion last evening.

I found old family photos some dating as far back as 1912. I’ve started scanning them to put into the family archives that I am building up. I returned the first batch of these precious heirlooms to my uncles or their children if they were deceased. It started the family telling stories about the old days.

I hope when they are ready that they will write down their wonderful stories.  Since 2009 I bought http://thekohfamily.net but it has been forever under construction. This is my umpteenth attempt to start this project. Another of my many ideas and too little time to pursue wishes.

Last night, I discovered from my cousin’s wife Che che (older sister) Alice that one day my aunty Daisy had asked her to write the Chinese character of my uncles’ name. Alice said, they were beautiful names: Humanity, Courteous, Virtuous, Righteous, Truthful (or trustworthy).

Che che Alice said the names were given by a Chinese scholar. In the Chinese culture, each name is a combination of three Chinese characters (some have only two). My dad’s name for instance is KOH YEW LAY.

KOH being the family name or surname. YEW is the character shared by the brothers, so my uncles’ names are: Yew Ghee, Yew Jin, Yew Tee, Yew Sin, and Yew Hoe.

Alice said that the shared name is based on a book of names. That was how lineage and generations are identified, preserved and traced. Alice said that each one of the brothers had lived up to their names.

I believe that every person and every family is born with a name and a destiny. May we each discover what that destiny is and live up to our calling to make a difference for this life and for eternity.

BTW, daddy’s name means “has polite behaviour that shows respect for other people.”