Buying that television

It must have been at least 3 years ago. The first time I met Mei Phing, we went out to SS2 in Petaling Jaya to one of those numerous, overstocked electronic stores which sold every conceivable electrical equipment to buy a TV for her Aunty Choo Choo. I was struck by her wide smile which reached up, and crinkled her eyes, or maybe began in her eyes and travelled to her mouth. Whichever, but the effect was pure effervescence. I thought she was so young, enthusiastic and just bursting with life. And to be honest, just a tad sceptical that she could handle those wheeling dealing salesmen who ran these stores. Most of them were pretty young too, but they always gave the impression that they'd been there, and done that, and well, aren't too bothered about anything except making a sale, and ensuring that they got their commission. So, when Mei Phing said, Aunty Choo Choo, don't worry, we will get you a TV for the best price, I wasn't sure that it would pan out that way.

We began by first, combing through a few stores, and comparing prices and models. Finally, we zeroed in on one, and Mei Phing got to work. She was indefatigable, and charming to boot. As she was whittling away at the price, she smiled that broad smile and carried on in a totally polite, yet firm manner which befuddled the poor salesmen who was probably used to raised voices and somewhat emotional customers who either got mad or unruly after 30 minutes. But there was Mei Phing, in a pair of shorts, t-shirt and baseball cap, laughing yet. It took a while, and after that, even the salesman conceded in a rather resigned sort of way, but kinda scratching his head as though bewildered by even his lack of resistance. Mei Phing just melted it all away. And of course, she was delighted! When we got home, she immediately carried the large TV upstairs and fixed it up, and with much aplomb switched it on. A swift victory, and no frazzled nerves.

It takes a certain kind of greatness to achieve victory without stooping low, without drawing blood. It also takes wisdom, a depth of understanding of people and curiously, also a kind of respect, that allows someone to move along with such confidence and grace. Its a rare thing, and in that first instance I met her, I recognised her spirit. You are right, Wendy. Mei Phing's greatest achievement was herself, and for that, we can only be so grateful.