Romance of 48

It was during the celebration of the feast of St. Anne on 26th July 1948 that Pow Nee was approached by a sweet looking girl named Eli Law Siew Kim, who then introduced herself as being his former pupil in St. Mary School, Permatang Tinggi. She had remembered him very well and she was very happy to see him again after missing him for so many years. Pow Nee was very impressed by her simplicity, gentleness abd politeness. He was attracted to her. They talked for some time, and she expressed her desire to meet him again. Pow Nee remembered praying earnestly to St. Anne for her guidance and to dear Lord for His blessings. It was then about three years since his dear wife, Ah Hong died.

They both met again during the celebration of the feast of Holy Name of Mary at Permatang Tinggi Church. Both were very happy and excited; Pow Nee decided to ask her some pertinent questions. She blushed, smiled and readily replied. She had no boyfriend and was willing and happy to marry him! He then confided with a close friend, “Ah Thye Chee” to know more about “Eli Siew Kim” and her people.

Eli Siew Kim or Elizabeth Law Siew Kim was born on 1st November 1931. Her natural mother passed away after giving birth to her. Her natural father Mr. Lee was alive in B.M. She was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Law Chye Huat of Gajar Mati, Province Wellesley. Pow Nee recalled hat she was a homely girl and a devoted Catholic. They were engaged in the presence of Rev. Father Paul Wong, Mr. and Mrs. Law Chye Huat and grandmother, Ah Yee and Ah Sau, in the Parochial House, Permatang Tinggi.

On 25th June 1949, they were both married by Rev. Father Paul Wong in the Church of Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi, witnessed by Mr. and Mrs Choo Yoke Seet. A modest reception was held in their house at No. 1404 Kampung Bharu, B.M. attended by friends and relatives and the people in the kampung. Everyone was very happy. On the 15th October 1950, their first child Wong Tet Look was born.