A Love Through The Years

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They first met in 1954 when she was just eighteen years old and living with her family near the Bedok Police Station. A year later, when the family moved to 14 Jalan Haji Salam, a budding friendship blossomed into a romance that would stand the test of time.

After four years of courtship, the couple became engaged in 1958. However, following the passing of the groom's father and in keeping with the traditions of the day, their wedding plans had to be postponed for several years out of filial respect.

At last, on Christmas Eve in 1962, wedding bells rang for the young couple as they began their married life together. He joined the rest of her family at Jalan Haji Salam, where they lived until June 1967, when the house was sold and the family relocated to a new HDB home in Bukit Merah.

Their family soon grew with the arrival of three lovely children. Their eldest child was born in this very house two years after their marriage. By the time they left Jalan Haji Salam, she was expecting their second child. Though excited about the next chapter of their lives, they were reluctant to leave behind the carefree days they had enjoyed in Bedok, where the beach was just a short stroll away and the gentle rhythm of kampong life still held sway over the community.

This family holds a special place in our hearts, for they are our relatives. Living just around the corner from us, they were frequent visitors to our home, and many fond memories were shared over the years.

Our dear cousin recently celebrated her 90th birthday this year 2026, and we feel truly blessed to have witnessed such a wonderful milestone. Yet as we look back at this photograph, taken around 1963, what captures our attention most is the quiet strength of a loving partnership. In this simple image, we see the beginnings of a journey built upon devotion, companionship and steadfast support through the decades that followed.

Many thanks to Winnie Goh for sharing this cherished piece of family history with us. Through photographs such as this, we are reminded that the story of old Bedok is not merely about places and houses, but about the lives, relationships and enduring bonds that gave the kampong its heart.



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