We all know him from the things he's done for this country. But among all the things I've read about him, what's struck me the most was that he was, above all his work commitments, a family man and a loving husband. And the relationship they had was indeed a beautiful one.
This isn't a post about politics. Or my love for the country. It's about a man and a woman who had such great love for each other, and what we can learn from their 60-year marriage.
1. Always make time for your family, no matter how busy you are.
She went home for lunch every day just so she could spend time with the kids.
2. Always show love for your spouse
She laid out all his ties for him when they travelled together, and only went out of the hotel after she was sure he was alright. She remained in case he needed her for anything.
3. Always make time for your spouse
When she had a stroke, he continued his work as first Senior Minister then Minister Mentor, and worked his schedules around her so that he could spend time with her.
After she passed, he changed his spot at the dining table to face the wall, where he placed pictures of himself with his wife in their old age.
4. Be a dutiful spouse
After she had a stroke, the highlight of both their days was the time spent with her every night, reading and talking to her.
5. Keep your displays for affection only for your spouse
There's no need to show the world how much you love your spouse; what matters is that he/she knows.
6. Have mutual respect
It never bothered him that she was older than he was, or that she, in his own words, was smarter than he. He always consulted her on her opinion and she was the one who vetted his speeches and important documents.
7. Accepting advice
When she had her first stroke, he encouraged her to continue swimming. One day she said "It's a public holiday, can I take a rest?" He said "go for a swim, you'll feel better". She swam.
8. Always remember your spouse's needs
So that she could continue to swim in comfort, he had colourful wet suits made for her. So she could swim in any weather without fear of getting cold
For more personal and beautifully written accounts, here are consolidated posts written by their daughter Prof Lee. https://somethingaboutsingapore.wordpress.com/category/dr-lee-wei-ling/page/2/
