Heart and Soul: Enduring hardships bravely

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Every day, father woke up early to prepare his food before he went out to work.

He had to ensure that he complied with the strict rations and restrictions imposed by the British Colonial authorities in the San Chun (Chinese new village). Everyone was allowed to carry only a small amount of rice and other food items with them. Even basic items like salt and sugar were strictly controlled. There were severe penalties for those who did not comply. As his work involved heavy labour, the little food he carried with him each day was never enough. Often, he had to go to the nearby forest to rummage for bananas, mangoes or jackfruit. Occasionally, there would be a bonanza when he came across a durian or two.