SUNGAI BULOH: M.Thaivani and her three grandchildren may come from different faiths, but her love for them is as strong as ever.
Thaivani, 55, and her grandson are so close that the little boy misses her if he is not able to see her often.
Thaivani's story gained attention after her daughter-in-law, Dr Siti Hajar Md Hanif, 38, uploaded a video on Facebook and TikTok showing the close relationship between grandmother and grandchild.
Sharing the story, Thaivani said she has three grandchildren, aged two, four, and six.
Despite living apart, Thaivani often sees her grandchildren who come to visit her at least once a month.
"We may have different religions but they are my grandchildren and I am the one who helps take care of them when their mother is in confinement.
"My grandchildren call me 'nanny' and when we meet, we hug and kiss me as usual. After all, my son and daughter-in-law have taught them well.
"It's normal, sometimes my grandson has questions about me. But when we explain to them, they understand," she said to Harian Metro.
Thaivani said she has faced a few odd stares and questions from outsiders about her relationship with her grandchildren.
"Sometimes, I take my grandson for a walk and people will ask, whose child am I taking? Maybe they are surprised.
"I tell them it's my grandson. Until now, I have never felt that there is a problem because I have a different religion from my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.
"What is important is that we are happy as a family and my son's family is happy too," she added.