The Sweet Stay

 Last week I experienced reminiscences of the past.

A series of meetings in Johor saw me traveling back to my home state and gave me a chance to put up with my parents in Muar.

Muar, as has always been mentioned, occupies a special corner of my heart.

 Overlooking the Straits of Melaka, my parents' abode has a magnificent view covering the town. The evening breeze adds a feeling of nostalgia and I am grateful to God that they have a lovely place to stay. I cannot help but recall my childhood days when times were hard and to have a chance to stay like this was beyond imagination. So, My memories stretched and stretched. I can still remember the streets that I trudged on in the evenings after dinner and the small joys in strolling with my mum.

 When I became a trained teacher, I was sent to the outskirts of Johor in Rengit, Batu Pahat and Lenga, Muar. See, I looked fresh and bright; eager to teach and lead. My rural stints lasted for at least 5 years and it was a daily challenge to drive from the towns to the school; a journey that lasted an hour, one way. Back then, I did not really complain so long as I could be home each day with my parents.

 Last week for the first day, my father repeated an act he did during my younger teaching days. He drove me to town to wait for my transport to Batu Pahat. I remembered. Back then, Kong Kong would get up early in the morning, waited for me and then sent me to town just like on that day last week. I held back myself as I saw history repeat itself. I am thankful to God that I still have this privilege of having Kong Kong do that bit for me again. As caring as he always is, he waited and waited with me till my friend came. He refused to move otherwise. I am touched by his steadfast love.

Oh, I must mention what Por Por did. She got up, cooked my oats, made my Milo and insisted I drink a bottle of Brand essence of chicken for alertness. These acts are made in their precious care for me.

I must emulate their ways.

3 gruesome days of brainstorming for the best to come to the school; that was the mission of the trip. It has been a long, long while since I left Batu Pahat and it was indeed great to have a chance to visit the town on a working trip. The iconic building of the town, BP High is equivalent in status to Muar High but has recently been awarded the cluster school status just like Seafield.

As a cluster school, it is mandatory that both students and teachers perform their best to maintain the good reputation. The instruction is clear; do well.

Besides holding the instruction, I held good memories of the stay in Muar with my parents. 

May I have the privilege of many of such stays with them.

A sweet stay indeed.