The Bright One

 We spotted him in his early years in school; he played an effective role as a leader in the lower forms and led the prefects to a new level of management. He was a good team player and was able to get many to work along with him.

 Kaelan Ong Wei Ern was given the Principal's special award before he left his Alma Mater;

 an indication of his potential as a future leader.

 As the president of the Interact Club he conducted many projects of labour of love; including this task of cheering up the children's ward in the Sungai Buluh Hospital.

 With the teacher-in charge, Kaelan painted a good name for his Alma Mater and his early involvement in such social commitment helps to lay a bold foundation for his future endeavours.

 Despite being heavily involved in co-curricular activities, he made it to one of the top 10 achievers in the SPM exam; earning him a scholarship with the securities commission.

 The strong and loving support of his parents and siblings added much moral strength and hiked up his confidence. 

This is indeed an exemplary family.

Today, I heard he has again made it with his 4As in his A levels and so he has earned a place in the coveted institution - London School of Economics. I am sure he is going to make waves there again.

So, Kaelan may you continue to excel in whatever you do and bring pride to your family. country and Alma Mater.

May you also continue to labour in love for the less fortunate and stay humble as you savour in the successes of life. 

Take care and all the best in your future endeavours.

Lessons of Life

Learning is Eternal

I like to hear stories from my girls. Some stories are ridiculous, others funny , still others nonsensical. But I still listen for I intend to treasure moments with them; that in the process of sharing, I get to read them better. You see them change in maturity, thoughts and attitudes as they mingle with new people and in a new work environment. You wonder at times if you have lost them; or is it true that we as adults need to transform ourselves to accommodate and be more acceptable by them.

One thing I am sure and believe is that experiences in life are the best teachers for them. As a mother, I can only pray for God's special protection and mercy on them; that they need not be put under situations that are beyond them.

Today, as I walked into the house from school, with tears in her eyes, Esther said: " Mama, Audrey gave birth to a boy." Who's Audrey? I asked. "Oh mama, have you forgotten?" Oh you mean that Timothy guy's wife? I have heard of this popular couple since 4 - 5 years ago; which blogger has not heard of Timothy Tiah and his wife? I am most interested in their love story as they are contemporaries of my children and their friends. I must confess I actually was an ardent follower of their blogs. Their stories are funny and sincere.
Esther insisted that I read the letter written by Tim to his dear wife when she was struggling to preserve her baby as she underwent pre edampsia; a medical condition where the mother suffers from severe high blood pressure and when it is best that the baby be delivered in the fastest possible time. But what does a mother and father do when the baby is also pre matured? The first loving decision; to be a rock for each other; to stand by each other under taxing circumstances. This is experiential; not theoretical.

Tim expressed how lost and painful it was to see his dear wife suffer; it takes a man to realise that the woman was undergoing so much to preserve his son; that her love for him and the unborn child is real. This love is proven for him. Now, he must remember this for life; that his dear wife was willing to do anything for him and that no prenuptial agreement is necessary for this marriage.

As I read on, ...no amount of money, no amount of time I spent with you, no amount of research and no amount of medical care could make this situation any better... a desperate cry from the big man who at one point could almost control every blogger's interest is now in destitute. So true. It is good to know that we can face situations that no amount of money we have can change a situation. It keeps us humble and human. Tim must have prayed? I would. Divine help is hope in action. We need that to go through the ups and downs of life. Now both of them know nothing can be taken for granted.

Mr. Tiah cried from his heart. Have you heard a man cry? I think real men do cry. The agony of fear and seeing his wife and child fighting their lives for each other. So appropriate that they nick-named the child; "Fighter". He is made a fighter from day one. So  be careful how you name your child! So cry if you have to. It does not make you a lesser male.

At first, he thought walking away to work is alright. That when he came back a few hours later, the problem would be solved by itself. We do that sometimes, don't we? When the challenge seems insurmountable, you just disappear for a while and let the other concerned parties go through them without you. But Tim is brave in not running away; he returned to his dear wife and decided to go through the ordeal together; no running away. A lesson that we learn; we take the good, the bad and the ugly of life together. He could not bring himself to allow his wife to suffer alone. But how much can you tell about birth pangs to a man? He will never have to go through them. For that, all men must love their wives for they have made them fathers of children. It is really great to be called 'dad'. Believe me.

The months of carrying the child and the last few weeks of intense pressure and tension have caused both Tim and Audrey to rely on each other; nothing now tells them otherwise. That Audrey would take risks that may threaten her life to give her husband a child is commendable; let Fighter be a reminder of this bond. Tim is fortunate to have her as a spouse.All proven. So love your dear wife.

All's well that ends well. I am indeed glad to hear of a safe delivery and I hope all the medical help and expertise available will pull all of them through this time.

Congratulations to the couple and a special pat for Fighter for living up to his reputation.

Thank you for the lovely lessons learnt through both your experiences and take care.

This is a special clip of both their love for each other and proven well.

Enjoy.

The Celebration

 The fasting month is over.

My Muslim friends and colleagues are rejoicing and making family gatherings meaningful and joyous; celebrating another year of togetherness. 

It is during such times that loved ones are brought into the nest and moments of endearments shared. 

This is what life is actually about; peace and love.

Living a life of givings and sharings.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every of my Muslim colleague 

 "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri"

• Datin Zaleha.Ainon.Abdul Rahim.Siti Rohana.Norhayati.Jafny.Normadiyana.Suhaili.Charles. Tasnim.Nurnajihar.Hasmilia.Azizah.Maziha.Rosanita.Shahrizad.NorAjlaa.Zaidah.Norathikah.
• Zuraimi.Mariani.Saadiah.Norhidayah.Noorhafishah.Wan Fazilah.Noorizan.Zulena. Zunaidah.Datuk Haron.Rahizam.Yusdin.Latiffah.Rozlina.Norfazlina.Azlin.Nurdarina.Sumalidza.
• Normarliana.Ruhaida.Saripah.Rapidah.Zaini.Norsalawatty.Musawir.Zaharol.Zulkifli.Khadijah. Ardi.Norazlinda.Nordiaan.Siti Muslihat.Siti Fatimah.Suzliani.Khasniyati.Nazuha.Dziatul Liana.
• Juhairinniza.Tengku Afidah.Yusairah.NorMalissa.Rahimah.Noorwahida.Shuhaila.Norhuda. Syazrah.Nursyahida.Norliza.Noriayani.Azlinn.Nur Habibah.Tn Nor Hazipah. Baizura.Mukhlis.

 Have a meaningful family time.

 At home, neighbours and friends came knocking and gave us a good treat !

 It was heart warming to see them presenting their goodies at out door step.

 The chicken and beef rendang were yummy and so palatable.

So we invited other family members to join in too.

What a good occasion to enjoy; food is indeed them the melting point.

 

Better still, food is a culmination of cultures too; taking the Malay cuisine with Chinese tea.

Yes, a happy occasion indeed !

Selamat Hari Raya.

By My Side

She's the first cousin of her cohort to tie the knot.

Sophie and Ivan made it to the isle !

Congratulations to the couple.

 

A marriage witnessed before God and blessings full.

Both made their vows of love and trust before the Lord.

May God's unction and guidance be their source of wisdom as they sojourn on earth.

The bride and bridegroom; man and wife.

To Sophie

...Many women do noble things,

   but you surpass them all.

   Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

   but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29,30

May you be a constant support to Ivan.

To Ivan

...Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself...

Ephesians 5:28

May your love for Sophie be steadfast.

Though the wedding is in London, many flew in to celebrate the joy including 3 Seafieldians...
Esther, Megan and  Shaun. 

A happy day indeed.

 Family
Everyone happy for them.

This evergreen tune adds to the ethos of this memorable day.

God Bless Ivan and Sophie

04.08.2013

The Common Talk

You don't have to be anybody to want to talk about it; it's on the tongue of every parent. 

The welfare of children is never too much to talk about as parents bring them up and aspire very hard  for the best to happen to them.

 At the market this morning, I met an ex-colleague and after the usual exchange, the first topic we dwelt on was the welfare of our girls. Coincidentally, both of us have 3 daughters and she congratulated me on the impending wedding of my first girl. Next, we asked about all the other girls on both sides and our most common hope is that they will get reliable spouses and thereafter happy ever after !!!

Aha; so easily said and done too !!! We bade each other goodbye after the good greetings .

Then I walked across the street to buy my soya drink.

 Guess what ?

I only had to say I did not want sugar added to the drink before he gave me the rantings of his heart; his children. His humble beginnings and hard work are greatly rewarded as he shared that 3 of his 5 children are all graduates of local universities; two of which are public ones. Very commendable indeed. He told me his 3 children have started working but the remuneration is hardly enough to meet the inflation of today. He recalled that in those days milk powder caused a third of the price now; how much is enough to see to the challenges of today ? So the rantings went on and on. He said he needed to carry on and is highly relieved that his younger two will complete soon.

I like his fight in life; not afraid of hard work and is adamant that all his children complete their tertiary education for a better future. 

I am humbled by his simplicity and outlook in life.

I went home ready to also do something for my daughter.

Guests would be coming and I need to sew some curtains.

It is a happy occasion.

 The lady of the 50s are all ready to charge in the company of oldies of the 50s.

 The old faithful is rolled out; and the task is on.

 It is therapeutic to step on the pedals and the quiet sounds make the sewing enjoyable.

I want to have some new curtains added to the rooms.

 Daddy also says he wants to touch up as the excitement is mounting up; good old workers turn up to render some help and hopefully cheer up the place further. 

There will be more action in the next few days ...

The Teresa Teng beats are a real accompaniment and they make the sewing a breeze.

Notice the song is made easy with the romanized writings.

Sing along !!!

The common topic of children is evergreen like the song above.

A Day Of Giving

 Some days end differently.

Today is one such day.

It is the epitome of gifts as the day draws nearer to the festive celebration; everyone has a heart for someone. In school, there were also some gestures of generosity and appreciation.

 As head of the staff club, Puan Maziha collected donations and gifts to appreciate the general workers of the school in a short ceremony.

 Gifts were beautifully packed and distributed to the delight of some.

That's my favourite girl; Sukarti. She cleans well and is obliging.
These girls work hard to earn a living here.
 So, it was a pleasure to say thank you.

 The flower girl of the school today extended her creativity to a greater height.
 Almost everyone had a share of her concoction !

 Ms Chan lifted many hearts with her array of colours including the principal's spirit. 

The little spark spread far and wide as smiles lined many lips at the gesture of love.

 He delighted me too but the ever shy Leong says no, no, no; please don't snap !

 A surprise from his mama ! So I had that for lunch . Thumbs up.

 Daughter Grace texted me to say she received a gift from a patient who appreciated her for removing an ingrown nail an hour ago.

Indeed today is a day of gifts !

No coincidence but real incidents.

 There was also an exchange of packets for the young and generous donations for special needs.

The camaraderie ethos was strong and encouraging.

We like to feel this way; safe and warm.

But the best news of all of course is; today is the start of a 2 week break !

Everyone travels here and there for the festive celebration in the Hari Raya mood.

Malaysia is indeed a land to be envied by many; so many holidays!

Happy holidays and stay safe.

The Bubble Map

 One of the tools for thinking, the bubble map we have been told is created to guide students to associate it with adjectives especially in describing a person.

It is particularly useful when teachers embark on topics which require their protege to recall words that best depict their imagination of a personality may it be a hero, loved one, teacher or a friend.

 Today, someone caused me to think about her in this way.

What caused me to use the thinking tool?

 This bouquet of sweetness. She came up to me and said "for you". She caught me by surprise but it is indeed a pleasant one. You do not receive impromptu acts of kindness often as everyone is caught up in big and small ways but when that happens ; it really brightens your day. So, a simple gesture extended made me really appreciative and so I will talk about her via the bubble map.

Ms. Chan is pretty; that you can see for yourself. She is creative and more often than not comes up with great ideas in the teaching of English both for the weak and strong. She would come to me for opinions and suggestions but she has already said them all. She is skilful and  I have often wondered at her language skills. It is hard to find a teacher who can teach 2 languages at one time; Mandarin and English. Ms Chan proves many wrong as she handles both languages well. So, you can find her conversing in English and at the next instant, babble in English.
 A linguist at heart.

Then I must relate that she is the form teacher of a bunch of boisterous ones who need maximum patience and help. This helpful teacher coaches with her heart and her kindness I believe must have touched them. I hope they repay her with good results too.

Ms Chan is a blessing to the school.

 

I went through the day delightfully.

The flowers reminded me that it is good to be kind and appreciative.

The teacher's gesture made me happy indeed.

Thank you, Tsuey Ni.