Wish to be Strong

Being strong is not as easy as one thinks. When you are hit once, you can stand up and keep on moving. Taking a repeated blow make one weak, ...weaker then before. The most important thing is that once a chance is given, it should not be misused or abused.

Everyone in my family taught me a very important lesson - they forgave all my stupid mistakes in the past and by doing that, I am a better person today. With everyone's support, directly or indirectly,  I managed to recollect myself from where I was and continue to progress in life. Today, I am proud to say, yes, I have done every mistake in the book of sins, but yet, I have repented and I am definitely not going back down that alley.

Another chance... to change and to be a better person. I want to be with you and give you a chance to prove to everyone that a mistake will never occur again. Can you promise my family and me that? Give them your word, and I will be yours forever... small things that matter!!!

It's Not Always about Receiving

The night before was hectic.Grocery shopping took some time, as I had to make sure I managed to get everything I needed to make the next day a memorable one. It was an important day, as this was the first birthday we would be celebrating Sathia's birthday as a couple. After fetching Sri, future my sister-n-law, we were off to Giant, our local hypermarket. We bought everything on my grocery list, and headed back to her house. I had to drop her off before rushing for double-shift job ...babysitting my nephew.

We arrived at her home, and as I was about to leave, she told me of her intentions to tag along. I realised that she felt bored at home, and immediately agreed. After all, she was good company =D ... 

Time was ticking... 11.10pm... I glanced out to the porch. My sister was yet to appear. Her son is an absolute angel to babysit. Time was flying, it made me jittery. I had to get Sri back home before midnight and wanted to wish Sathia at midnight in person. 11.33pm... a car wheeled in and my sister and brother-in-law stepped out of the car. 

I managed to get to Sathia's home on time. 12 midnight, I stood at his gate, looked him in the eye and managed an out-of-breath-smile... "Happy Birthday sweetheart!!!" - and this was the beginning of his 32nd birthday. After a quick meal at his place, I rushed home. The day had just begun.

I woke up after barely closing my eyes on my pillow... the cold air in my room tempted me to roll over and sleep longer. But I had to get cooking... The plan for his birthday:

Activity:	Lunch treat for 40 disabled children
Venue:	Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak Kanak Cacat Klang (PPKKCK)
Time:	12.30pm till 2.30pm
Menu:	vegetarian briyani	stir-fried mixed vegetables
	chicken kurma curry	spicy cucumber raita
People:	Sathia (Birthday boy)	Shanti (aunty)
	Thillai Mohanadas	Gandi (aunty)
	Vinothakumaran (brother)	Kanagasingam (cousin)

With the help of his aunties (Shanti and Gandi), we managed to get the food prepared. They volunteered to cook 2 dishes and I agreed to cook 2 dishes. Everything was set, and once the food was loaded into the cars along with the donations, we were soon on our way to the children's home.

The children gave us a warm welcome upon our arrival, most of them offered help to unload the car. But it was clear that they were hungry. Food was served by Sathia for all 40 kids. It was overwhelming for a few of us, but it was also an eye opening moment to see more reasons on why we should be grateful with what God has given us.

Shafiq

Through the opening of a grill at the sliding door, a little girl peaked out. I tried to look at her, but noticed that a care taker was carrying her. This baby girl really made me tearful. I found out later on that her condition could have been avoided if her mother had done screening tests that can detect structural abnormalities, such as spina bifida, which is a defect in the development of the spine, or some chromosomal disorders, such as Down's syndrome. Although no test can guarantee that a baby will be born without an abnormality, screening tests can:

• reassure the parents that their baby is likely to be born healthy
• give the parents time to prepare for the arrival of their baby with special needs
• allow the parents to consider the termination of an affected pregnancy
• provide valuable information for the mother's care during pregnancy

Ah Hong, feeding Sathia cake

We met and spoke to the children after lunch. Cake cutting ceremony was a slight tug-of-war between the birthday boy and one of the kids, Shafiq. The struggle was hilarious and made us all laugh uncontrollably... Sathia managed to share the warmth of his birthday with the children and when Ah Hong fed Sathia cake volunteerily, we all smiled. 


This was my gift to him... the opportunity to share his love and time with these needy children who yearn for attention. Beyond the joyful time we had at the home, we all left with the cloud of sadness... small things that matter!!!

My Puppy, I once called Ricky

Its been 2 years now, since Ricky passed away. I weep for his demise now, that I found out just recently from my ex-student that he had passed away. He would have been 7 years (41 dog years) then.

I remember the first day I set my eyes on him, the fluffy little puppy. I reached the breeder's home in USJ Subang at night, after work. It was an anxious drive to the breeder's den. She told me over the phone that the puppies were too young, but I could dropby to hand pick the one I wanted. I wasn't sure if any of the puppies would bond with me immediately or will I pick the wrong one. It was definitely either a beagle or a shih tzu, but I eventually decided on a shih tzu.

I reached her home at around 8pm, only to notice that the surrounding area was quite dark. I heard a frenzy  of activity from beyond the gates, and I knew these bunch of puppies were definitely pumped with energy. Upon reaching the puppies, one little puppy looked up at me, gave me the cheekiest look and started circling around, trying to catch his tail. He stopped when I turned to speak to the breeder, and the moment I looked at him again, he repeated his circling... I knew just then, that he bonded with me. I picked him up, with the breeder's permission, cuddled him and told the breeder, "Ricky, this is my Ricky". 

I still have him in my memory, and I love him very much... I will get another just like my Ricky, one day in future ... small things that matter!

Never Turned Back

There was once a little froggie, Jane who lived in the urban area of the pond. She was always feeling awkward, without a sense of belonging. Most of the time, she would appear to have many others around her and they appeared to adore her talent and loved the way she held her head high. But she never made it a point to tell the rest, about how lost she felt without a solid ground below her feet. It was definitely difficult for anyone to understand, no one was ever in her "shoe".

Jane, the little Froggie

For years, she went through life by keeping herself busy. For Jane, the smallest time she had with nothing to do, it only made her remember how lucky other people around her were, with family of their own.

One fine day, Jane decided to hop along the rainbow till she reached the end of the rainbow, which was famous for its pot of gold. For her, at least, till she finds the tail of the rainbow, she won't feel hurt or depressed, nor will loneliness eat her soul. Jane hopped for as long as she could, stopping at the end of each day, to look back at how far she had come...leaving behind all the sad moments and unhappiness she's been through all her life.  Years passed, the rest back at the pond wondered if she would ever return. Jane knew that at the end of the rainbow was no pot of gold. It was just another excuse for her to keep going and never turn back. For every turn she made, there were just memories of how self-consumed the world around her was, no one to ever think how she actually felt and what she truly wanted.

These small things that matter ... but often taken for granted!

Little Feet ... Happy Feet

The position Kailaash was in when I arrived

My day yesterday was pleasantly ended with the company of my nephew, Kailaash. My brother-in-law has been down with viral fever, and I decided to bring him some magic after work. What took me by surprise is my sister hadn't showered as my nephew was still awake, and had kept her busy till I arrived.

Looking around for the mischievous fellow, I caught sight of a bundle of softness in front of the television. Kailaash was in the cutest position a baby can get into, making him look like a rounded up ball of chubbiness.

My sister, in a tone of helpless-mode-switched-on, asked me to look after him while she enjoyed a quick wash down. From the sight of her, she needed more than a quick wash down, she needed a long aromatic hot shower that could release her stress and allow her to relax. I told her run along, and went to attend to my nephew.

Baby Feet

Kailaash was in gurgles when he saw me. His eyes lit up like a light bulb and it was definitely the most pleasant sight. I picked him up and started playing with him. Tickling him was absolutely hilarious because he started laughing out loud (LOL)...! His chubby baby feet were so tempting - I kept making him laugh by gently nibbling on his toes.

I had a stressful day earlier, ... but his chuckles and gurgles made me really happy and it was definitely a natural de-stress moment. My nephew, Kailaash Gautham ... small things that matter!