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!!!