REALITIES OF LIFE

SPM and STPM results are finally out. One of the major news publications caught my eys with the headline "She failed" where a girl had jumped off a 3rd floor balcony when she got her SPM results. That was one of the most insensitive reporting to my opinion. The poor girl must have been under a load of strain and to cover the story of her 'jump' on the front page doesn't help one bit! Think of the parents' feelings! Sensationalizing the incident just doesn't help the poor girl at all.......do remember she is just 18!

Just today, my niece was so scared of collecting her results and when I called her to ask her how she did, she burst out crying that she was afraid to collect the results for fear of failure. When the exams were a few weeks away, she was involved in a car accident which had caused her right arm (her writing arm) to fracture. She had to go through the exam with her arm in a sling. Honestly, I did not expect her to do well. Sure enough, she sent me an sms to say that she didn't make it through. I called her immediately and tried to advise her to look at it positively as she was going through a rough patch when the exams were on.

Somehow, the results of an school examination tends to put the students and parents into a crazy tizzy! I know of some parents who expect their children as young as pre school kiddies to do a fantastic job of studying and getting good grades. In school the children are saddled with homework, then after school it's tuition, music lessons, dance lessons, martial arts, etc. Do we as parents ever think about the children? Have we ever asked them what they want? Do we understand their needs and wants?

Education used to be a luxury, only for the very rich; then it became a necessity and now it is one of the fundamentals of socioeconomic needs. No education, no professional careers, no money, fancy clothes, cars or condos!

We have to remember that the children are CHILDREN. They too need space to grow, time to rest and most of all parental support and approval! To all the students who didn't get through, do not feel like the world has ended, try again.

God bless!

5 YEARS ON.........

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my Patricia's passing. It was also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I had thought that this year, I'd still be the crazed up, grieving mom again, more so since Patricia's ashes have been placed in a columbarium way down in Melaka. Much to my surprise, the pain was still there but less intense. The tears still came but not like a waterfall. I was still moody and the guilt was still there. Ended up with a migraine due to the heat and not from over exhaustion like the previous years.

I still miss my sweet Patricia, the smiles, the 'manja' looks, holding her and breathing in her sweet baby smell. The memory of her final hours on this earth still haunts me. I still hurt and tears still well in my eyes when this day dawns. I still feel like a part of me has died and the void is still there. I know that these feelings will never leave me. I know each time this day dawns on, I'd still feel like the earth split open and swallowed me whole.

But I am glad that God has given me friends to alleviate the pain. I can only thank God and wish the day passes without incident. God bless.

VALENTINE'S DAY AND NEW WEDDING BANDS

Valentine's Day........what a surprise it brought me this year! I can still remember the 1st Valentine's Day dinner date I had with my then boyfriend, now husband of 16 years. We had our date 2 weeks late as he had to go back to his hometown on Valentine's Day. We had our dinner at The Ship in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya on 28th February 1990 and by 14th August of 1990, we were officially registered as husband and wife.

Somehow, through the years, we moved our candlelit dinners to The Cable Car Restaurant in Jaya Supermarket and these days, whatever celebrations we want celebrated are held in Cable Car. Makes things easier I guess for hubby to get me jewelry or books as there is Poh Kong, Popular Book Store, Memory Lane etc.

For the past 2 years eversince hubby's fingers got too fat, the original wedding ring he wore since 1990 got too tight and he took it off and kept it. This action of his had been a source of great annoyance to me and I told him that either he loose weight and put the ring back on or I too would not wear my ring as it had gotten too loose.

We always celebrate Valentine's day either a day early or a day after. This year we celebrated it a day early and as usual had our 'romantic' candlelit dinner at Cable Car. After dinner, hubby suggested we go to Poh Kong as he wanted to get me a piece of jewelry to thank me for his gift, the Neil Diamond's 12 songs album which is not available in Malaysia as yet but I got it through Amazon.com and it arrived on the morning of 13th February. In Poh Kong I couldn't pick out anything I liked as I have the major pieces I wanted so I slyly suggested that the best gift he could get was a new wedding ring set to fit on our fingers. For the 1st time im many, many years my Chinaman became a romantic. Slipping the wedding bands on my finger, he said that it was a renewal of our love and vows.

So who says that after 16 years of marriage, 2 daughters and much aging, romance is dead? Hahahahahahaha! I hope you all had a good Valentine's!

MY LITTLE GIRL

How my little toddler has grown! Looking at the photos we took of her when she was a month old and comparing with how she looks takes my breath away! She sure has grown and the joys and laughter she brought totally outweighs all the bad things like the time she had to stay in the hospital.

She now has 6 teeth (4 bottom, 2 on top) and her molars are also growing. This teething spree of hers sure did surprise us! It took only a month for her 6 teeth to pop out simultaneously and now her molars are sprouting like 'taugeh'! Poor baby has to endure the itchy gums, high body heat and loads of aggravation! But being the strong girl that she has shown herself to be even from an early age, she doesn't cry and whine like some children I have seen.

She's no angel I agree as she is a mischievious little imp! She is always up to her tricks and now she even demands hold the telephone/mobile phone in her hands to speak with her father, grandma or my sister, her aunt. She is fast loving Milo and Coco Puffs and she loves to run her daddy ragged just chasing her all around the place.

She is growing and I thank God she is a lovable child and imp too!

FAMILY COMMITMENTS AND HOW THEY DRIVE YOU MAD!

Chinese New Year is just 2 weeks away and already family arguments have begun. The main contention here is the fact that we are not supposed to hold any grand celebrations to usher in the year of the Dog as my father-in-law died in October 2005. The 100 days commerating his death actually falls on 28th January 2006 the eve of Chinese New Year. But due to some supersitious family members (main culprit my mother-in-law!) the prayers for that 100 day has been brought forward to 22nd January 2006.

This change of date has resulted in a lot of brouhaha amongst the siblings. The two brothers in Johor Bahru have stated that they will definitely not be home for Chinese New Year as they are financially strapped. One brother in Shah Alam is not sure but chances are he too is not making the trip home. So my better half decided that we too should stay put in KL as there will not be the usual reunion dinner and frankly he says he is not in the mood for any festivities as his dad is dead less than a year. Traditions should be observed by not observing the usual festivities associated with Chinese New Year as a mark of respect for his father.

To me that is wonderful news as I am sick of all the hypocrisy of certain siblings and even looking at them nauseates me! Now that I am back working, doing my own small business I am suddenly respected again and no longer a 'pariah'. When I had quit my job when i got pregnant in 2000, they treated me like I was dirt. Now that I am a small businesswoman, they come grovelling and treating me like someone important. When news that I owned a double storey house came to light, invitations started pouring in for my hubby, baby and me to attend dinners, suppers, breakfasts and all the other outings we had been left out of. The pariah now is the brother in Shah Alam who has been jobless since 2004.

This family I married into is truly a idiotic and materialistic one. When you are in the money, they welcome you, when you are down and out they ostracise you. Thank goodness my better half does not behave like them! He's more like his father and less like his money minded mother. I am glad that I do not live anywhere near them and I have done my part as a dutiful daughter and sister in law so I don't give a damn as to what the heck they say about me.

Anyway to all celebrating, Kong Hei Fatt Choy!

FAMILY TIME

New Year's eve was spent at our house in Rawang. When we arrived, there was an electrical blackout that had occurred due to the heavy rainstorm round 2.00pm. Power didn't come on till after 10.00pm. We had fun lighting up candles and looking for torch lights and battery operated lamps that set a romantic ambience. My little toddler was not afraid at all that there was no lights to brighten the room. She loved sitting on the sofa with her daddy and me. Thank goodness it was raining and there were breezes wafting in and out. So much of cuddly and kissy time with the little one and the laughter from the little one was infectious to say the least!

New Year's day was drizzling in the afternoon. It poured like mad from 6.30pm till way past midnight! It was good for us as we were having a seafood steamboat dinner with some friends who stayed the night with us. Poor little baby was left out of the dinner as she still can't eat with us at the table as yet.

We came back to the apartment tired out on Monday and baby and mommy slept all throughout the afternoon! Poor daddy had to do the cooking as I was snoring with my baby in my arms. He said we looked so good and comfortable he didn't want to wake us. So sweet!

Anyway, I hope that this year's countdown has been good for all. Have a brilliant year and don't forget to help the less fortunate ones. Good deeds helps to make one a better person.

Ciao bella!

Another year round the corner, new hopes abound.

Going back to my hometown to celebrate Christmas was kind of weird. Arrived in my hometown round 10.45 am. Went for breakfast with my sister. Then went home to the family house. Dropped my little toddler off with my sister and went to visit my parents at the grave yard. Real sad to see my dad's grave overgrown with lallang. Sadder still to see my uncle's (my dad's older brother buried next to him) photo on the tombstone fade to almost nothing! My mother's grave was in a better condition and looked clean. Managed also to visit and pay my respects to a family friend who died 3 years ago. It was poignant to say the least as when this family friend died, he had misunderstood me and was angry with me for something that a troublemaker had lied about. At least now his wife and family knows I am innocent.

At my aunty's house later, I felt that although the welcome was there, there was a coldness in the way my aunt spoke to me. I don't know why but as the day wore on, she sort of thawed out. The greatest pleasure was meeting up with my aunty's husband.

Somehow or rather, there always is a 'wet blanket' who will spoil my joy of Christmas and this year it was my niece's husband. Ah well, I am just pissed off at the whole world I guess that I am sort of 'ultra sensitive'. Somehow the emptiness in my soul is still there. Made matters worse when I visited Dad and Mom's graves. Missed them and the way Christmas was celebrated when both were alive. My dad's rendition of 'Silent Night' was beautiful and Mom's turkey, roast chicken, pork roast, cakes and cookies for Christmas were legendary!

Anway, my wish and prayers for all during this year's end and forthcoming new year is for all to have joy and blessings for the whole year and beyond. Happy new year everyone.

Christmas stolen by THE GRINCH

A friend asked why I was so gloomy. Didn't I know it was Christmas? I tell you, I genuinely felt like slugging her in the mouth! Like I needed any reminder about Christmas! Then she proceeds to tell me that I am cooped up too much in the apartment with my 18 months old daughter and I am getting too 'mopey'!

Man! I really felt like The Grinch had come to steal my Christmas spirit. I had already started to 'get into' the Christmas spirit and the idiot comes spouting stuff she doesn't even understand or want to understand. Thank God I was able to remain civil throughout her visit! Why, even my 18 months old toddler refused to go near her.

The thing that started her off was the fact that my apartment was devoid of any Christmas decorations except for the Advent wreath at my altar. She was so indignant that no tree was up at such a late date and the fact that my father-in-law's photo was up and there were incense sticks lighted in the incense urn was evidence that we were in mourning did not stop her from shooting off her mouth. It is not like as if she didn't know my father-in-law had gone back to his Maker. She was one of the first to offer her condolences after I had sms the news to friends that I would not be able to attend another friend's housewarming on that weekend! I sometimes wonder why I even tolerate her! My better half just cannot stand the sight of her!

So to everyone out there, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

A MUDDLED UP ENTRY

Well, it's done. Patricia is at her final resting place in Melaka. I am sad and trying to cope. It is hard. Each day that passes only serves to emphasize the empty spot where her urn of ashes used to be. The emptiness in my heart grows alarmingly deeper. I have lost most interest in doing my favourite things like reading. I seem to be running on automated drive mode. Just going about my daily chores because I need to, taking care of Angel, but most of the time I just stare into nothingness and mope.

Christmas? What about it? What is there to celebrate? Disillusioned. Been lied to by the one I love. Picking arguments with him over every little thing. Getting angry irrationally. Crying all alone. He knows but he does nothing. Christmas presents don't mean a thing now. Just want to curl up and cry, think about Patricia. I know Angel needs me too. She does make things easier at times. She knows Mama is upset but she does not understand why.

New Year? What will come? I don't know. Will I still mope or will I have bounced back?

D-DAY....Will I cope?

In a few hours time it will be dawn. Then it will be time to get up, pack up and get ready to drive down to Melaka. Then it will be time to place Patricia's urn of ashes into the niche already prepared for her. I just wonder if I will be able to walk away calmly.

I am not brave neither am I as strong as some believe. Deep inside me, the grieving mother still grieves, the broken heart is still broken. Nothing is ever the same once an experience like this strikes. I refuse to lie to myself anymore. I refuse to smile and bear all the pain as insensitive morons make stupid remarks.

Yes it is very heart wrenching. It is like a double edged sword plunging deep into my gut, like a spear piercing my heart and left a bit of itself there. Yes, the wound is still deep and festering and it feels like nothing is ever going to heal it.

Christmas? I don't know. Will I be alright by then? Some tell me I must be strong for Angeline. But who then will be strong for me? Who can I hold on to and cry all the tears? Angeline senses that I am sad. She looks at me in bewilderment and when she sees my tears, she will call, 'Mama! Mama!' and wipe my tears away.

Maybe in time I will heal, maybe I won't. Only God alone knows and only HE can take away this pain.

SNOW, WOLF, LAKE, A MANDARIN MUSICAL

Finally the day of the musical arrived. I was excited about it and a bit worried too as the musical was going to be staged in mandarin and I am not that well versed in that language. But as luck would have it, I totally understood the whole play.

To say Jacky was superb is an understatement of the century! He was MAGNIFICENT! I was enthralled to be able to watch my idol in person. I watched the whole play mesmerised. The costumes were fantastic, seeing Nadia Chan and Evonne Hsu in their dresses brought The Sound of Music to mind as the dresses had can-can petticoats. The stage scenery changes were not that elaborate but sufficient to fire one's imagination to follwo the play.

But the minus points were there too. When my girlfriend and I went through the gates to get to our allotted seats, we were asked if we had brought any handphones, camera or audio recorders with us. We were asked fo leave the items (if any) at the security counter. But being obedient and good spectators, we had left our camera phones in the house. So happily we went in to find our seats thinking, "Goody! No phones ringing in the midst of the musical!". How wrong can one get? Barely 5 minutes after settling down in our seats and getting comfortable reading the free program, we were schocked to see so many of the other spectators whipping out their handphones and gleefully making calls, snapping pictures, etc! When the musical began, we were again distracted by the lady seated 2 seats away. Her handphone was ringing and then to top it off, she answered the call and proceeded to launch into a frenzied whispered conversation with the caller.

I wonder which part of the announcement about switching off all handphones did she not understand? Ah well, that is the mentality of the yuppie mindset who cannot live without their PDAs, notebooks, Blackberrry and CELLPHONES! Please lah! If ever you go for any shows, ADHERE TO THE REGULATIONS about handphones. Don't spoil the pleasure of others.

OPEN HOUSE, DO THEY STILL EXIST? (PART II)

Last week a friend invited us over to her house also in Bukit Beruntung for Raya 'open house' on Saturday 19 November. So on Friday night we drove to our home in Beruntung to stay for the weekend. My little toddler was so happy as she loves the house there with the big space that she has to run around and her toys to play with.

On Saturday morning, we went out for breakfast and decided to buy a 'baju kurung' for my little daughter to wear for the open house. We managed to find one which fitted her but was a little bit long in the sleeves and the sarong. So when we reached home, I had to stitch the sarong and sleeves so that my baby girl would be able to wear it.

As we were sitting at home doing our own stuff, one of the neighbours (we don't actually know him at all) came by and invited us to his Raya open house he was hosting that afternoon. I was totally surpised but had to decline as the time clashed with my friend's open house.

Hmmm........looks like the spirit of 'open house' still exists but only in the suburbs, kampongs and when the ministers hold theirs at PWTC etc. In other places, like apartment buildings, 'open house' still exist but only for invited family and friends. None of the neighbours who had open houses here at their apartments invited their neighbours. Ah, but I too am one of them. I barely know my imediate next door neighbours and only am on speaking terms with the couple living on the ground floor. Sad huh?

Anyway, I like to thank my neighbour who invited us to his home and maybe next year when we are able to hold a Christmas open house, I will invite him too.

Whither our ecosystem?

I am happy that the lousy neighbours with the rudest kids you can imagine have shifted off just a few days before Hari Raya Puasa. It is really good to have some peace and quiet but unfortunately they left a load of rubbish behind when they moved on the corridors, stairways and landing. Imagine our surprise one morning when we were going down the stairs and found our way blocked by a 3in high single foam mattress! Some of the other neighbours were so furious that they pushed the whole mattress over the wall only to have it land on the roof of the ground floor back gate. It is still laying there getting wet from the rains and dried by the sunshine.

The tenants on the other blocks have stated that the block I am staying in has been dubbed 'the speculator's block' as most of the owners of the apartments here just rent it out to every Tom, Dick and Harry. What's even worse is that these nights at 2am there are fire crackers being let off in the airwell area and the loud bangs have scared my little girl so much that she no longer wants to sleep in her cot.

When we bought the apartment, we told that there were only going to be a few blocks and the greenery would stay all round us. Now the only greenery we see are the grass and the small hillock which I dare not venture to as there have been reports of robberies, rapes, snakes and monkeys that attack people who go to the lookout tower.

I shudder to think about the rest of the green areas of Selangor. Will the only tree, shrubs, flora and fauna our children, grandchildren's children see will be in museum photos? What then will happen to our Earth? Will we have to buy oxygen and stay indoors?

STRANGE BUT TRUE

On October 15, 2005 I lost one of my favourite diamond earrings. 6 days later, my father-in-law passed away. On October 27, 2005 a week after my father-in-law passed away, my husband found the back stud of the earring on the bathroom floor. Believing that the lost earring would still be in the bathroom, he searched on hands and knees every nook and cranny of the bathroom but found nothing.

Early hours of November 10, 2005 around 1.30 am which coincided with my father-in-law's 21st day or 3rd week anniversary, I found the other part of the lost earring in the same bathroom which my darling husband could not find. I had given up all hope of ever finding it but strangely, it turned up on that particular morning prompting my husband to remark that his dad who loved me dearly had found it and put it in the bathroom for me to find.

We left for Melaka that morning to attend the 21st day prayers at my mother-in-law's home in Melaka. Whilst driving down, we were listening to MixFM and heard the cue to call for Mix Box Office offering 2 tickets wortn RM490 each to Jacky Cheung's musical Snow, Wolf, Lake. Being a great fan of Jacky Cheung and hearing rave reviews from friends who had seen the musical, I called in but was not successful. Thinking nothing about it, I just put it down to being unlucky in these kinds of contests.

After the prayers and dinner, we left Melaka and as usual, I turned on the radio and heard the cue to call for the Mix Box Office. I again decided to try my luck again and this time, I WON! I was so happy and my husband was so amused to see me jumping up and down in my seat. Again it struck my husband and me that it could be a blessing from my father-in-law.

So you who are out there......strange eh? But true. Have a good weekend. God bless you.

What are Telecoms up to?

Recently, hubby applied for a new phone line under one of TM Net's numerous packages and also decided to apply for TM Net Streamyx because  the package was on offer too. Imagine our disgust when we were told that our application for Streamyx was approved but we were not going to get the service as 'there was no port available'. To top it all, when I called TM Point today to enquire and report that the CLIP function was not functioning, I was told that any numbers coming out from Sungei Buloh exchange does not carry the CLIP or any other services.

What then is the point of offering the services and getting end users to sign up and then tell them that it is not available in their area? Ridiculous and very irritating. What progress has Telecoms Malaysia come to? None whatsoever!

OPEN HOUSE, DO THEY STILL EXIST?

I remember the times when I was about 5 or 6 years old. At that time my father who was with the police force was stationed in Kulai, Johor and we were living in the police barracks. We were one of the few non-Muslim families living there. My mom was very active in the officers' wives club and being a very good cook and fantastic cake and cookies maker, she was always in great demand come any Chinese, Hindu, Christian or Muslim festivals.

Mom was never one to say no to helping a neighbour in any way that she could. So we knew that come any festivities preparation time, mom would be busy. The ladies club as papa called them was one fun club.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri saw many invitations for us to attend 'open houses' and ate our way to full and rounded bellies! There were even neighbours who would bring kuih raya over to our house once because I was sick and could not leave the house. Papa was there with me as mom was busy at the OCPD's house helping out.

Deepavali saw again another round of 'open houses' and again we were stuffed! Chinese New Year and Christmas saw mom busy with the cooking in the kitchen and papa helping out with the roasting of the Christmas turkey. This time round, we were the hosts.

These days with the onslaught of apartments and condos being built up and gated communities, open house is no longer a fun thing. In fact, come any festivities, we are greeted with the rush of balik kampung and closed doors. Is this then the price we have to pay for progress? Has the values of days gone by slipped away or are they only practiced in kampungs and small towns?

Whatever the situation, Selamat Hari Raya, Happy Deepavali, Thanksgiving and most of all, happy living. Let's be glad that we are safe and alive.

An Eulogy of Sorts

When I first met my father-in-law 16 years ago, I worried so much that I ended up with a migraine as my husband had scared me by telling me that his parents were strict and very, very conservative. I was terrified that he would not like me as I was not 100% Chinese (I am a Eurasian Chinese) and I had a left leg which was about an inch shorter than my right resulting in a limp when I walk.

The first meeting was terrifying as my father-in-law just sat there and looked at me while my mother-in-law fired off questions left, right and centre. During lunch, he looked very surprised when I waited till he had picked up his chopsticks before I said the usual formalities of asking the elders permission to eat by saying, "Uncle, Aunty eat rice". From that moment on my father in law sort of thawed out and was friendlier towards me.

When I married my husband, my father in law was the first to make me feel welcome and he always took my side and defended me whenever someone said negative stuff about me. When I had my first miscarriage, he was the one who said consoling things to me. He never once scolded or raised his voice at me. He was a very fair and decent man.

When my daughter died, he was the first one I called and he cried over the phone, heartbroken for he loved my Patty dearly. Even in his grief, he found time to console me and my husband. He was supportive of me when I made the decision to adopt my Angeline even though Angeline is of Indian descent. He said it did not matter what colour skin the child is, what matters is that we love her and she loves us.

When he had his first stroke, he was still thinking of the family, not wanting to cause any kind of inconvenience to anyone. He bade us not to rush home to see him as he was alright. The second stroke paralysed his entire right side and from then on, it was painful to see him suffering so much. Even in death he wanted no hassles. He just wanted a simple cremation ceremony and told us not to weep or grief. The only consolation I feel is that I managed to see him 2 weeks before he passed on.

Father, we miss you. It is one week since you left us. I still cry each time I think of you and the kindness you showed me. I know I never said this to you but Father I love you. May your soul rest in peace. Till we meet again some day, Farewell.

A death closer to home

On 21 October 2005 round 7.30pm, my husband got a call from his brother informing him that their father had passed away 20 minutes earlier. We immediately packed up and rushed back to Melaka and all the way home it was raining. It was a very subdued drive home with my little girl sleeping all the way home and us the adults each mulling over the news and keeping our grief in check. As we had known that my father in law was dying and that his passing was just a matter of time, we were prepared for the news but that did not stop the onslaught of pain at the news. We also felt relieved that his suffering had finally come to an end.

The funeral services ended on Tuesday with his remains being cremated and his ashes placed into a niche at the Melaka Memorial and Columbarium in Melaka. The place where the niche is situated is a peaceful place and one does  not get any eerie feelings whatsover when you are there. It is a clean and calming environment.

Rest in peace Dad and be with God.

RIP Datin Seri Endon Mahmood

The weather today reflects the sombre mood of a nation in mourning, the death of the First Lady of Malaysia. The rains were like the tears of the nation, pouring out grief for a woman who has been constantly and steadfastly keeping a low profile, always complimenting and never once has Datin Seri Endon thrust herself into the political limelight. She has always been the epitome of grace, a pillar of strength not only to Pak Lah, her children and grandchildren but to the citizens of Malaysia.

Kak Endon as she liked to be called has given the Malaysian people and the international community an inside look at the private side of Pak Lah. Their love and affection for each other is well known. Pak Lah never fails to greet his wife with hugs and kisses, unabashedly declaring his love and admiration for his beloved spouse.

Condolences to Pak Lah and family. May Kak Endon rest in peace.

Rainy days

These past few days it's been raining cats and dogs. I am not complaining though. I love the rainy weather. Have you ever noticed how beautiful the dark clouds look when lightning flashes through them? Do you ever see the grounds soak up the rain water, how the rain pools into puddles and then flows back into drains, streams or rivers? Have you ever wondered if the rains never came, how humans and nature would suffer?

Much has been said about the dry spell which had many dams drying up at an alarming rate and some people had to go without water or endure water rationing? It would seem that now the rains are here bringing much relief as well as destruction, these people would stop their grousing.

Do we ever give thanks whether as Christians, Buddhists, Hindus or Muslims for the wonders that God has bestowed on us? We are blessed to have the use of our minds and bodies. Even the handicapped gives thanks each time someone offers to help them. Does it hurt to smile at a total stranger or even your neighbours? Is it because of our apathy that so much crime and destruction of our environment has taken place? Each time a natural disaster strikes, accusations are made that God is cruel. Have we the right to say this? Our apathy has created a huge hole in our ozone layer and the constant cutting down of trees in the name of 'progress' is also one of the reasons for the floods and earthquakes and other natural calamaties. It is Mother Nature's way of fighting back. Do we learn from this? Or does the thought of being 'noble' in raising money just so the world knows what you are doing matter so much? Does it matter how many thousands are sent to reach the victims of disasters in other nations when your own countrymen are suffering?

Charity begins at home. Teach your child to love the other inhabitants of the earth irregardless of skin colour or species. Even the lowliest of animals deserves respect. Decency has since flown out of the windows of most young teenagers these days with the culture that comes from MTV and the pressure to look 'cool'. It pains me to see so many young Malaysians aping the Western culture where foul language and disrespect is encouraged. Gone are the days when sneaking out of the house and getting caught would result in a severe caning! Children these days are threatening to call Social Services and report their parents for abuse and parents just accept the threats as we feel guilty due to our work commitments which has kept us away from home and from our children.

Now I can fully appreciate these words my parents told me when I had sneaked out to go disco dancing those many years ago and was caught, "You will know the pain we feel now at what you have done when you have children of your own." My daughter is only 1 year 3 months plus and already I am worried about what she will turn out to be. I can only hope that I will be able to instill in her the proper values and PRAY!

Dio benedire tu!