A year end story 2015

Looking back 12 years ago, God's answered prayer to us - a baby girl was born in the Christmas month of December.

Every prayer that we prayed was faithfully answered by our heavenly Father. As we already had a son, so naturally we prayed earnestly for a girl.  

The thought of going through 13 hours of gruelling and excruciating labour pain when my son was born motivated me to pray more specifically for just 3 things. Firstly, for a short and quick labour, under 2 hours would be ideal with no painkillers ! The prayer was answered. Secondly, as financially we were tight, we prayed we would be able to get a 4 bedded room. We got it. Thirdly, that  both mummy and baby would be healthy and 1 night hospital stay would be sufficient (cost saving). And God answered that as well and we were happily discharged a day after my daughter was born !

It turned out my daughter was a healthy and ACTIVE little bundle of joy !!! And God surprised us with a bubbly and chatty girl, always exuberating with boundless joy, endless chatter and unlimited creativity. She never ceased to amazed us and surprise (good and not so good) us since the day she came into our family. We as parents were challenged in every imaginable way, physically, mentally, spiritually to raise her and keep up with her abundance of energy. Her creativity and analytical skills were beyond her years. 

A problem solver from a very young age.  In a typical girl’s room, you would expect to find all things pretty, cute and cuddly. She has all these plus a whole lot of tools like screw drivers, spanars, pins, needles, craft scissors, blades, half cut mineral bottles, industrial glue, house paint brushes, used toilet rolls, kitchen cling wrap and many unidentified objects.. Its like a mini garage with an experiment waiting to explode!

Coming back to just a month ago in November 2015, it was a sad but special moment as I went into her room to wake her up for the last time for primary school, where she spent the past 6 years of her life. It was her graduation day.

As I sat there in the midst of a beautifully decorated hall, speeches were presented, pictures and memories were captured, parents can be heard exchanging comments about their kids and teachers doing their rounds keeping the students quiet with a stern look. As I caught a glimpse of the first batch of students going up stage to receive their scrolls, a wave of emotions followed. Flashbacks of the times when she was born, her love for water and swimming as a toddler, the kindergarten years, first day of primary school, the times when she came running excitedly to show me the consolation medal she received for her art competition and many others. 

A sense of contentment set in, knowing that my daughter will be moving on to the next stage of her life. Words just can't describe that feeling as a mother. Years of hard work, the countless sleepless nights, tears of joy and disappointments that were shed began to fade into the background as her name was called out and began to confidently walked up the stage, smiling with her bright little eyes, receiving the scroll. Yup, that's my little girl.

We are thankful for her life, the joy that she continuously brings to the family. Her brother's constant playmate and only buddy at home. My little kitchen helper. We love her because of the very person she is, not because of what she can or cannot achieve. Though we failed many times in grasping this truth in this time and age where academic achievements takes almost first priority for most parents.

A defining moment for me as a mother, a parent and for her as a student.

A teenager in the making.

And yes, the real parenting journey has just begun. With 2 teenagers in the house now :)

Well, I told myself to just sit back, relax and enjoy every moment as the moments will soon become a memory if we do not catch hold of it now. 

Moving forward to 2016, to all who have been a part of our lives as a family, as a friend and as a business partner, thank you for just being you. 

Happy New Year !   

Have a great one. Make A Difference. God Bless.