Schooldays

As we progress into the final month of 2015, a new milestone is reached. No, not that I have matured past my fourth zodiac cycle. Rather, both J and M reached new heights in their school life. 

He just concluded his final A-level papers, which officially marked the conclusion of his compulsory public schooling. From now on, every academic endeavor would be a specific choice he makes. Indeed, from hereon, every move he makes (save for serving his nation though military service) will be due to his singular efforts and choice (guided of course by the Holy Spirit).

Speaking of the Holy Spirit, M will get confirmed next Sunday. Now that's a real milestone. Spiritually, she will become an adult. It's only fitting that she's entering this new state of grace with a winning attitude, specifically a gold medal from a softball tournament that took place over the Thanksgiving holidays organized by the Singapore American School. When I congratulated her, like the adult she is becoming, she replied, "it's the team". Yes, she did hit a home run (and earned the team two runs, significant as they won by a point!); so this response from her was all the more gracious. Readers of this blog will recall an old post I wrote about her learning all about winning and more importantly, losing, together with her team. She has learned and grown so much. And that's the real victory. In life.

They are the products one one wonderful upbringing: specially brought to bear by their mum.

So, as I enter my 7-squared year, despite an uneven unexpected year of growth (in the business), I feel fine. At the core of it, I think it's because everything is well at home. Taken care of. So, I have stability deep down inside. It's really true what they say about "behind every great man ...". In fact, this year, I learned quite a bit about work. It's amazing what a simple reverse can do to accelerate learning, especially when one is standing on a solid foundation.

Which brings me back to the title of this blog: schooldays. Just last month, my primary/secondary schoolmates found me in a WhatsApp group chat. And yes, boys will be boys. Everyone is just as we were, plus 30, 40 years. I am sure many years from now, J and M will also get reconnected (joyfully, I might add) with their friends with whom they have shared and are continuing to share so many wonderful memories together. As Dr Seuss once said, "sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory".

As for D, she knows: