One Birthday Wish

Every year I celebrate my birthday with the students in my class. An ice cream cake or a cake will suffice and we will all partake a cup of cold delights and enjoy the short bonding moments during recess.

Every year I celebrate my birthday by visiting a church or a temple. Last year, I fed birds and released some fish to the river. This year, I made merit by donating some money to a foundation and then prayed in a temple.

Every year, I wanted to eat out with some or just one good friend. This year, I spent the afternoon and evening with two beautiful people in my life. I got laughs, tears, joy and love for eight hours of non-stop sharing of stories and funny moments. And to my surprise, I got a cake, handed by a former student of mine, and the gesture was deeply appreciated.

Every year, as the day ends, I sit down and reminisce how lucky I am to be alive and having had lived a great year. This year, one birthday wish is fulfilled once again, a wish I always hope to happen even for just this one day of the year, that is, to be with someone.

A big thanks to Sumead and Deena for the cards, Joan and Carol for the wonderful company, Marc for the pillow, Sai for the cake, RMA staff for the birthday wishes, Wasan for the temple visit, Stephen for the overseas call, ITG for the birthday entry, my dad for his very first sms message to me, and to all of those who shared this one birthday wish even with a one line birthday greeting. Love you all!

Karin

An irreplaceable teacher is about to leave the school and I say irreplaceable. Is there such a thing such as irreplaceable? Yes, in her case, she is.

We’ve known each other for so many years and I have seen her rise from being an assistant teacher to one of the most promising in the field. She learns fast and had been adaptable to many situations confronting her everyday. She is well-loved by her peers and by her students and parents while maintaining a humble and well-respected demeanour.

She had been my support buddy. Not that we agree on all things but we also have our bouts of arguments and misunderstandings. We still maintain our own identities as teachers but continues to support each other through thick and thin. Our ideas would always be about children, the passion and the caring attitude, and it is in this respect that I find her not only a good person but also a great colleague in school.

I will miss her morning greetings, her warm smiles and her genuine concern. I will miss her gifts of chocolates after every school break. I will miss her baked cookies from her cooking sessions. One good friend had left last year and so her leaving would be very difficult for me. Yet I will always remember that she had been a part of my growth as a teacher.

Karin will be missed in school yet her contributions to the so many lives of young children will become a legacy in itself. I wish her all the best and with this entry, I send her all my love.

My Footprints

I have the greatest job in the world because I see the accomplishments I make in the lives of young children. I have the best seat in the theatre of life as I see their growth blossoms right in front of me. I have the best medicine for sadness and loneliness for they are always willing to give me a hug with a wonderful smile and encouragement.

I am delighted to be part of the lives of these little children that I teach everyday. Hearing comments from their parents had been very heartwarming and lovely. Year after year, I do hear people saying that the only reason they stayed in school is because of me. I do hear that the reason they chose the school was because of me. I have also heard that the children will miss my camaraderie and my overflowing love for them. I am overjoyed.

Just last month, I told a child that his "movie" was done and that we needed just the voice over for it to be totally finished. He viewed the final run with music and he was impressed. The smile and the glowing eyes as he reads and looks at the moving pcitures made me smile and I was indeed happy. I was about to face the other way to see how the other children were doing when he called me.

Me: Yes? Do you like it?
Keanu: I love it!
Me: Thank you.
Keanu: I love you Teacher Jonathan. Could I give you a kiss?

I cried that moment. The next day, I cried more when I told the story to his mom and we were crying on the playground in front of many people. For those who give, they do receive.

A Growing Poem

Believe
One word
But ever true
In every life's endeavour
Living life with a purpose.

Love
So empowering
Force to reckon
Two souls in one
The reason for our existence.

Faith
In God
Who holds us
To live and learn
The purpose of our existence.

A New Morning

The recently concluded holidays became an awaited moment for some to refresh themselves and renew their spirits. It was a way to be with families and ponder the good times and heal the old wounds. It was an excuse to meet former friends and make new ones as everyone seemed to be in the spirit of the holidays.

I planned early, getting presents and things to give to my relatives and friends. I planned early, in securing airline tickets so I could be with love ones. I planned early, in scheduling myself so as to spend time wisely during my break.

However, the holidays won't be complete if I have not make connection with myself, a much needed peace and compromise to become better and feel better. The holidays became an excuse to prepare and be more busy. The holidays became a distraction to the many things occupying my troubled mind.

I have no plans as to what to do in the near future and have no idea where I am actually heading with this journey. I have met many people who had been giving me advices and pat in the back but I still have to endure the trials all by myself. The need to be in a new environment, the need to be in a secure place, the need to be important in my workplace, and the need to belong to a group are intertwined problems affecting my behaviour right now.

I am good, I am great and I know I can do many good things. I should not be in this dilemma but must get out of this rut. This new year, I should make plans for myself so as I get the needed peace not brought by the holiday break but by putting things in order, in perspective, and in importance. I vow to change and these changes won't be easy.

The morning is here, the action is now.