Happy Mother's Day

My parents are coming...in the Family Tee.....

"Tee" is Singaporean name for T-shirt. Walking on the street of Singapore, you can find that Tee is ubiqitous.Being one of the most convenient and comfortable clothes type, this kind of shirt will never fail to catch your eye, especially in school----Class Tee, CCA Tee, Orientation Camp Tee, Integrated Trip Tee......various tees of different shapes and designs create a unique type of culture, which is rarely seen in China; actually, this kind of culture is almost non-exist elsewhere, thus it may well be regarded as one of Singapore school's 'trademarks'.

In this way, Tee almost substitutes emblems in some communities and organisations and this gives it a special function and status----a symbol of unity. Once you are in one of these 'symbolic Tees', you will be besieged by a sense of unity,which acts as a prelude to a sense of pride and eventually a sense of belongings. This may be the most valid reason why Tee is so prevalent here, and why it may have the effect of promoting group spirits----it grants people common identity.

In the wake of the official description of 'Tee Phenomenon' in Singapore above, I proudly reiterate that my parents are coming to see us in Family Tee, which is particularly sold in the shop "Shan Guo Yan Yi"in my hometown to commemorate our reunion as a family again. In the seemingly interminable battle with nostalgia for over half a year, I finally could anticipate something to happen and alter my unchangeable lifestyle for a while, that is my parents' arrival!

Having been a shopping-maniac since we were born, my dear mum devotes most of her time in choosing suitable things for us. Holding the previlege to enjoy the happiness in her adulthood, she nevertheless choose to play her own bliss second fiddle. Bring up children is a conbination of bappiness and tediousness, this is the very axiom derived by my loving mother. However, she undeterredly shoulders her responsibilities and unvariably provides us with the most considerate "childcare services". This time, her arrival is not an exception.Almost one month ago, she began to 'search for' things which we are in dire need here, namely, mosquito nets,summer clothes, suntan cream,portable nail file, etc...every time is like this, she is always most conscious of our material needs and then sets up on the task of CHILDCARE.In the past, especially when I was in secondary school, at the age of 'rebellion', I used to neglect her care and be fussy about the standard of her service, holding firmly that All of it was to be taken for granted. Until one day, I watched her silhouette vanishing gradually as I passed the checkpoint and waited impatiently in the terminal,heart palpitating in my chest,I knew that it was my turn to shoulder the responsibily of care, both the donor and the recipient of the care is myself.

She seldom wanted me to be worried about her, although sometimes I could perceive her immense distress as she talked to me in the phone, yet she always contrived to speak as casually as possible, trying to conceal any elements of disturbance. I kept this unrevealed, I do not want her to know that I am worried about her, either. Occasionally I was grumpy and hurled all my unhappy experiences towards her. She is always composed, soothing and relieving, being alert to my changes in mood while lending me a listening ear. Occasionally I tend to believe in the existence of Telepathy....

On this Mother's Day, I have nothing to give to her, however I know, material gift is not that important to her. She does not expect that at all. So,happy Mother's Day, mother, you know that in fact I wish you happy every day.

It will be her first flight...Welcome!!! We will stroll around this "garden city" in Family Tee

(Also Happy Mother's Day to Mrs Sabar, My dear Mummy Yip and My dear godmother)