I remembered after every semester exams there would be a parents-teacher gathering. I do like small talk but sometimes some questions felt like a bragging session. The frequent question was what rank number your child obtained during the exam. Her first exam she got 14/14. Meaning to say she was last in her class. When I told that to this one mother. I felt I was not a good enough mother. Her second exam she was number 11/13. Not that she failed any of her subjects. I had never force her too much and belittle her saying that her friends are much better than her. Everytime I just hugged her and said well done sayang. We try again okey. Just a little more.
Some might not understand how proud I am of her. Nobody knew how much she had been through. I remembered just after her babah passing she had become a recluse, always afraid of umfamiliar places and people. There were times I saw her crying wetting a pillow printed picture of the three of us. One time I accidentally eavesdropped her talking to a potrait of her dad saying Yayah rindu babah. Another occasion we were having a family breakfast with my parents and siblings, she basically wailing, kicking and screaming her tonsils out doesnt want to enter into the new restaurant. And she was just barely 18 months then. How it had broken my heart and strength seeing her like that. I only hugged her tightly and told her take your time mummy will always be there for yayah.
But I cant explained to the other parents her story. To me she had blossoms beautifully. She had made so many new friends becoming much more inquisitive and adventurous. She now taken up the love of colouring, singing and making silly videos of herself. Sure there will be children who are acheiving tremendous milestones than her. So that is life. There will always be others who are much better than you. Dont let that be a hindrance to your progress. Presevere and never give up just like Sarah. My parents had never belittle me with what ever grades I had. They knew my strength and capability. My dad once said to me as long as I never give up and try again no matter how long it took you as long as you get there. This the girl that crumble 1'0' O levels slip and certificate into the bin with head held high registering to retook back my gcse the next year. When I get there he was the first person I shown the picture of my graduation booklet on the special recipients section Ms Awg Jumaat recipient of Shirley Parson Award Best Overall Performance Student Class Of 2011 Undergraduate Bsc Safety Health and Environmental Management, School of Criminalogy and Law, Nottingham Trent University. This is from a girl with humble beginnings.
Sarah milestone maybe small to compare but this silly mummy is so proud of you sayang. Its not how you start the journey as long as you cross the finishing line thats matter. No feat is too small or too great. The greatest victory is victory over yourself.
A proud mummy.
