I read with much comfort of Canadian Teikai Lin Fraser's successful attempt in locating her biological family. (TNP 24 May 2008) It must have been a the best mother's day present for Mdm Liow for her reunion with her daughter after 33 years of wait.
Emotions aside, I am extremely heartened by the fact that Miss Fraser took much efforts to retrace her roots. Her adoptive family have definitely treated her well. However there is this bond that can never be explained. It is strong enough for her to make a trip back to Singapore, her place of birth.
I was watching a clip on youtube. It was an old clip. The Australian Football team was playing Italy. Emotions were high. The crowd cheered on their teams. While I have no idea what the Italians were chanting, the Australian supporters were singing out loud the song, Waltzing Matilda.
To the Australians, this is the song. A song that unites, a song that motivates, a song that brings out the Australianess in them. It almost became their National Anthem, so I was told.
While I am not Australian, this song did bring back lotsa memories for me.
During my JC days, there was this teacher from Australia. He didn't teach my class but well he was famous for riding a Harley to School. During one of the assembly sessions, he introduced this song to us. The boys in my class, especially myself, Fang Ming and maybe Nicholas caught on with this and keep humming and singing to ourselves.
The wonders of music. Yes, it became refreshing to the class, especially when the lessons get boring or when the examination stress became a tad to much to handle, this song really comes along. Who really studies in JC anyway? Except when the exams come along?
I remember my days back in Catholic High. Back then, parents that were old boys would try their best to enroll their children into the primary school. And yes, they do get preference over non old boys. However, how do you proof that you were once a student? Documentary proof may some times be lost. You can't always get a replacement or something to be certified as a true copy. That was in the old days I guess. I might be wrong. But I digress.
So what was the solution? The school management got the parent into a room and gave him an interview. To find out more and also to determine how "linked" he was to the school and not only when his boy was due for primary school.
And that interview would always consist of this question. " Can you remember the school song?". A true blue Catholic High boy will never forget this song. And yes this is indeed a good measure. However, we never sing this song for fun or "perform" this song. It should only be sang during official functions. I remember the day when the ex was so disappointed that I refuse to sing to her this song. I'm sorry for the same thing holds.
As much as I loved her and would want to give her whatever that made her happy, certain things just cannot be compromised.
Certain bonds just remain. It's difficult to sever such ties, till this very day.
I am glad that Fraser found her biological family and that a holding a belief for more than 30 years paid off for Mdm Liow. Yes , some roots are just too strong.
I wish them all the best. =)
L decided to let me off early today, after all that was what was stated in the arrangement by boss. Wanted to volunteer my service but well, I suppose there were some other stuff that they need to settle internally. Anyway, took my leave after returning whatever I'm suppose to.
When I was about to get into my car, this little boy ran over. He was at most 5 years old.
" Uncle Uncle..." he panted... oh well.. I'm used to be known as Uncle anyway. Even L thought that I was with the organisation for ages. Back to the boy.
I closed the door.
"What happened?" I asked with a smile. Yes, service, service and service.
" Uncle... my didi( Chinese for younger brother) .... stratched his KuK*J*ao... mama says cannot but he did leh.. how ah?"
Ah... the innocence of childhood....
