A mother's musing on teachers' responsibility

The future is not ours, Grown-ups.

The future is our children’s.

In some way, our children's education is at the mercy of the competence of their teachers whom they spend almost ½ of the life everyday, 5 times a week with.

Teachers should realize the magnitude of their responsibility.

Growing up, Growing apart

As I came across this quote from a book that my daughter, Noelle, is reading, the thought of her and her elder brother, Kyle, crossed my mind - almost instantaneously.

Someday, they will be older and may go on their separate ways as they pursue their dreams.  It's certainly a sad thought for me but it is almost inevitable for both of them. I want them to explore the world and experience its grandeur.  When that happens, my heart wishes that they would have grown apart physically, they will still be around for each other not only in trying times but also in special moments - celebrating family and achievements.

As a parent, I feel that with our humble resources, one of the most valuable legacies I can leave my children is their love for one another. I and Noel strive to create memories of our family together so that when we have to go, we are assured that our children have each other.

Hello, Happiness

Hello, Happiness.  I have heard so much about you.  You were there when a student found her name on the honors roll. You were there as Little Gab saw that her pet dog, Chloe, has given birth to three adorable little puppies.  You were there when Casey was born to her nervous but excited mom and dad.  You were there when Lola surprisingly saw her dad getting off the cab... her daddy has to work overseas and had to stay away from home most of the time.  You were also there when a friend said sorry to her best friend, Sophie... the twinkle in Sophie's eyes were unmistakable.  You were then when Kate pulled out her first perfect set of chocolate cupcakes from the oven.

I wonder how I did not notice you before from where I was. You see, I had made this room for myself where no one can ever reach out to me.  I'm not sure where exactly did I get the idea that nobody likes me. I always tell myself about how I don't look good enough, dress nicely enough, talk eloquently enough and so many other negative thoughts.  You bet!  The more I think this way, the gloomier and more miserable I become.  Maybe, I had shaped myself by the way I want others to think of me... which may not be me at all.   This only give me this self concept that I will never be good enough.

Yes, I have heard about you... a lot. But it seemed my negative thoughts have pushed me too way back to one corner of my dark room that it was difficult for me to see your radiance. If ever there is something good about isolating myself from the rest of the world who is having the grandest time in big big and small ways, it has to be the ability to see the stage of life from an audience's lens. It made me see how others are happy even in the most "everyday" events.  It allowed me to ponder about my issues. The best of all, though, is that a beautiful thought surprisingly creeps into my consciousness from time to time.  These are the thoughts that grew and blossomed the more I let it stay in my mind.

Alas! I realized it is possible to smile and look at the world with a cheerful disposition.

Hello, Happiness.  Today, I decide to be happy.  It's going to be tough - changing paradigms and mindsets; but I can do this... with God's grace.

Mothers

Much has been written about moms being superwomen.

We can only thank you for recognizing us as such.

But believe me, moms are very real human beings.

We feel sad when our kids do not try harder to realize their potentials. 

We feel afraid that when we are gone, they will not be able to stand up on their own.

We get worried that their friends will tarnish the ideals we strive so hard to instill in them.

We feel physically tired at times for ensuring we are there for the kids amidst other roles and responsibilities.

But, above all, it is due to this “human-ness” that we love our children simply just because.

Risk

Not risking is still risking.

On seeking for better ways

To constantly seek for better ways is not to propagate discontent... It is a humble admission that there is still so much that we do not know and that we have not fully utilized our "giftedness."