Merdeka!

In 28 days, the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence. Merdeka! I have a photo of me as a baby in 1957 with my arm reaching upwards, as if joining the Bapa Merdeka as he declares. "Merdeka!" You must realise that at that time, I was just a little over 1 month old and was in no position to raise my arm to join the nation as it declares its independence! It was either my mom or my dad who must have thought it cute to have a baby appear to join the Merdeka chant even though I was lying in bed with one of them holding my arm up!

They liked it so much that in the following year, they managed to coax me for another Merdeka pose, since by then I was able to raise my own hand and utter some baby gibberish which, they said, sounded like "Ma aka!" I don't remember any of this, of course, but the story was repeated to anyone who cared to look at the photos!

As someone who celebrates her 50th birthday the same year the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary, I feel like I have travelled the same distance developmentally, emotionally, and intellectually, if not physically! :-(

I can proudly claim to my share of struggles, conflicts, achievements, sacrifices, compromise, ambition, joys and sorrows. At the end of 50 years, although I still have to continue the journey, there is a feeling of quiet contentment and fulfilment. Sure, there is still alot to do. And yes, some things could have been done better or differently. But it is more important to be able to reflect on the events of the past 50 years, and work positively to overcome any shortcomings or mistakes.

In hindsight, I guess messed my life up somewhat when I was younger. But I managed to contain whatever damage created during the ignorance of youth, and can claim tha I am quite content with my lot.

My peers and I were fortunate, no I should say, priviledged enough to be able to enjoy the fine education at TKC, a boarding school for ladies who were regarded as creme du la creme. Ahem! those who performed better at school, at least. TKC taught us not just in terms of formal education, but I daresay, it has helped build character and personality. Most of us are, to a certain extent, vocal, opinionated (read, not in a negative way), independent, witty, strong and resilient women who, I realise now, some of our children may find to be somewhat tough acts to follow! Of course, the competition then was not as steep as it is now, and I shudder at the kind of pressure our children are going through. Although the temptation to push them to achieve was great, almost as great as the temptation to protect and shield them from life's problems, I finally learned to let them find their own pace and their own niche in life. My eldest used to remind me that I must allow her to learn from her own mistakes. I reluctantly conceded, but kept a constant watchful eye. Like they say, give them enough string, but not too much so that ensnare themselves.

So, dear Ladies of the class of 74, a penny for your thoughts!