Parental Guidance

"Take a moment to hear to-day

What your children are trying to say

Listen today whatever you do

Or they won't come back to listen to you

Listen to problems and their needs

Praise their triumphs and good deeds

Tell them you love them every night

Read a story, then turn out the light

Don't worry about what happened today

Tomorrow is going to be OK."

~Anon

Red is for passion. And I am a passionate mother. So that describes me. My passion for parenthood was based on "firm but kind principle". Though alone and unaided, someone from Above was always there to provide me guidance.

The verse above was published in a country magazine that I have kept until now; since my children were still young. Even before I had the opportunity to read the content, I would say, I had have already applied the principles that this inspirational verse had spoken of.

If there is a lasting memory that will forever etch in my heart, it would be the memory of Motherhood. I will always fondly cherish this memorable and most important part of my life - of being a mother. I miss my children so much especially those years where they always write me love letters everyday with their lovely drawings. Sometimes they would write me a verse. They made me homemade or handmade cards. They were very creative and they still are.

Those love letters are now being replaced by phone calls. "Hi Mum! I miss you Mum and I love you" sort of calls. I taught them how to "give" more and "take" less.

Now, I have the time in the world to sit back and reminisce those wonderful times amidst our struggles. Of course, we triumphed over troubles.

The little girl in black took the role of a Torch Girl while the big girl took the role of Hera in a school play "Ulysses" produced by Orange Public School in 1999.

The above family photo was taken in 1991.