A Visit to St Theresa's Home

Last 19 October, Saturday, our family had to deviate from the usual routine (that is, waking up late in the morning from a late-night Friday movie or tv show). I woke at 630am to prepare light breakfast (a.k.a. heated pizza from the night before) and got everyone ready by 8am to take the bus to Montfort Secondary School (MSS) and catch the shuttle bus to St Theresa's Home. After a short briefing by the MSS Parent Support Group (PSG), we were on our way to meet, greet and entertain some special people.

The visit to St Theresa's Home was a joint project by MSS PSG and the Montfort Alumni, their first as a team, in line with the school's vision of "A Man for Others". St Theresa's Home, formerly the Little Sisters of the Poor, was established in 1935 to provide housing, food and medical services to the elderly. When I received the letter from the school about this volunteer activity, my first thought was "we have to take part in this project". It was on my birthday month and it would be a great way to celebrate by sharing our time being of service to some elderly people in the community. So there were no second thoughts, we HAD to join in this activity. Kelvin initially didn't have a good reaction, which I understood as it was a weekend which was one of the days he could rest. He even said no one from their class was going. But I convinced him that this was for a good cause - showing compassion and sharing our time with the elderly. To make the story short, I was able to convince him and his brother that we were going. I knew something good will come out of this somehow.

When we arrived at St Theresa's Home, we were welcomed by other organizers who got into the venue first. The hall was already prepared and decorated with flower balloon sculptures. Tables and chairs were set up for a lunch treat.

We wheeled the residents (aunties and uncles) one by one from their rooms/wards into the entertainment hall. There were about 40-50 residents per ward (a total of 200 or so residents), and 40 volunteers who came, so each of us accompanied around 4-5 residents into the hall. The first auntie who I assisted was a very friendly lady. She was quite chatty. She asked where I was from and who I was with. I replied I was from the Philippines and I was with my family (husband and 2 boys). She said I looked young she thought I was a student (I think my petite figure is always mistaken for youthfulness). She said she was single so no children to take care of her, but that her brothers sometimes visit her. She seems to enjoy her time at St Theresa's Home and has a very positive outlook. And even if the entertainment has not started yet, she was already very grateful for our presence.

I left her at the hall after finding a good place she was comfortable in and went back to the ward to help bring in more residents. I was separated from my boys as they headed to the second floor to assist the caretakers in taking the residents to the lifts. The second resident I was about to take was an uncle, but he said his brother came to visit and he will be going out with him, so I had to give back to spend some time with his family member. His brother was also an old man, but probably slightly younger than him. I could see the concern/care of the visitor brother as he talked to the resident brother. He even brought him some food, which I assume was his favorite because he was proudly showing them to me before they left. 

The next uncle I brought to the hall was so excited about us visiting and preparing some entertainment for them. They even called it a "party". One of the caregivers asked, "Rocky, do you want to go to the party?" To which he quickly replied, "Yes, of course!" Then he was strapped into his wheelchair before I wheeled him into the hall. He was a very tall man but looked quite frail. I had to make sure his legs were secure and not dangling while I was pushing the wheelchair. 

After several trips, most of the residents were already in the hall, while others had to stay in their wards due to physical restrictions or because they had something else to attend to (visitors, favorite tv show, etc). The program started with a prayer by Brother Thomas, followed by a speech from the PSG Chairperson Vincent. From then on, strings of performances from different groups wowed the residents. There was a lion dance performance, dance number, marching cadets' exhibition, wushu, and song numbers by the PSG. The Filipino resident caregivers were also called up the stage and performed a famous Filipino song "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar. They were accompanied by a local volunteer who was also playing the guitar. his rendition of the song was so spot on we couldn't believe he could sing fluent Filipino. The entertainment portion of the program ended with the volunteers singing "pass it on" (of course, I was trying to stop tears from falling at this moment).

Lunch for the residents followed as the volunteers took turns queuing up for food to be distributed to the residents. The teachers reminded parents and other volunteers to let the Montfortians do most of the responsibility of being of service to the residents as this one of the main goals of the activity. The food - fried rice, plain rice, curry, fried chicken, vegetables, meatball, kuehs - was catered. While some of the residents were eating, some PSG volunteers were going around asking residents to sing. The residents eagerly took the mic and brought us back to olden days with their renditions of their favorite English or Chinese songs. I could see they were really having a good time and that they were happy visitors come from time to time to entertain and be with them.

When they were done with their desserts, we said our goodbyes and wheeled them back to their wards, one by one, as they received goodie bags prepared by PSG volunteers. They were all grateful for the gifts and thanked all of us as we brought them back to their wards. Their smiles were worth giving up more sleeping time. This was a Saturday morning well spent.

Here are some of the photos taken during our visit to St Theresa's Home.

short break as the elderly were finishing up their desserts

lunch time for the residents

the Filipino caregivers accompanied by our local guitarist

with Tara, a fellow parent volunteer and a friend for several years now

our family felt blessed (even with Ira whining at some point)

 to be able to take part in this sharing activity. I know it will sink in, somehow :)

There were several times I had lumps in my throat as I thought of their lives in the home. Some of them were really old and immobile. Some don't seem to respond to anyone. Some even don't have family members to visit them. It saddens me to think I will also be reaching this stage in my life and may also be left alone. But having met some residents who had bubbly personalities and positive auras, I knew life can be better no matter where we are or what age and state we are in. It's all in the mindset. That was what I took home from this experience.

For those who are interested to share their blessings at St Theresa's Home and make the elderly residents happy and entertained for a day or so, you can visit their website:

http://www.sainttheresahome.org

Address	:	49 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574325
Telephone	:	6256-2532
Fax	:	6254-4589
Email	:	victor@sainttheresahome.org
Head of Agency	:	Mr Victor Seng, Administrator

I'm a Kryptonite

Go figure! A periodic table would help. 

The gift of forgiveness

36 years and counting - of friendships, family relations, new challenges, victories as well as setbacks.

For my birthday last year, I've listed down all the people, places, and events that I am thankful for - the blessings I've received and continuously relishing. This year, I thought I would want to focus on the one thing that I thought was somehow holding me back from having a really meaningful and enjoyable life moving forward - forgiveness.

Children's Day Lesson

Every Friday is a very busy day for the family, well, mostly for Ira. He has school in the morning, remedial lessons after-school, French lesson at 5pm, and swimming lessons afterwards. Unlike any normal Friday, the 4th of October was a special one this year. Ira had no classes (and remedial) as it was Children's Day. His French lesson skipped this Friday for the same reason. But he still had swimming lesson to look forward to.

As he didn't have anything for the day, and Kelvin was home early because he only had his test to finish before being dismissed from school, we went to the swimming complex earlier than usual. We dropped by McDonald's for some sundae treat for the boys. Once they were done with the sundae, Ira headed to the pool for a dip while waiting for his lesson to start. I thought we could go to the slide and check if Ira now meets the height limit. I talked him out of the pool to go to the slide but he said he wasn't interested in the slides anymore. But I knew that really wanted to. It just so happened that a few weeks ago he and Kelvin went there and were rejected by the person-in-charge (PIC) as he was a few millimeters short of the height requirement. He was very disappointed then that he went back to the pool crying and mumbling angry litany. Knowing him, he didn't really want to go there just to be turned down again - he would feel rejected and embarrassed. As his lesson was almost starting, I didn't push the idea any further.

After an hour, I tried to convince him again. I told him that while I was talking to a friend, she told me that there was a class of students who went to the slide sometime ago and there were 2 children who also fell short of the height requirement. Their teacher spoke to the PIC, pleaded for the children to be allowed to go down the water slide as they knew how to swim anyway. Lo and behold, they were allowed into the water slide. I said maybe if I could talk to the PIC and let him know that Ira can swim, given that the height difference was not that much, then he might be allowed to try. With much persuasion, I was able to convince him to give it a try. Anyway, we won't be losing anything if we did. If he won't be allowed again, at least we tried. If we didn't try, then we won't find out.

So off we went to the water slide, feeling a bit nervous but determined. We walked up the stairs leading to the measuring wall indicating 1.2m. Ira stood with back on the wall, and he was a few mm short. But what surprised me was that before he was even standing next to the wall, the person manning the water slide approached us and almost told us off. He said Ira was still a bit short for the requirement. We stood aside, when a small boy rushed to the slide without even standing in front of the measuring wall (i think it was already his second or 3rd attempt). Then Kelvin said, "Mom, that boy is as tall as Ira and the man let him slide!" I noticed a father and daughter approaching the stairs. The daughter was almost the same height as Ira, so she definitely would not be allowed to go to the slide. But the father talked to the man-in-charge and said that she could swim. The man hesitated for a while, but allowed the girl to go provided the father would go first to catch her, just in case. The 3 of us looked at each other.  I guess we all had the same thing in mind - if she was allowed to go, then Ira should be allowed to go too! Heck, he is even a better swimmer than I am! So I talked to the man-in-charge again, showed him Ira's height as compared to the measuring wall, and informed him that Ira knew how to swim and he has been taking lessons for more than a year. Again, he hesitated, probably a bit worried since Ira did look small as compared to those his age, but he let us go in the condition that Ira can only go ONCE. Well, that was still better than not going at all. He let Kelvin go first, supposedly to be able to catch Ira. But I think Kelvin didn't really mind what he said so after sliding he walked to the side of the pool while the man shouted for him to go to the side and wait for his little brother. We couldn't do anything about that anymore so I told the man that I'll go first so I can assist Ira when he slides down. Ira was getting more and more excited. I slid down and waited for him at the bottom of the slide. Ira slid fast and swam to the side of the pool. He was soooo happy, his face lit up as he flashed those incomplete set of teeth. The look on his face - priceless. 

That's something money couldn't buy for him for children's day. 

True to our word, we didn't go back for another slide, but we did talk about going there again next week ;)

I hope I was able to teach them something about perseverance - not because he was turned down once, he was going to give up.  It's not about getting around the rules just because you want to do/try something. It's about trying and trying, using difference courses of action, as well as providing additional information that may persuade the other party to change his/her mind about his/her decision. It's showing that because Ira was only a few mm short of the required height, if we could reason out that he was capable of fending for himself in the water (eg. he can swim), maybe he could be allowed to go down the slide - safely. And he was!

On Ira's Hyperdontia

The other day we had an unscheduled trip to the dentist at Presbytarian High School. Ira's school dental clinic is not equipped with an x-ray facility so he was referred by the school dentist to Presbytarian High. 

Weeks before that, we noticed that the right front tooth seemed to be smaller compared to it's counterpart and it seemed to have an attached tooth behind it. The dentist thought maybe it was hyperdontia (an extra tooth) and Ira had to go for xray when the tooth is a bit bigger. Last week, I decided to send him to the school dentist again for another check up because it looked like another tooth was coming out on top of the one he has now. To cut the story short, the dentist said it probably was an extra tooth and will have to be extracted. But before she could make any final decision, an x-ray of his teeth has to be done. Thus, his referral to Presbytarian High.

The appointment scheduled by the school dentist was for Tuesday at 2pm, but Ira has CCA on that day and I didn't want him to miss a session since he likes his CCA. I called the Presbytarian High dental clinic and asked if there was a way we could have his schedule changed. Luckily the clinic has a vacant slot for Monday at 3pm. I grabbed that slot, waited for Ira's dismissal, bought him lunch in school and took the bus to the dental clinic after lunch. I told him that he was going to have x-ray to check his tooth and he may have an extraction. 

We arrived just 10minutes before 3pm, signed in with the security of the school and walked straight to the clinic. The dentist was already waiting for us. She was so accommodating and nice and she explained to me and Ira what was going to happen.

I took the backseat as the dentist ushered him to the x-ray booth. We then waited (like a lifetime of waiting) for the results. Once the x-ray result was ready, we were called back to see the x-ray. He did have an extra tooth and it was already impeding the proper growth and alignment of the other permanent teeth that are still to come out. The extra tooth was surprisingly big, according to the dentist, that she was also wondering why the shape was like that. Ira ended up having the tooth extracted right there and then. 

The dentist and her assistant were constantly reassuring him that everything was going to be ok as they explained the procedure to him while I watched (with an aching heart, sending updates to hubby as it happens) at the sidelines. He put up a brave front. I heard some soft squeaks which made me weak in the knees as I couldn't do anything to console him (parents were off limits, i think, as i was sent back to the waiting area before the start of the procedure).

When the tooth was finally extracted, the dentist showed me how big and long it was (I had to take a photo of it with a 10-cent coin for comparison). I was relieved and glad that Ira did well and wasn't in pain. The dentist gave her instructions on how to take care of the gums and what Ira can or cannot eat as we prepared to leave the clinic.

He was still chatty while we were walking to the bus stop. The bus driver was even gesturing to him that he did well and he was a brave boy (it was quite obvious that he had a tooth extraction as a small part of the gauze was protruding out of his mouth. 

I put him to sleep when we got home, but that was after watching tv for about 30minutes. When he woke up just in time for dinner, he said he was very hungry and insisted he could eat chicken rice! No pain whatsoever after the extraction. I guess the dentist has "light" hands. Or did he get some of my "high pain threshold" genes????

When it was time for bed, he almost forgot to put his tooth under his pillow. The tooth fairy is going to be broke for sure!

while the dentist was administering the anesthetic 

while waiting for the anesthetic to take effect 

on our way back home 

the following day, on our way to the bus stop to go to school 

the extra tooth as big as a 10-cent coin

Thanks to the friendly and professional dentist at Presbytarian High, Ira didn't have any trauma at all!

Renewal of Philippine Passport in 2013

Last week, we went to the Philippine Embassy to renew our passports. We prepared all the documents needed and ourselves for the usual long queue and long wait. 

Here are the steps we followed in the process:

1. Online appointment was booked thru this link. Yes, walk ins are no longer allowed, which I think helped in the more efficient queues in the embassy now. An email confirmation will be sent, and must be printed and brought to the embassy during  specified appointment.
2. Online application forms were downloaded from this link. Printed and filled out.  Together with a photocopy of the passport data page and IC card, the application form must be submitted during scheduled appointment.
• For amendments and other documentary requirements, visit this link
3. On the day of appointment, we arrived 5-10mins before our appointment. It was specified in the email confirmation to arrive in time, not an hour or so, ensure less waiting time. We brought along required documents above (appointment confirmation email, application form, photocopy of passport data page, IC card, etc).
• the confirmation email was presented to the reception counter (just after the gate) of the embassy, and a queue number was written on it (we were numbers 17-20)
• we proceeded to Window 8 as advised at the reception counter. There were people queuing so I joined the queue (although I read from the website that we should be seated and wait for our numbers to be called). The officer-in-charge (OIC) checked our application forms for complete details and took our passports to check accuracy of information. Everything was handed back to us and we were ushered inside, to the encoders room.
• There were 3 encoders in the room. We waited for our turn, which didn't take a long time. We signed on a paper before sitting across the encoders, facing the mirror which, I think, was positioned just right for us to check ourselves before the photo-taking. Then we were asked to validate the details encoded before electronically signing and having our thumbprints taken. The details were then printed and were double-checked then signed. 
• After that, we out to Window 6 for payment. The cost was $102 per passport, in cash. Upon payment, we were issued a receipt and a green collection slip (dated roughly about 8 weeks from date of application).

Overall, we spent about 30 minutes only from our arrival at the reception up to payment. A big improvement from the usual hour or so waiting time. Not only were they efficient now, but the embassy itself has been renovated and looked more welcoming. The reception area had separate counters/windows for passport, visa, and other business. There was a turnstile from the reception to the security area before we could get to the embassy building. There were rows of chairs for the visitors while waiting for their turns in the queues. There were less people waiting so it didn't feel crowded. The employees were more accommodating and friendlier. Our experience this time was better as the process was more efficient.

Thumbs up, Philippine Embassy!

Now, we wait for the release of our passports which takes approximately 8 weeks. 

Stay-at-home-mom and social network

I've recently posted on my Facebook wall about the importance of social networking in a stay-at-home-mom's life. Here's what I wrote:

social networking MUST be a part of all Stay-at-home-moms' lives (well, ok, so with working moms, but they already have a network in their work place most of the times).
It gives us our time to be with friends who we can share stories with and get some sound advice from. It also gives us an opportunity to have that much needed break from our very busy routine and share laughs with ladies of the same experiences.

After a get-together with friends we feel revitalized, recharged (well, at least I do). And we become ever more ready to face the ever changing challenges of stay-at-home-moms when we go back to our home / our family.

So ladies, don't neglect this very important part of our lives. Go out there, meet up with friends. Of course, you have to know how to choose good friends, right??? And need I say that it should be an agreement with hubbies?

Cheers to stay-at-home (as well as working) moms! I've just been with some of them this past few days, and looking forward to more get-togethers in the future.

Cheers to keeping our sanity  while juggling our personal life, family life, work life and chores! hehehe

 I got a lot of "likes". I guess a lot of my friends agree with my opinion then.

My Journey with MJPC

It all began in 2007 when Kelvin was in P1. A Filipino mom "recruited" me to perform library duties once a week. She said it would be a good experience for me, to get to know the boys  in school and the teachers better. Since I still have a preschooler to attend to, my library duties weren't as regular as I hoped for. Few hours a month was all I could do that time.

When both boys attended the same school in 2011, it gave me more opportunity to be an active parent volunteer. And by active I mean really ACTIVE. I was there in almost all events, as long as I was free. There were even times I was in school for activities/school programs for the whole week! That's commitment - to the boys, to the programs/activities, to my fellow parent volunteers. My co-parent volunteer, and Exco Vice Chairperson Amie, informed me in one of the meetings that after tallying PV participation throughout the year, I came out tops! 

After some time, I was given bigger roles like being the PV-in-charge for the day, to the PV-in-charge of the Lego Room, to being the appointed secretary of MJPC. I had big shoes to fill. I knew there were expectations to live up to. But I knew I can only contribute what I am capable of.

During the last general meeting, parent volunteers gathered to elect the next batch of MJPC Exco. Initially, I was asked to remain as the secretary, and I agreed with the support of fellow PVs. But things took a different turn when some of the Exco members discussed (actually, gave secret signals) that I am better off as Special Events Coordinator. I knew it was going to be a big task with several events to plan every year. I hesitated, knowing that some of the people I worked with in the past were not going to be active volunteers anymore (eg. their sons have graduated, or for other personal reasons). I took me quite some time to agree with their nomination (not that I'm being a diva, but I wouldn't want to agree to something I knew I wouldn't be able to deliver), until someone suggested that there should be 2 people filling in the position. With a partner to do these big events, I had more confidence that things can be done. And so I accepted the nomination, and was elected as Special Events Coordinator together with Annie.

Most of the newly-elected Exco members were quite new in this field, and in the Exco. We all had doubts in our capacity to fulfill our duties. We all had our reservations. We were somehow charging into the unknown. We were frantically over-planning in the beginning. But as each event passed, we began to adapt to our new responsibilities. We got to know each other well. We were able to work with each other seamlessly. Event after event, we kept going on. Tapping each others potentials (and sometimes pleading for help). But most of the times, the help came naturally. We knew we had a good team going. Not only between Exco members but among other parent volunteers as well. They were our lifelines.

All the worries and doubts we had in the beginning slowly melted away. We became good friends, great allies. The duties were fun times with the boys and with each other, and we would sometimes end up having lunch or snack after, to continue with the stories about parenting and what nots.

Who would have known that my married and family life would revolve mostly around my volunteering activities, aside from the usual parenting and marital matters? These experiences have somehow added to the excitement and value to my life as a stay-at-home-mom. 

It's difficult to name names as there will definitely a long list of them. But I am thankful to all the mommies, and dads, who are part of this group we call MJPC. I've learned, I've laughed and I'm sure I'll definitely treasure all of them.

taken during the recent Open House 

with a record-breaking 60++ parent volunteers who signed up for Olympic Fun Day

97th Founders Day together with an ex-Montfort Junior parent volunteer (and friend), Ms Chye (MJS principal), and Amie (Exco Vice Chairperson)

job well done for International Friendship day

one of the after-school duty get-togethers

Scrapbook for Kelvin

I couldn't have thought of a better gift for Kelvin when he graduated in P6 than a scrapbook full of memories from his 6 years in primary school. Here is a glimpse of my simple, full-fledged scrapbook.

the cover page - simple. Used sticker foam letters

I cut out some of the scrapbook pages I bought and arranged them to make this page.

Cut out Kelvin's photo where he was looking back. This was taken during his bronze swimming test.

sporting his first back pack in preparation for P1

logo, contact details, motto and photo of St Louis Mary de Montfort - his Alma Mater,

Montfort Junior School - a Catholic school.

Photo on his own taken while waiting for his school bus at around 620am. 

I cut out his name tag from his old uniform.

The other photo he was with his buddy - a student who assists the P1s 

as they slowly familiarize themselves with primary school life.

one of the programmes in school when he was in P1 was career awareness.

He went with his dad to the office to see what it was like to be a telco engineer.

a collage of photos taken during his 7th bday celebration.

I also saved stickers, name tags and invitation cards from his birthday. 

It was themed (isn't it obvious?) Thomas the Train.

Thomas was a big hit way back in 2007.

the characteristics of a Taurian - that's what Kelvin is.

notes of praises and motivation from his form teacher, Mdm Tay

P1 class photo

We were there to witness his First Reconciliation - one of the sacraments he has to fulfill

as a Catholic

proud moment as ended up top of the class in P2

the whole family was there to witness the awarding ceremony,

and his little brother, Ira, was there to cheer on him

celebrating 8th bday with his brother by his side

P2 class photo

after a year of swimming lessons, he took and passed the bronze level test

his First Holy Communion

Now he can come with us during communion to receive Christ

P3 class photo

first (and last) time to participate in Cold Storage Fun Run.

The whole family, including Tita Malou, was there to watch and cheer for him and the school team.

They received an award for having the 2nd highest number of participants.

held at Singapore Science Centre, on the other side of Singapore.

Ira and I took the almost 1hr train ride just to be able to see him and his team compete.

But we weren't able to see him in action.

P4 class photo

first week of P5 and he was already off for a 2N camp

the goal was for the students in each class to get to know their classmates

and work as a team

their teachers were also there to share the experience with them

the different activities he participated in when he was in P5

his take on pointilism

celebrating his 11th birthday

at P5, he started wearing glasses

P5 classmates in their wacky poses

2012 - year of the dragon.

His year. The time that he was taking PSLE.

a class party 

boys just wanna have fun

Thanks to their teachers for making this possible.

during open house, Kelvin was chosen to be one of the participants to have a Science booth. 

Theirs was about plant reproduction. Thanks, Ms Han, for the opportunity given to him.

skipped 100 and brought home a medal

several post-PSLE activities

Seashore Life Program - one of the activities all P6 boys had to go through.

Environmental awareness and care. They are doing their part in taking care of mother earth.

our journey to SJI for their open house

the last Racial Harmony Celebrations before leaving the school.

It was extra memorable because of this trishaw ride with his friends.

birthday celebration at his choice of fast food.

Lola sent in a birthday banner.

as he grew older, his appetite also grew bigger

he progressed from a kiddy bike (in P1) to an adult bike (in P6)

model student for receiving stars in class.

Thanks again for encouraging words, Mdm Tay. She was there to praise and inspire him in P1.

We are both thankful she was there as his form teacher for his final 2 years in primary school.

P6-Humility

my boy is now slowly becoming a man

the world (symbolized by the Singapore Flyer) is at the palm of his hands

thank you, Montfort, for these values taught in school

till we meet again...

Aside from the pages that I've created, I also handed out small pieces of decorative paper to his classmates and friends so they could write him messages to remember them by. And although we usually expect friend notes from girls, I'm glad that his friends/classmates were kind enough to leave him memorable messages of their times together in primary school. Some were even his friends since P1. I also asked his teachers for their messages to him, and they obliged - with words of wisdom, encouragement and well wishes.