Dearest Ashley,
I always feel somehow we are connected subconsciously. While I was watching Liu Wei's video at 6:45am, you suddenly appeared from your bedroom to join me. We are truly inspired by Liu Wei's extraordinary bravery and perserverance. He lost his arms at a tender age of 10 in a tragic accident, started learning piano at 19 years old using his toes and won the largest Talent show in China at 23 years old. I was very touched by his performance and words. Here are some of his words from the bottom of his heart:
. I only have 2 choices in my life: one is to die and one is to live my life to the fullest
. I'm no different from others. Just that most people are used to using hands to do things but I use my legs.
. No one says I must play piano using my hands, I can play using my legs
. At least I have a pair of Perfect Legs
. There are 3 essential things to keep us alive: Air, Water and Music
. My mum does not expect me to have great achievements but to lead a healthy and meaningful life. But I have big dreams for myself. I want to be a Worl-class Music Producer. I aim to be in the Top three positions in China Got Talent so that my mum can proudly talk about her son to her friends
. We must be responsible for our dreams. To be better than others, we just have to work harder than others
. The numerous setbacks in life is actually setting us up for a beautifl life in the future
Liu Wei reminded us of a very simple life lesson that most of us have forgotten - Focus on what you have, not what you don't have. Pursue your dreams relentlessly and don't give up. Live a meaningful and beautiful life.
Hugs,
Mummy Dearest
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A moving story of a Filial Daughter
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
As I was sharing the story of a 18 years old girl being disfigured by her own father, did you see the tears in Mummy's eyes? You saw her before and after photo. How could a father cause such irreversible intense pain and harm to his own daughter? Despite his cruelty in trying to destroy her at that time, she forgave him because he is her father. She does not want her father to feel lonely behind bars and even prepares food for him during this Chinese New Year.
There are many lessons we learned from this heart-warming story:
. Her father committed the crime when he was angry. An angry man is a dangerous man. When emotion overtakes us, we cannot control our actions. Such actions is always harmful to others and ourselves and usually irreversible which has a permanent outcome.
. Despite being seriously disfigured, she is still smiling and takes her life one day at a time. Prior to the assault, she study hard in the University to become an Accountant. Today, she aspires to be a Counsellor so that she can help others like her to walk out of the darkness.
. She forgave her father for destroying her life. To her, it is harder to hate someone as it takes much more energy to hate than to forgive.
. She possesses the true spirit of filial piety, bravery and positivness.
So the next time if our anger is starting to surface, stop whatever we are doing, take a deep breath and think about this story. This story serves as a reminder for us to take control of our emotions and make the right choices.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
As I was sharing the story of a 18 years old girl being disfigured by her own father, did you see the tears in Mummy's eyes? You saw her before and after photo. How could a father cause such irreversible intense pain and harm to his own daughter? Despite his cruelty in trying to destroy her at that time, she forgave him because he is her father. She does not want her father to feel lonely behind bars and even prepares food for him during this Chinese New Year.
There are many lessons we learned from this heart-warming story:
. Her father committed the crime when he was angry. An angry man is a dangerous man. When emotion overtakes us, we cannot control our actions. Such actions is always harmful to others and ourselves and usually irreversible which has a permanent outcome.
. Despite being seriously disfigured, she is still smiling and takes her life one day at a time. Prior to the assault, she study hard in the University to become an Accountant. Today, she aspires to be a Counsellor so that she can help others like her to walk out of the darkness.
. She forgave her father for destroying her life. To her, it is harder to hate someone as it takes much more energy to hate than to forgive.
. She possesses the true spirit of filial piety, bravery and positivness.
So the next time if our anger is starting to surface, stop whatever we are doing, take a deep breath and think about this story. This story serves as a reminder for us to take control of our emotions and make the right choices.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Friday, February 4, 2011
There's a Secret to Everything!
Dearest Ashley,
You're such a clever boy. This morning at 7:20am, you told me the secret to remove the contact lens from your eyes. You followed the secret and true enough, the contact lens were removed easily in one try from both eyes. Bingo!
When I asked you what is the secret to good grades, your reply:
"Focus, pay attention to Teachers and work hard"
Well said. Likewise, if you apply this secret like you did in removing contact lens, you will certainly achieve good grades that are beyond your imagination. Did you see your secret is working for you in class? As you said, the 3 Teachers have been observing you in class for the past weeks and agreed that you are a good role model to your classmates because you pay attention in class, you do not talk during lessons and you submit your homework on time. Based on your Teachers' assessment of you from Nursery to P4, you are a helpful student towards your classmates and Teachers. I'm sure this attribute also leads them to make you the Class Monitor.
Mummy is very proud of you. I was never a Class Monitor in my entire education life. Only a Treasurer in secondary school and University. I always hold great admiration for all my Class Monitors. I feel that they are the Good Kings of the Class. They will take care of the ones being bullied, ensure order in class and inspire the classmates as all my Class Monitors are excellent in their sports and grades. I always remembered this incident in my P4 days. I was an average student, not very confident as I was quite big size. Once during recess, we were playing zero point. The two leaders, one of them was my Monitor, got to choose their team members. When she chose me to be in her team, I was elated. It was a honour for me to be in her team. She inspired me to work harder to achieve better grades and lose weight.
Mummy is very confident that you will be the Good King to guide, protect and inspire your classmates. One step at a time. Once you have proven yourself in class, am sure the Teachers will elevate you to take care of the rest of the students in your school as a Prefect or even a Head Prefect! You inpsire your Mum too, you know.
Keep up your good work. As what Jiu Jian Laoshi said, Shine Beyond Stage!!!!!!!!
Love,
Mummy
You're such a clever boy. This morning at 7:20am, you told me the secret to remove the contact lens from your eyes. You followed the secret and true enough, the contact lens were removed easily in one try from both eyes. Bingo!
When I asked you what is the secret to good grades, your reply:
"Focus, pay attention to Teachers and work hard"
Well said. Likewise, if you apply this secret like you did in removing contact lens, you will certainly achieve good grades that are beyond your imagination. Did you see your secret is working for you in class? As you said, the 3 Teachers have been observing you in class for the past weeks and agreed that you are a good role model to your classmates because you pay attention in class, you do not talk during lessons and you submit your homework on time. Based on your Teachers' assessment of you from Nursery to P4, you are a helpful student towards your classmates and Teachers. I'm sure this attribute also leads them to make you the Class Monitor.
Mummy is very proud of you. I was never a Class Monitor in my entire education life. Only a Treasurer in secondary school and University. I always hold great admiration for all my Class Monitors. I feel that they are the Good Kings of the Class. They will take care of the ones being bullied, ensure order in class and inspire the classmates as all my Class Monitors are excellent in their sports and grades. I always remembered this incident in my P4 days. I was an average student, not very confident as I was quite big size. Once during recess, we were playing zero point. The two leaders, one of them was my Monitor, got to choose their team members. When she chose me to be in her team, I was elated. It was a honour for me to be in her team. She inspired me to work harder to achieve better grades and lose weight.
Mummy is very confident that you will be the Good King to guide, protect and inspire your classmates. One step at a time. Once you have proven yourself in class, am sure the Teachers will elevate you to take care of the rest of the students in your school as a Prefect or even a Head Prefect! You inpsire your Mum too, you know.
Keep up your good work. As what Jiu Jian Laoshi said, Shine Beyond Stage!!!!!!!!
Love,
Mummy
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ever wondered how George Washington described his Mum?
Dearest Ashley,
Thanks for sharing the George Washington story from your Chinese textbook. Indeed, he was a Great man with extra-ordinary IQ & EQ. That made him the first President of the United States of America. Just curious, how did he develop such qualities that made him so outstanding? After reading what he wrote about his Mother, I finally know the answer...
"My Mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw....All I am I owe to my Mother...I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her" - George Washington
George Washington inspired me. His Mother inspired me even more. My Mother and my Mother-in-law inspired me the most. Without their guidance, your Daddy and I will never be who we are today. Daddy is no George Washington but he is the most loving and supportive Dad and Hubby in the entire Universe.
We love you, our Kind and Talented Prince.
Hugs,
Mummy Dearest
Thanks for sharing the George Washington story from your Chinese textbook. Indeed, he was a Great man with extra-ordinary IQ & EQ. That made him the first President of the United States of America. Just curious, how did he develop such qualities that made him so outstanding? After reading what he wrote about his Mother, I finally know the answer...
"My Mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw....All I am I owe to my Mother...I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her" - George Washington
George Washington inspired me. His Mother inspired me even more. My Mother and my Mother-in-law inspired me the most. Without their guidance, your Daddy and I will never be who we are today. Daddy is no George Washington but he is the most loving and supportive Dad and Hubby in the entire Universe.
We love you, our Kind and Talented Prince.
Hugs,
Mummy Dearest
Words of Wisdom from My Mentor
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
Yesterday, Mummy was having lunch with my Mentor, a 62 years old highly respectable successful Businessman. Remember, the uncle who shares the same birth date as me? So far, he is the only one I know who shares the same birth date as me apart from Ee Ee. Here's our conversation:
Mummy: I'm quite concerned about our next generation as the world is becoming more competitive. Moreover, they are so well provided and are driven everywhere in a car. They are not exposed to hardship ans setbacks. What would you advise your grandchildren to better prepare them for their future?
Mentor: Be the BEST that they can be at all times. Everyone has dreams, big or small. With determination, one can realise one's dreams. For those who fall through the cracks, empathize with them and help them get up. Treat everyone with respect and sincerity. Build bridges wherever you go.
What do you think of his advice? He came from a very poor family and many days, his family just ate plain porridge. He knew education was the ticket to get him and his family out of poverty. He was always awarded the most outstanding student and won a Colombo Plan Scholarship to study in Canada and UK. He worked hard and rose up the ranks to be the CEO of a world-class global company. Now, he is a Millionaire, focusing on doing good great. Mummy knows that it is the same values system and believe that he has advised us that makes him so successful today. Will introduce you to my Mentor when he's back from South Africa vacation. Cheers!
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Yesterday, Mummy was having lunch with my Mentor, a 62 years old highly respectable successful Businessman. Remember, the uncle who shares the same birth date as me? So far, he is the only one I know who shares the same birth date as me apart from Ee Ee. Here's our conversation:
Mummy: I'm quite concerned about our next generation as the world is becoming more competitive. Moreover, they are so well provided and are driven everywhere in a car. They are not exposed to hardship ans setbacks. What would you advise your grandchildren to better prepare them for their future?
Mentor: Be the BEST that they can be at all times. Everyone has dreams, big or small. With determination, one can realise one's dreams. For those who fall through the cracks, empathize with them and help them get up. Treat everyone with respect and sincerity. Build bridges wherever you go.
What do you think of his advice? He came from a very poor family and many days, his family just ate plain porridge. He knew education was the ticket to get him and his family out of poverty. He was always awarded the most outstanding student and won a Colombo Plan Scholarship to study in Canada and UK. He worked hard and rose up the ranks to be the CEO of a world-class global company. Now, he is a Millionaire, focusing on doing good great. Mummy knows that it is the same values system and believe that he has advised us that makes him so successful today. Will introduce you to my Mentor when he's back from South Africa vacation. Cheers!
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Why teenagers turn to bad company?
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
Has it ever occured to you how did innocent children become problem teenagers or even gangsters? Remembered the Downtown East Murder case? The act was committed by a group of teenagers. So why would one choose to be in a bad company?
Mum was reading a Chinese article entitled, "Children need a Listening Parent". Here's the summary of the article:
. There are many factors that led the child to bad company, parents not spending enough time with their children to listen and be involved in their life, or the parents are fighting, etc.
. To prevent such incident from happening, parents will love and respect their children and instill the right values in them. But how to do that?
. Be a Listening parent on a daily basis is the foundation to build a loving and nurturing relationship with your children. As parent listen to their children, they will get to understand their thinking, value system, their world and challenges. A simple sentence or action convey many messages. Parent then nip it on the bud on the spot which resulted in a more positive outcome. This will help the children feel secured, help them build confidence and character. Listening fosters parent-children bonding. Thus, whenever the children are troubled, they will turn to their parent first.
. Children long to chat with parent once they come home after work. If parent listen, they will share more. If not, they will not share as they will be discouraged.
Mummy loves to listen to your stories, sorrow and joy, new songs and scripts and secrets. We will be Best Friends Forever. Love You.
Hugs,
Mummy Dearest
Has it ever occured to you how did innocent children become problem teenagers or even gangsters? Remembered the Downtown East Murder case? The act was committed by a group of teenagers. So why would one choose to be in a bad company?
Mum was reading a Chinese article entitled, "Children need a Listening Parent". Here's the summary of the article:
. There are many factors that led the child to bad company, parents not spending enough time with their children to listen and be involved in their life, or the parents are fighting, etc.
. To prevent such incident from happening, parents will love and respect their children and instill the right values in them. But how to do that?
. Be a Listening parent on a daily basis is the foundation to build a loving and nurturing relationship with your children. As parent listen to their children, they will get to understand their thinking, value system, their world and challenges. A simple sentence or action convey many messages. Parent then nip it on the bud on the spot which resulted in a more positive outcome. This will help the children feel secured, help them build confidence and character. Listening fosters parent-children bonding. Thus, whenever the children are troubled, they will turn to their parent first.
. Children long to chat with parent once they come home after work. If parent listen, they will share more. If not, they will not share as they will be discouraged.
Mummy loves to listen to your stories, sorrow and joy, new songs and scripts and secrets. We will be Best Friends Forever. Love You.
Hugs,
Mummy Dearest
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ashley is the Class Monitor!
Dearest Ashley,
Congrats! Mum and Dad are very happy for you. Here's our conversation in the car this evening:
Ashley: Actually I didn't expect it. When my Form Teacher announced that after discussing with my Co-form Teacher and Mr. Peck, they have chosen a new Monitor. When I heard Mr. Peck's name, I'm thinking to myself maybe I stand a chance. When my Form Teacher looked at me and announced that I'm the Monitor, I clapped and my class cheered for me. I'm so happy.
Mum: That's so exciting. It is a great honour to be the Leader of your class. Do you know why you were chosen?
Ashley: My Form Teacher told me that I paid attention in class, didn't talk during lessons and submitted my homework on time. The teachers had been observing me for several weeks.
Mum: Wow! That's so nice to hear that you have transformed into a role model. Well Done. We are very proud of you. Can you see the tears of joy in my eyes?
Ashley: Mum, do you think I should be the Monitor?
Mum: Of course Son. You have the leadership qualities to lead your class. Remember you once told me you're the Shepherd of your class when you were in P2? So, what are the duties of a Class Monitor?
Ashley: Oh, that reminds me that tomorrow morning, I need to take everyone's attendance first thing in the morning. Mum, I need a marker too.
Mum: No worries. Already got one for you at home. Ashley, if you look back, do you think Our Fun Place helps in your transformation to a good student? Your hardwork and daily dose of ABC helps you realise your dreams. Keep up your good work!
Ashley: Thanks Mum.
Hugs,
Mummy Dearest
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