Mum in the making: Thankful Tuesday: A question of home

Dearest boys,

Last week saw our country in a sombre mood. Mama was distracted and spent a fair bit of time reading the news. We queued up at a tribute center with Kong kong and left our messages and flowers. The three of you didn't really know what was going on, and only had a vague inkling that someone important in Singapore had passed on.

You didn't quite understand. But one day you will. You will read about the history of Singapore, of how it was changed into the glittering metropolis that it is today. You will read about the man that we brought flowers for, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. You already enjoy the legacy he leaves behind, of a city with clean water, safe streets and tree-lined roads. You have seen how a nation mourned at his passing. Yet, you might also read that he was a controversial man, and that some of the decisions he made have torn apart families and affected lives. Remember, even great leaders are human, and never perfect, and the only perfect ruler we have is our God. However, there is much we can learn from Mr Lee: his deep love for his wife, his industriousness, and his love for Singapore.

While you learn more about this country, and start to appreciate all that you have in Singapore, remember that many hands built this country to what she is today, and it takes many hands to continue building this country further. A country can do so much for you, but remember that there is never a perfect society. There will be things that are wanting. There might be inequality, and unfairness. Even so, remember to give thanks for what you do have, because there is much to be thankful for. And think about how you can give back, because you are the ones who have the power to bring the country even further.

You are blessed to hold citizenships to two countries, but there will come a day that you will have to choose between the two. Meanwhile, you sit in the uneasy gap between the two, as you live in one country, while having loved ones in another. It is my prayer that you will be able to find a place you can truly call home, a country that you can call your own, as we journey towards our final perfect home that is in heaven.

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."

- Maya Angelou

Love,

Your Mama