22nd November 2016. It was not a very historic day in itself. I was away due to work demand, in Hanoi, Vietnam. Just a week before my flight to Vietnam, I received a letter from Nicole's school informing me that Nicole was one of the award recipients for the coming school's event. Frankly speaking, it was not such a big award, unlike many others I know who clinched the Best Student in their school. Nicole's was just a small award. However, since the first day she went to school, she has never received such letter. Yes, the achievement that she was going to be awarded in her latest school was nothing new, she achieved that almost every exam, but never did she was recognized.
When she showed me the letter, I told her, very much to my regret, I would not be able to attend the ceremony, for I would be away. She tried to sound very light about it, telling me not to worry, because she could just be there herself. But not before asking me, "Can auntie make it? Replace you to the ceremony?" Well, it was not possible, because on the very same day, she had to attend the same ceremony for her son, who graduated from his primary school, flying colors. I told her, "She would love to, but unfortunately she couldn't." The same questions for the other two sisters at home, the same answer she got. Finally she gave in, and just smile, "It's okay mom, I can go by myself."
Then, along the ride home, she asked me, "Are you proud of me, mom?" Well, of course, what do you expect? I am her mom, how else would I feel? Then she said wishfully, "It feels good to receive an award. I have never been awarded before, not in my kindergarten, nor in my Chinese primary school. I feel so happy."
That was it. I was touched. Yes, the award was small, but for her it was big. She craved for that recognition, it was a motivation for her. And to have someone to witness it was very important to her. I knew that, I realized that. I felt so sad I couldn't do anything about it.
Yes, it was okay, there were other students whom their parents couldn't come to witness. If you could only read between the line and understand how it feels and what I mean, then you will understand how important it was for her and her spirit to have someone to be there for her. After asking my siblings, I thank God that finally my sister in law's niece saved the day. She was kind enough to take all the troubles to come and accompany Nicole on that day. God bless her kind heart.
Gadie (nickname) went and be her guardian angel that day. She was such an angel, helping a girl's heart from crushing, that she would not feel neglected.
Point is, it was not about the award, how big or small it was, it was all about how you recognize it, the effort they put into it. Different child perform differently, be fair, recognize each and every one achievement they got, show them love, give them support. I understand all the people I asked would love to come, but circumstances was not in their favor.
On the very same day, my friend's son, whom I said was graduating primary school in flying colors, I feel very proud of him. He is the son that I never had. His effort paid off. Above all, God helped them all, Nicole, Vaxter, Kyra...and I pray, Vall too. All of them are under our roof, we pray that they all perform accordingly, and grow stronger in Him.
I thank God for every single blessing He gave us. May He continue to guide and guard us. Amen.
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