Calligraphy and me

After the calligraphy competition organised by Confucious Association last year, Elyse was eagerly anticipating the next competition.  Finally, the teacher informed her there would be one at Taman Merlimau.  I didn’t even know where it is???  Thankfully, the teacher was one of the judges and she graciously offered to bring Elyse there with her.  I was spared from chauffeuring and baby-sitting.  That was good news!  So, I packed some food and water for her and then rushed her to the teacher’s house after Sunday Service.

With prior experience, I foresee that Elyse could probably be back around 4 or 5pm.  On the hind sight, I was happy because with her absent, I need not to play the peace-maker role between the sibling rivalry.  The whole afternoon passed by swiftly with me thinking, ‘Is Elyse bored there?  Did she drink water?  Have she eaten the food I packed for her tea break?  Is she alone?’  Mothers will always be mothers.

Tick Tock Tick Tock … it was already 6pm but still no sign of Elyse.  I was anxiously waiting for the teacher to call me so that I can pick Elyse up from the teacher’s house.  Finally this concerned mom tried to get in touch with the teacher.  ‘doo… doo… doo… doo…’  No one picked up the call.  Perhaps the teacher was occupied.  Perhaps the hall was too noisy.  After a few attempts, mommy decided to go to the teacher’s house without waiting for her call.  Her reasoning is: By the time the teacher called, it would take her easily another 20 minutes to reach the teacher’s house.  Then another 20 minutes to drive home.  Darling would be starving.  If she waited for her daughter there, it would save 20 minutes then darling can come back home faster to have her dinner.  Mommy even packed dinner for her darling in case she wanted to dig-in in the car.

Finally, the teacher called me back while I was driving.  She told me that they are now on the way back from Merlimau.  I reached teacher’s house and waited there for quite awhile.  Waiting for our kids is a norm for parents, don’t you agree?  The only guilt I have was that my son has to wait together with me.  Thank you for your patience, my little prince!

Elyse was overjoyed when she saw me waiting in front of the teacher’s house.  She couldn’t wait to share the good news with me.  She won the consolation prize!  Looking at her sparkling little eyes, I swallowed all my complains and cheered her up for her achievement.  Indeed I worry too much, my darling was not a least bit hungry nor tired.  On the contrary, I was famished and wearied. 

Lesson learned:  It’s time to let go… my kids are growing up and they can take care of themselves.  So, does that mean that hubby can bring me for our second honeymoon soon?!!  hehe…