Went to my uncle's house yesterday. First thing that greeted me were 3 screaming kids, aged 6, 4 and 2 at the doorstep when the door bell is pressed. The gate opened and the kids were jumping around, giving us a warm welcome. It felt so nice to have such adorable kids around, who can brighten up your ever gloomy days if there are any. The children are so happy to have visitors around, because that will mean that they are spared from doing homework for that specific time. The kids showcased their array of toys and books to me. I do not think they are in need of anything, from piano to tuition to toys to ipad, they have it all. They are really very lucky, and I got to admit that they are very fun to play with, especially the youngest girl, so so so cute that i cant get my hands off her.
However, on the other hand, other kids may not be born to be so lucky. Our company held a family day at ASPN Tanglin special school this afternoon, providing the children there an afternoon of games, food, food and gifts that we bought for them. The children there are not born as lucky as you and me. Some of them have lower IQ than average people for their age, some has down-syndrome and others with varying problems that may make them an outcast in a normal society. Some may be 16 year-old, but has a mentality or maturity that of a 10 year old. I had some contact with a 16 year old girl with down-syndrome today, and realized that she is a shy girl in nature. They are happy with simple things that may not seemed significant to us. For example, I gave her some of my nuggets, apple pie and chilli sauces and she seemed happy about it.
Another thing that struck me was what one of the DSTA staff told me when I was talking to the little girl. I only realised today that the staff has a daughter with some intellectual disabilities as she shared some stories with me about her daughter. She said that these kids are very direct in their expression, unlike normal people like us, who will think twice and react according to situation so as not to offend people around us. For example, when the kids do not like you, they will shrug you away if you attempt to go near them, if this happen in the public, people might think that they are weird or unfriendly and give them unfriendly stares. Conversely, when the kids are happy or like you, they may just come forward and give you a hug to show their love and affection for you. However, if such a situation are to happen in the public, the woman who are being hugged will most probably shout molest immediately. This is just one of the many things that she told me. After hearing this, I felt a sudden pity and admiration for the staff, for showing such care and making extraordinary effort to take care of her kids with special needs. No wonder she said her greatest joy is being able to communicate efficiently with her kids.
On top of all these serious stuffs, I did have fun today interacting and playing with the kids there. I must admit I am getting old, playing tele-matches can make me quite tired. haha. really re-lived my days of doing cheers and playing such games. It is really a meaningful occasion, bringing fun and gifts to the children at the end of the day, and seeing the smile on their faces. =)
time for u to blog le!!
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