Everyone needs a Pat on their shoulders.

Recently my lappy crashed. Lost all my data and yup ALL. Went to Funan to pick up my empty shell on Sunday. I was super tired. I was just the 5th in line but I had to wait for 1hour 15mins before I could see my lappy after the week's separation. Because of that wait, I met this mid-fifties lady who was sitting beside me. She was the 6th in line. We exchanged a few smiles and I soon began a conversation with her. She told me she was picking up her daughter's lap top and that she was a widow. She went on to share how she single-handedly brought up her seven children ever since her husband's death 12 years back. Her youngest being 12 years old now, she said life is very much better now and she thanked God for it.

" I was a dad in the night cos I had to work night shifts and a mum in the day..."

Aunty told me that with tears in her eyes. I told her that she is one amazing woman. I couldn't imagine how life was like for her when her children were all still young and solely dependent on her for money, love, care, companion, support etc...

I could not help but to put my arms around her and told her how brave and strong she was.

I then, collected my lap top and initially wanted to take a cab home but the wait for just too painful. After 30mins, I decided to walk to the train station and head home on a MRT. As the train reached Tiong Bahru, a young couple got in with their two really lovely kids. I would say one was about 2 half and the other 4. As soon as the mother settled down in her seat, both the parents got to work. They brought out the milk bottles and started making dinner for the young one. After which , dad settled the older one down as she was getting impatient while waiting for her share. They alighted at Clementi and throughout that short 20 over minutes, they did a whole bunch of amazing things. They fed them, changed them, coaxed them and even taught them. WOW!

With these 2 pictures that the Lord had shown me, I can't help but to think of a couple of parents in our church who really needed an encouragement as they were handling tough kids. I mean, its already tough bringing up those who are normal so what more to say those who are autistic, ADHD etc. I gave thanks for parents of such who really love their children for who they are. They braved the storms and risked their lives for their own children. I salute them.

When I reached home, Dad heated up the soup for my hungry stomach and I can;t help but to share with him all that had happened to me as I made my trip home. Dad listened attentively and I told him how I appreciated both mummy and him for looking after all of us these years. Dad just smiled. :)

Has anyone told you that your parents are parents for the first time? Do give them a pat on their shoulders for who you are today. :)