The Wonderful Sound of "Papa"

Just last week my son, Arian finally...... called "papa". It is was a joy to hear that. Of course, it took a lot of work. You got to take him for car rides (let him drive, for that matter), go bonding, doing some "male" stuff. All in all it took him 15 months to call "papa", with a very strong Beijing tune.

What is interesting is that from the time he could call me, he became closer to me. More willing to be closer to me and got me to just do things or play with him. I find this an important period my son and I are going through. And this is most important to spend enough time with him.

Well what happens next - better train him to "mama" - finally succeeded this week! So little Arian is been going around calling "papa" and "mama".

The next challenge is to get him to call "jie jie" (sister). He is starting to do it although his pronunciation is still not so clear, but is is getting there.It was a joy the first time over 9 years ago when Amrita called "papa". It was joy over 8 years ago when Samanta did the same.

It is a very powerful affirmation of biological and emotional ties between a parents and children. It is also a strong yet gentle reminder of our responsibilities as parents to positively nurture our children. Just as important, is to see strong ties grow to keep the family together.

(l-r, Samanta, Amrita and Arian)

We are again reminded....

..... of our vulnerability against the forces of nature. The world (the media, really) is starting to forget the tsunami of December 2005, the politicizing of the effects of hurricane Rita and Katrina and we start to have our lives back to some "normality" again. The media has started to show regular programs again. Suddenly, Pakistan gets hit by a powerful earthquake on and tens of thousands of people have been killed and possibly more. Rescue efforts struggle their way to the remote areas high-up in the mountains to provide aid and relief to the injured and homeless.

Let's take a moment to our prayers thoughts to the people who have suffered and those who are continuing to suffer- until helps gets to them. Our hearts goes out to those in pain.

Let's also continue to remind ourselves and our children that the forces of nature cannot be matched by human's intelligence, strength and force - there is still much to learn and to appreciate our place and space in this universe of ours.

Peace,
K V

If you feel the desire to help, you may like to contact:

The Star South Asia Quake Fund

All contributions should be made in favour of MERCY HUMANITARIAN FUND.

Contributions can also be deposited directly to Maybank Account No. 5621-7950-4126 (no receipt will be issued).

Cheque contributions
Kindly write the following details at the back of the cheque :

NAME as in NRIC / NAME OF ORGANISATION

CONTACT DETAILS (Telephone / Hand Phone / Fax / Email)

MAILING ADDRESS

in order for MERCY MALAYSIA to send the tax-exempted receipt to you.

Cash contributions
Cash contributions can be made at:

Menara Star
15 Jalan 16/11
46350 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel. (03) 7967 1388

Farewell Kak Endon

Pak Lah & Kak Endon, March 2004. (Source: http://www.smh.com.au)

Our nation morns the passing of Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, late wife of the our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood passed away on October 21, 2005 after a long battle with cancer. Our prayers goes out to Kak Endon. May you rest in peace.

Our thoughts go our to you, Pak Lah. May you continue to serve and lead us with strength, courage and vision as you always have.

K V Soon