10 Nov 2012
was a momentous day for all participants of the Boy’s home family day. For some
of the boys and parents, it was a long awaited reunion for them after months of
separation. For the event organizers, it was a rare opportunity to take a
glimpse of what goes on beyond the high walls of the home. For us, it was
another day of great fun and joy amidst volunteering.
The
decision to leave the running of the events to external organizers was a wise
one (I can’t imagine what would happened if I was made to run it). The
organizer definitely has a good hold on things, with activities catered to both
the young and the old. Kids were having fun with each other in the bouncing
castles, the boys were enjoying dancing and having a hell of a time with the
Kinect, while parents had the chance to reminisce about the old days with games
involving marbles and a life-sized snakes and ladders. Of course, a carnival
would not be complete without something to fill empty, growling stomachs. Food
will always be the main attraction, and the wide variety of Kacang Puteh (don’t
we all just love the white sugery nuts), candy floss, hotdog buns and bento
sets didn’t disappoint (it actually made my trip from Tanjong Pagar to boy’s
home pretty worthwhile…free flow food. Hehehe)
The stage
event was another draw. It was quite heartening to see 8 of the boys going on
stage to perform emcees role (most of us have problems even speaking to a class
or girls), and thus, it was an extremely laudable effort on the part of these 8
boys. As a parent, I would be very proud to see my son out there addressing a
crowd of hundreds. Doing the gangnam-style with one’s parents proved to be the
crowd pleaser, with everyone on scene tickled with laughter.
For us, it
was one of the rare occasions that we got to see the boys as themselves with
their family, without the strict supervision of the guards. It was a great
opportunity to also catch with boys that have left our individual blocks and
went to other blocks. Without a doubt, we had a great time there as well.
Kelvin’s paternal instincts were literally oozing out as he picks up that one
year old Malay girl inside the bouncing castle (When BTO?). Shawn’s dance was
just plain awkward and horrible (unlike Yeh lin’s and mine…I’m sure the people
who were there agree with me). Some of us also had the opportunity to interact
and expand our network with the event organizers (wink wink* Shawn)
But as the
cliché goes, all good things must come to an end. Time flies when you are
having fun, and scenes of separation are always the most poignant.
But I guess
for the boys and their families, long-term reunion is a matter of when, not if.
Cheers,
Kramie J
Kramie J
PS:
Everyone jiayou for exams! :D:D:D
