S One family

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

PS: Everyone jiayou for exams! :D:D:D