Over the years, I have unfailingly been sending a christmas card to Mr Sim Kok Heng, my form teacher in my upper secondary school days. Mr Sim was an inspiring teacher in more ways than one; he was able to handle a bunch of disinterested students in chemistry by guiding them in the most appropriate manner. He also made an impact on me by these words, that I choose never to forget:
"If your peers do not stand by you, they are not worthy of being your friends."
It may seem like a bigoted statement, but it was really what I needed, at that time, at that juncture of my life.
This year, for the tenth year, he's getting it again.
Seriously, this festive season's a good time to reflect and recollect, and to renew old ties. I've made acquaintances and friends over the years, and some have drifted, like the fallen leaves scattered by the autumn gust. Just last night, I rummanged through my old diaries and filofaxes and retrieved my old email address lists. Did a mass-send, which I deem rude, but I sincerely hope they can understand.
Last but not least, I wish to thank my guardian angel, who's always been that someone to watch over me. I may have suffered a few hard falls from an early childhood, but I am fortunate to have an angel to always be there for me.
Thank you, my guardian angel.
Thank you.