When The Going Gets Tough

My dearest children

I write this in the spirit of what our PM said in his CNY message to all Singaporeans. We are facing tough times...and I do want you to understand the seriousness of the situation.

You have had it easy...You have a roof over your heads, and you have your meals and clothes, and more. Sometimes, Mama thinks that we over-indulge...because you never know what it is like to be truly hungry, to be cold, and to be homeless. I pray that God will always protect you from those sufferings.

But I wonder...
Have my need to protect and shelter you left you unprepared for the real challenges in life? Have I raised you to be resilient and resourceful? In this day and age, where it seems that vices prevail over virtues, have I imparted the core skills that you will need?

Do remember the 3 Rules which I want you to hold on to.
1. Look after yourself.
Love yourself...for when you do, you will always want to be the best human possible...who is directed by moral values and a strong sense of 'iman'. You will keep your feet firmly on the ground, and remain unshaken when you face the trials and tribulations in life.

2. Look after each other
Draw your strength from your family. When the going gets tough, close ranks and stand united. As cliched as it may be, think of the bunch of sticks that cannot be bent and broken when they are tied as a bunch.

3. Look after the larger community.
I think that there is much to be said about this...(which I will pick up at a later date)

I want to talk about family and friends.
"The family s the most important raft in the times of crisis' PM Lee.
We, so far, have been very lucky. Abah & Mama are still economically viable, and we will be able to see that you get your needs met...Needs, and not wants!...Wants are things that you will have to work hard for.

Maybe there will be some good coming out from this unstable, difficult times...when once greed, self-satisfaction and materialism once ruled ... maybe now, people will be able to evaluate what they really need in life. Especially those who pursue 'the good life' only...and not a care about others.

I am thankful that your abah and I were guided by God...not to lose sight of what makes our lives meaningful...it is you...our children...and of course...through the course of the years...the other 'children' we have met and grown to love. You will never be alone...for you have each other...

The road ahead is long, unwinding, and probably rocky at many stages. But do persevere...and push, or pull each other along. Share in each other's success, and provide comfort and support when one is down.

You can't choose family, but you can choose friends...I hope you know who they are...for they are just as important. Make your family your friends too, and turn to them for advice and counsel. I also hope that the bigger circle of 'kids' I have, will be able to be your 'big brothers and sisters' who will be able to be people you can depend on too someday.

We will face the challenge, and I believe, we as a family, will emerge stronger. Insyaallah.

Love
Mama