Birthdays mark the end of a year of growth and development, a year of experiences, and a joyous start to the next year. Our family celebrated K's 3-year-old birthday yesterday, and this special day reminds us of the mercy and love our Heavenly Father has shown us since her birth, and especially for the past one year when she was hospitalised at the paediatric ICU twice. That was a total of 76 days being critically ill. 

Our princess warrior survived Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), kidney dialysis, chest tube insertion, intubations and ventilated using the High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV), numerous X-rays, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitations (CPR) performed on her, countless pricks for various blood tests and multiple insertion of feeding tubes through her nose into her stomach/small intestines - all these just in the last one year. I did a count on the number of medical specialists who help us manage her physical health currently - she sees the cardiac specialist, the respiratory specialist, gastroenterology specialist, renal specialist, eye specialist, ENT specialist for her ear, neurology specialist and her paediatrician who oversees her development. Not forgetting her endearing team of dietician and therapists for physiotherapy and feeding. I still need to add on a speech therapist for her speech and language development and an occupational therapist (both roles assumed by me for now). That is a loooong list of medical staff she sees!

Despite all these, K has repeatedly reminded us of God's promise for us that we are able to bear all these challenges and overcome them. Yes, we cried and were saddened each time she was critically ill with pneumonia. We almost stopped breathing when her oxygen dropped so low that she had to be given CPR to be resuscitated. We pained each day when she was on ECMO as well as being ventilated by the breathing tube. But each time, we continued to hold on to God, and we know that God hears our prayers and knows our pain too, and His plans will always be the best for K. 

Today is our nation's birthday! We are wearing red, just like what we do every year, to show our pride and love for Singapore! And the taste of pride was even sweeter when we saw fellow Singaporeans donning their red and white attire on our way for a morning picnic with our friends. This evening, we will also be waiting to watch the National Day Parade celebrations on TV, just like we have always done.

Having fun playing with acrobatic sets!

Our National Day picnic group photo!

This year, my wish for Singapore is to continue to have success and prosperity, as well as the peace and security we have always enjoyed. In the past, we didn't have to worry for our safety when we walked along the streets at night, and we shouldn't have to, in the future too. May our leaders to continue to be impartial, reliable and true to their promise for the nation. There has been a lot of talk about the younger generation being too vocal about their displeasure for our government. Though I agree with some of the displeasures brought up, to be fair, many of our leaders have been delivering good works. 

To my children, it is my wish that you will remember the good things and opportunities that Singapore has to offer instead of focussing on what we lack and grumbling about it. I hope that wherever you may be in the future, you will continue to love Singapore, and to feel proud to be a Singaporean just like how you are now. Work hard for yourself and for God, and be a useful citizen, remembering that no one owes you a living. We have to create the future we want to see in Singapore ourselves. I also pray that you will grow to be a gracious citizen and contribute back to the society, especially for the disadvantaged, to your best ability. 

K joining in the fun while we watch the NDP!

To my ex-students, it is comforting to know that many of you are doing well after your secondary school years, be it in your studies or careers. This is what your teachers have always emphasized and wish for, and I am happy that I have a little part to play in grooming the future of Singapore. I have benefitted from many of my ex-students through their course of work. For example, one is a capable nurse at NUH and took good care of K when she was hospitalised. One is a pre-school teacher whom in her own ways, encourage and remind me that everyone is unique, and that all can succeed. We just have to be patient with the progress. I pray that all of you will continue to do your best in whatever you do, and remember that you are the future of Singapore!

A poem written by our friend - Phillip V.

“I’m going to a beautiful land.”

Was the song I heard her sing. 

And as I wondered about this place.

My thoughts were on Charlene.

There is wonder, in a little girl

That is innocent and sweet.

And in her song she reminded me

Of the things I’d like to be. 

The whimsy of the song she played.

Knowing the support she would receive. 

It didn’t matter what words came out

When she said them, we all believed. 

Those simple words rolled off her tongue, 

Some words we’d call “nonsense” 

But in the heart and the voice of a child. 

We were all held in suspense. 

Just saying words, straight from her heart

Knowing that nobody cared, 

If she messed up, or missed a note

She’s a child and would be spared. 

No ridicule from jeering eyes. 

No harsh words would come her way. 

For we all believe in a beautiful land

And we all hope to go some day. 

And yet I think of her growing up, 

And perhaps stifling her “art” 

and losing hope and tenderness, 

And pushing aside her heart. 

Losing the whimsy of a child

To be “serious” and “smart.” 

But wouldn’t it be Oh - so nice

If we all had Charlene’s heart? 

So a lesson was learned at least by me

While listening to her song…

Charlene, thanks for teaching me, 

You’re my inspiration - Rock On. 

Uncle Phillip

***

Looking forward to the day K can stand up and walk on her own once again.

Some of my ex-students will probably remember this video (sorry, I realize the video can't be seen on some browsers) where Ch answered my questions about the circulatory system when she was 3 years old. I believe children should be exposed to Science from young as the subject is filled with interesting information which, when fed in bite sizes, will stay in a child's memory for a very long time. 

My attempt to teach Ch about her organs.

Main entrance of the HBX
We got our tickets from the main ticketing counter and proceeded to Hall B where we were greeted by a humongous face with a big mouth. Do take note that you need to inform the ticketing staff if you want to visit the HBX as the standard ticket to the Science Centre does not include this exhibition. L started getting nervous about the whole experience and almost didn't want to enter. We had to assure him that we will stay with him throughout the journey. This is why it is not advisable for children under five to enter as they may be scared by the dark areas, loud sounds, confined spaces and dramatic structures. After much persuasion, L nervously crawled up the giant tongue.

Prepare to be swallowed alive!

Larynx
After trekking up the tongue, we had to slide down the throat to reach the larynx. Inside the voice box, we had fun making music with the membranes of the vocal cords to hear sounds of different pitch. 

Notice the 'cilia' hanging down the passageway?

Respiratory system
Ch and L acted as germs to attack and punch the lungs. Maybe they were relating to K's pneumonia episodes? It was hypnotizing to see the lungs getting inflated and deflated, and to hear the breathing sound from the speakers as we breathe. 

From the lungs, we proceeded to the alveolar sacs where we saw the grape-like alveoli and the network of blood vessels. Here, we had to weave in between the blood vessels and the only helpline we had in this dark room was the small lights that guided our path towards the cardiovascular system. 

Tip:  If you have some Biology knowledge of how the gas exchange takes place in the alveoli, this is a great chance to describe it to your kiddos as they imagine the process with the visuals surrounding them.

Immune system
It was a pity that we didn't realise we were supposed to function as white blood cells to fight the viruses on the walls, even though there were hints of rod-shaped bacilli and spherical cocci hanging above us. The "whack-a-mole" play concept here would be an exciting play area for the kids!



Nervous system
We explored the giant inflatable brain and learnt about the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Ch was intrigued by the fact that about 90% of the human population are right-handers, meaning that their left brain is probably more dominant . 

Relaxing in front of the giant jelly brain

Inside the brain