So long?

I never knew that one could be unwell for such an extended period of time. Was just casually chatting with L a few days ago, when he suddenly exclaimed that I've been sick for a whole month.
A WHOLE MONTH?!?
Sure or not..... That was my own reaction. But after thinking for a few minutes, I realised to my slight horror that he was right.
I've actually taken ill for almost 4 entire weeks, having taken 2 courses of antibiotics in just this 4 weeks alone. Wooooaaaahhhh...my goodness me. What in the world is happening.
And guess what, i ACTUALLY TOOK MC on Monday. For me to take MC, says something. I really very rarely go on medical leave. Just shows how bad this bout of illness has become.
Common test was this week and I had totally no energy to give remedials... :(
For the past few years, i rarely even touched the microphone when teaching. And now, I've been using it for about 3 weeks plus. argh.
Just can't get my voice to recover!! I'm getting irritated with myself.

But I suppose, not getting enough rest is the main culprit to this prolonged period of being unwell.
Just too much to dooooooo.
Which is why, I took almost this entire weekend to sleep lots.
My condition is worrying me. If I don't get well soon, I think my voice is going to become permanently damaged *noooooooooooooooo*
(okok, I'm becoming paranoid)

Eeks, so much more to do this coming week.
Eeks.....
eeeeks...
EEEEEEKKKS!!!

*hello hello, you can finally hear me"

My boys would know, I suffered from a total loss of voice last week for 2 days of school. And now, 1.5 weeks after that, my voice still has not fully recovered. But at least I can speak now...though I sound as if I've got this layer covering my throat..finished all the medication, but still having a slight cough..bleah.

Been 2 weeks since resumed work...and boy has it been a hectic 2 weeks.

Last weekend was CHMA, thankful that everything went well.
Special thanks to W, for all the guidance and help rendered. Hopefully it'll be just as beautiful next year.

Sweet gesture received this week. Thanks Part Ds past & present, appreciate it.

Common tests are coming up in Week 5, and we're already pass Week 3. Week 5, that's like SO early. Trying to catch up with the syllabus and the other classes, plus marking, and to squeeze in time to give my guys revision class tests. And of course, some boys still don't realise the importance of self-control, and their own responsibility in handling their work.
Can I take the test for you? NO. If you can't be bothered, how shall I help? I'm not an energiser bunny by the way, there's only that much I can remind and chase you for your work. Please don't give me excuses anymore. PLEASE, for your own sake.

On my way to watch Dim Sum Dollies today, I was travelling on the ECP. From the bridge leading to Suntec, I could see a whole sea of red at Marina Bay. It was the National Day rehearsal. Sadness gripped my heart.... Without warning, came tears...I couldn't stop them.... My dad, he loved going for NDP because of his love for photography. And I know he would have loved to be at this year's NDP, since it's the first time it's being held at Marina Bay. I know that NDP this year, is gonna be a heartwrenching day for us.

A dream?

Many may know..the past week has been a whole whirlpool. It's almost as if it was a dream...I wish it was, but the fact is...it isn't.

Everthing happened real quickly...and before we had time to let reality sink in, that was it.
No last goodbyes, no last words...just deep sleep...until the end.
I wish I could say for sure that he is in a better place, but the fact remains that, I'm not 100% sure. I guess I'll never know till the day I get there myself...

When I first heard the devastating news, there were no tears, just a feeling of being lost, and thoughts of what we should do next..... it was only when I held his warm hand in mine, and touched his forehead with my own hands, did the tears starts streaming down uncontrollably. I couldn't believe it was really happening.

All through the night we stayed with him....and relatives were sweet enough to come to us in the middle of the night to bring comfort and support. Through this whole episode, I really saw the support and love of the extended family, without which I think we might have collapsed.....I promise I'll never say that I am bored of going for extended family dinners/meet-ups anymore. It is with such love and support that things seemed a little easier. My cousin B took leave and was with us all the time...2 aunties and an uncle too...
Friends also sent me waves of smses....thank you Lord, you knew I needed it..

Who would have thought that he'd go so young? Everyone who came to pay their last respects expressed the same sigh.
Over the course of the week, we met many many of his old friends, colleagues, ex-colleagues. All were full of praises and admiration for him...I almost felt as if I was being re-introduced to him all over again. He was so well-respected, well-received, well-loved by them..almost made me wonder, what people might say about me when it's my turn to go... There were so much flowers....so much so that they were being put in 2 rows..such was the impact he had..

He was the the traditional kind who believed actions spoke louder than words.
Encouragment expressed in words, were not often heard......
"He was very proud of you and your brother..when he spoke about you two, you can see his eyes lighting up.."
"He was very proud of you as a teacher...he said you really had passion for the job and the boys..."
Thank you for telling us...

How long will I take to recover? I don't know..what I do know is, reality is just beginning to sink in right now...and more responsibilities will be coming my way...

Thank you, to all those who came down to pay your respects and show support and encouragement. To my friends, colleagues, boys...thank you...be it coming down or sms'g.

Goodbye dad...