The Smell of Paint
I've been reading this young adult storybook these few weeks, with the above title. I borrowed this book mainly cos the words are printed big and the story looked interesting. Never did I expect the book to relate so much to me. Well I feel that a lot that happened to Jess (the main character in the story) and her family was similar to what happened to me. Except that she had a boyfriend and she was a runner. Hohoho...
What happened in the story was she had been invited to join a the city athelete team by a high-performance coach. It was also where she met his boyfriend Brendan, the cutest guy in school. Just when everything seemed to get on track, she was recieved the news one day in school that her mother had cancer. It was a big blow to the whole family, especially Jess' dad, john, who spent countless nights at the hospital till he looked old and worn out. when Jess and her sister visited their mum at the hospital, all they saw was a lady who had looked much older, and sunken. Then there was an incident that took place when her mother was back at home resting, in which Jess made her mum cry. She raised her voice at her. Good thing was she managed to say "sorry" to her mum. Many other things happened. She broke up with Brendan cos it was too much for her juggling family, school, track and love. But in the end they still patched up. Hehehe.
As I read the book yesterday night, I just can't help crying cos everything just felt so real cos I've experienced it myself. When mama first got into hospital, the whole family was taken aback and upset. Of cos, nobody dared cry in front of everybody else. I cried only when I'm alone or in the toilet. I still remember my brother mouthing to me "Papa is crying" at the same time pointing towards the toilet. Both of us din continue saying anything, but we both knew deep down both of us were weeping also with our dad. Like Jess, each time we visit mama at TTSH, we always never fail to notice how sunken she had become. And each time she lays there sleeping quietly or even when she was awake, she couldn't talk cos of the tubes going into her mouth, I always try hard to keep my tears in check. And I cannot forget that night when I made mama cry cos of something stupid that I said. Of cos that was the first time I cried at home in front of my aunts and cousins. That was the first time i saw mama cry in many years. I really regret doing it. And that was the first time I hugged mama in so many years. "Sorry, I whispered."
It was really a stressful and trying period for me cos I had so many things to do at that time apart from worrying bout mama, there was stress from A levels, church, but of cos sadly, no love, haha. But I really thank God that He had seen my through all the trials and sufferings. I think I've become stronger and more matured after this episode. And this book comes in time to remind me to cherish my family more. So my advice goes out to all out there: Cherish the people around you when you can cos you dunno what will happen next. By the time you start to regret, it would be too late.

Ok, for other news about me, I went for an interview, or rather a chat with the doctor of the clinic Melissa is working at. I wasn't really rejected, but the doctor din employ me cos they are actually looking for people who can work for 3 years. Hence even before my seat was warm, I left the doctor's room. Haha. then there comes another news. Xinmin is looking for relief teacher for Maths and teaching assistant for Science now. I dunno if I should take it up. Should I?
RAH!!!!!
Shu Yi started work today. Not sure how it went. shall call her tml. Hehe...
Take care pple!