I had one such moment last Sunday 25th November 2012, when I witnessed my daughter, Sandra Chong, graduate with a Master for Business Administration from the University of Wales.
Naturally I felt on top of the world and so proud of her immense achievement. No words will suffice to describe my heartfelt feelings on that special moment when she walked up confidently on stage to receive her scroll from the Chancellor of the university.
It was a momentous occasion for the family but especially so for Sandra.
She had slogged for three years and her sacrifice, discipline, perseverance and burning the mid-night oil finally paid off.
There were times when she almost wanted to give up but stayed on simply because she wasn't prepared to face 'failure' or crushing defeat.
During the last leg just before the presentation of her thesis, Sandra suffered a tremendous blow at work, the likes of which she has never experienced before. This unprecedented assault on her emotionally proved life changing.
She underwent unaccustomed pressure, anxiety and was scrutinized at her workplace. This treatment which was totally unprovoked inevitably forced her to assess her career path and make the necessary changes, drastic though they may be.
Change she did and her resolution to move on proved to be one of the best decisions she has ever made to enhance her corporate acumen.
Headhunters have been hot on her trail offering her unbelievable career opportunities ever since!
Quite amazing.
Even I never had it so good!!
Change is nothing new or abnormal especially in the secular world but still in observing what she had undergone, a lesser - weaker - person would have succumbed to the adverse conditions she was subjected to, but not her!
Rather than admit defeat, blame fate and wallow in self pity, she took matters in stride, squared her shoulders, took deep breaths, exhaled slowly and with a smile firmly planted on her lips, she plodded on and vowed that she will bounce back.... and above all else she will succeed in obtaining her MBA come what may!
It wasn't easy but she did it.
Today she speaks of the difficult period in her life with a certain worldly wisdom, understanding and acceptance.
She is happy, very happy of course but at times a hint of sadness creeps into her eyes and with some difficulty, she fights back the tears...
I learned a few things from my Sandra.
She confirmed that Dreams are the vehicles on which we ride our fantasies and fantasies keep us alive. Dreams are free fuelled by our imagination and at will we soar reaching for the sky. In dreams there are no limits....
She has grown up, my little girl.
I feel certain that she is now not only capable of looking after herself but of me as well! :-)
Giving thanks with a grateful heart.
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