Happy 51 Singapore

In just a few days, Singapore turns 51. The SG50 throwbacks have been popping up on Facebook reminding me that one whole year has just zipped by. Those of us who teamed up to organise the SG50 events in our ex-firm are now mostly working in different companies. Many friends have or will be relocating back to their home countries. Some of the younger ex-colleagues, who I must say are still very young, are planning to go back to school. How exciting to be so young. Settling down, first-time parents, starting their own businesses, everyone is standing in a different spot. So much has changed, it feels like 5 years have passed. This past year is like a helium balloon which I accidentally let loose. It drifts aways quickly, leaving me to wonder how it slip out of my hand. But at the same time, I savor the moment as I watch the balloon dance its way into the stratosphere.

This year, I am forming new National Day memories at my new workplace. Our team is having a mini SG51 celebration on Monday morning. Red and white decorations have been up since last week to rouse the patriotic Singa roar in anyone who passes by. With a mystery prize for the best decoration to spur them on, some teams have really gotten quite creative. With a shoestring budget to work on, I suspect the decorations will be far more creative than the mystery prize! The power of the unknown. In the midst of the team's busyness, it is great to see everyone taking time to bring cheer to each other's lives. But more than that, it is a wonderful gesture to give thanks for this tiny yet vibrant island nation and to wish her well in the coming year. 51 years is not a long time as a nation, but this country has progressed with lightning speed. Singapore definitely hasn't been standing on the spot. Certainly something worth celebrating and thanking God for.

I love this country with every growing year. When I first moved here 20 years ago, I wasn't entirely sure if I would choose to be here in the long term. Singapore seemed too small, too limited by what it doesn't have. But anyone that comes to stay, even for a short time, will soon form a different view. Its soul and community grow on you. The old Singapore facade that blends into the heart-thumping cosmopolitan reminds you that the city is ever changing, and you are part of that exciting change. Last Thursday morning, when I was walking my son to school, I heard "Home", the National Day Parade theme song from 1998, played on the PA system. I inevitable thought about how "this is my home truly". I married here. I had my kids here. I made many close friends and have a fulfilling career here. I went back to church here. And now I am dealing with cancer here. And I know that I am home when an adversity doesn't make me feel like there is some other place I ought to be. My ups and my downs are here, this is home.

Happy 51 Singapore!
Majulah Singapura