We met in primary 1 and sat near each other in class. I was already eloquent in English whereas it was a completely new lingo for her. Like a hare in the race, that was my advantage and I was ahead of the class for the first few years. Then she overtook me.
We became good friends and went to the same secondary school together. We didn't sit next to each other this time. She started in a better class and later joined ranks with the smartest girls in school. As best friends, we joined the same uniformed group (National Cadet Corps) so that we could be together. Once again, she excelled and was promoted quickly to lead the troop whereas I stagnated as a lance corporal. She was a natural leader.
By the time we got our GCE O Level results, the disparity was too great to ignore. She secured a place in one of the top junior colleges. It was simply beyond my reach. She went on to graduate with flying colours. We went separate ways but stayed in close contact.
Like a hare in the race, I was ahead of her when it came to marriage and kids. She was the bridesmaid at my wedding. Two years later, I attended her wedding with YK in tow. Now we each have 2 sons.
Like their mother, her kids excel in sports and academia. The older one secured a place in one of the top schools, the same one his mother went to.
While her marriage stayed solid as a rock, mine collapsed after 10 years. During the years I was fixing the pieces of my life together, she became a high-flier in a prestigious industry commanding alot of respect and salary.
When I introduced her to running a year ago, she was a newbie compared to me. Then she started training seriously. Today, she returned from Beijing where she just completed a half marathon (21k). Her timing was excellent, way better than what I had ever achieved all these years.
"Shall we run together at the race this Sunday?", she chirped merrily. Emm, I had better not.
Once again, she had overtaken me. While I feel happy for her, I can't help but feel like a loser. I just hope I'm not a sore one.
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9 comments:
you are no loser. you are frank and sincere. you are unique. you are positive.
While I could feel where you are coming from, you are definitely no loser. There could be others who feel like a loser when compared to you but unbeknownst to them, you admire them for who they are.
Hey we can train for the full marathon next year if you want to...
It's not about the race.
You're always very special to me, to YK, SK, CH, and a lot of other people.
You are a successful woman in my eyes & a very brave & independent one :):)
For as long as I've been reading your blog I think you've done a GREAT job with your life :D
Life is not about how fast one reaches one's certain goals. Or how high one succeeds. We each have different things to learn in our very own different and unique lives.
To me, you are really one tough cookie that I admire. You have no degree and you are not ashamed of it. You went the unbeaten track and did your own business. You are bringing up two charming boys like their best friend when they need to talk to and like a mother hen when they are in trouble or need support.
Life is not a race. Marathons are not about timing. You conquered and better yourself in many ways. To me, you are a league of your own.
Don't worry that you can't keep up with her pace this Sunday. My pace is easy. If you don't mind, run with me :-)
Thanks everyone for your faith in me. I guess it's one of those days when I feel defeated and deflated. I'm be up and running again in no time! :-)
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