Tuesday 21 September 2010

The backpack


YK is so passionate about his reef hobby that he reads only marine reef journals for leisure. He's quite happy to spend his weekends and holidays helping out at the fish farm (the same one he patronises) without getting paid. The lady boss treats him like her own son.

I think it's great that he's gaining experience while doing something that he enjoys. Dealing with suppliers, colleagues and customers has enriched his life in so many ways. These are life lessons that he can't learn while sitting at home, watching TV or playing games.

Last night, he was at the airport with the boss to send a worker off. The worker's 2-year contract has ended, so he had to return to China.

YK felt particularly sorry to see him leave. "Can you imagine he didn't have any luggage with him?"

"He came to Singapore and left without a suitcase. All his belongings were packed in carton boxes. So poor thing."

As it turns out, he had one carton too many and didn't want to pay for the excess baggage charge of US$200. So he opened up the box and gave away bottles of liquor and birdnest (presents meant for his family back home). All that remained were some of his old clothes.

"I gave him my backpack. Hope you don't mind", YK said.

"The Victorinox one that you bring to school everyday?!" I asked.

"Yes. So he could put his clothes in and board the plane." he replied.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, but deep inside, I'm secretly happy that my son has a good heart.

14 comments:

charlie hotel said...

That's nice of him.

Amel said...

He's really got a good heart, Ting. And it's true what you said about that he's accumulated important experiences by helping out at the fish farm. :-D

JY69 said...

Like mother like son!

Petunia Lee said...

He's like you!! So many times you foist freebies on me when I try to buy stuff from you. Makes me so pai seh. Next time, you should just charge me and be done with it.

Open Kitchen Concept said...

JY said it for me. He takes after you, Ting!

Blur Ting said...

CH - Yah, you may not know it but he has a good side too.

Blur Ting said...

Amel - He's lucky the owner of the farm enjoys having him around.

Blur Ting said...

JY - I always try to teach them good values but I don't know how much actually goes into their head. So I am happy with his thoughtful action this time.

Blur Ting said...

Petunia - Oh, I don't mean to make you feel pai seh. As long as I can afford the time and money, I am always happy to give.

Blur Ting said...

OKC - I think I inherited this trait from my parents.

WaterLearner said...

Very nice and thoughtful of him. Well Done!!

ckl said...

I totally agree with the others - children learn from role models who are usually their parents. Sometimes I didn't quite understand why a child behaves in a certain manner until I met the parent(s). As parent we do have to be careful with what we said or do when kids are around.

Malar said...

You have very kind hearted kids! They sure to inherit from you! You are so kind too!

The World According To Me said...

Bless him. That was a kind thing to do.
It sounds like that fish farm are lucky to have him about, and what a great way for him to learn.

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