Farewell to MGS

I thought the surgery was the worst possible thing that could happen this year (despite the fact that it made me healthier in all aspects).

Yesterday was one of the most painful days in my life. The worst part is knowing that this time I had heroically chosen to leave the MGS, my second home, thinking that going to another all-girls' school on promotion is a "calling" and it would be better in every aspects, especially the workload. I had not expected to go to sleep feeling very sad, and waking up feeling worse.

The parting ceremony was such a sad one. MGS once again rose to the occasion, even with such short notice. Writing the speech was hard, delivering it was a feat. From the podium, I could see the girls' faces, and many of my 5 Accounts girls and dear friends were openly crying. I am sure the audience were held in suspense as to whether I could finish giving it. KH, Lin and Jean were also there. Later Gawery told me that she felt touched to see KH crying, and I told her that I myself had never seen him cry.

After the surgery, Jean and Lin told me that now they know how much he loves me. I have often doubted it myself. Yesterday, it was confirmed.

Going back on track, I feel so grateful to everyone in the school for recognising my contributions and putting in so much efforts to make the occasion a memorable one for Puan Nazihah and me. I am so grateful to Encik Latiff, the UAL Senior Manager for appearing just to hand me a gift. My girls, especially the
4SS1, 4 Accounts and 5 Accounts girls were such darlings.

In the midst of packing and tying up loose ends, I recalled Ma's saying about how difficult it is to build a house, and yet how easy it is to demolish it. How true, and yet I had thrown away this part of my life with my own hands when I signed the transfer form.    

During the last 20 minutes, I entered 5 Accounts to bid them farewell. That was when all initial doubts I had about leaving came flooding back. At one point, someone asked how I could had chosen to leave, and I agreed that I was wrong to them. I realised that these girls, who had always been so careful with everyone's feelings, especially mine, did not dispute me then. I felt like I had actually given away one of my children. After lunch with my dear colleagues, Puan Lim told me that they feel it is okay for them to leave us, but we can never leave them. Why didn't I think of that retort in the class then?

I will miss everything in the school so - the little bungalow, so cosy, and the majestic main building, etc. Within it are all the inhabitants - the teachers, clerks,cleaners and students. Just like me, the school house them for a period of time, before they too move on. As we breathe in the MGS air, the MGS blood flow in our veins.