I have four children, a gift bestowed upon my husband, Omar and I. My eldest, ADI, is now 20 years old, in his 3rd sem in UiTM Melaka. My second son, IMAN, is going to sit for his PMR exam. Diyana is 13 years old, studying in the same school where I received my secondary education (Temenggong Ibrahim Girls' School), whilst my youngest, Karyna, is in Year 2, also studying in the same school where I received my early education (Tengku Mariam School).

During my schooldays, it was all the time in Batu Pahat district. My mother, Tahirah Akmal, was a teacher, a dedicated, supportive and sporting mother. I would not want to change her for anything else in life. So is my father, Abdullah Ismail, who seldom say much, but is always there for me. They compliment each other so well that they become the greatest parents ever! And I must thank God for the best gift given to me, having my Father and Mother who have brought me up to see life in many different ways, and to always be thankful to God for all His blessings.

I seldom participate in my children's schools' activities until recently, I attended one of the program held by the school for the students. It reminds me of a course that my father sent me to about 28 years ago. I was in Form One and attended a student development program in Cameron Highland. I can't remember how much he pocketed out but it was quite expensive then. He paid for my brother as well. We learned so much from the program. Later, my father enrolled my mother to a similar program bur meant for adult. Thereafter and until now, all of us speak the same languange. We learn to be more open to each other. We celebrate birthdays, we hug each other, we speak freely but wth respect and love. It changes our way of expressing ourself to each other.

And that was what Iman learnt when he went for the course organised by the school. He cried, he hugged me, he uttered his heart out. Those moments brought me 28 years back, and I was crying too. Crying out of joy witnessing my son trying so hard to transform himself to a better person and obedient child at that point of time, shedding tears as my thoughts travelled fast to the hopes and sacrifices of my parents then.

My children, I make mistakes. Most of the time, I take for granted that you are my children and all that I say and do, it's because I want all of you to be kind and responsible children. I may not spend much time with you for the past few years. But I was always there for you when you grew up. Don't blame others when you do not do well in your exams, but always self assess yourself. Don't blame me for not being there when you need to revise your subjects, do not blame your teachers when you can't score your paper. But always go through the mistakes you have made, keep revising and ask those things that u do not understand.

Work hard and work smart. Stop putting blames on others. It will destroy your life..... It is unfair for me to expect you to score straight As when I couldn't commit myself to check your homework every night. But I do pray and wish you to do fairly well, with a few As and no F! That expectation is not impossible as I know if you study enough, u could make it. it is more important to have dignity in yourself, to be responsible to yourself. Have alot of respect to others too. No mater what, you are my children. And I want all of you to be fair to yourself, to be fair to me, to deliver what is due as a child and as a student. Ask form God guidance, thak God for the life God has bestow u.

Amin.