A Happy Day

22 July 2009

It's a happy day and I thank God for the weather

It's a happy day, living it for my Lord,

It's a happy day, things are gonna get better,

Living each day by the promises in God's word.

Grace told her friends that her mummy is more excited about the convocation than her. "Mama, very happy ah?" "Yes, very happy, " I told her because it's the end of my stress. It was a day that I had waited for the past 18 years...ever since she started school and I having to draw pictures of animals, flowers and helping her name the various parts dutifully...and drilling her with English workbooks from Singapore and practising the piano. It's always more difficult and anxious with the first one. But I am glad that with God's grace, she has been led so far and into a career which hopefully brings her meaning and joy. So, I thank God for His grace, mercy and favour upon her.

So, the day came and went by; the day of her convocation in the grounds of St.Lucia, UQ. Daddy, Esther and I flew into Gold Coast with Grace for the occasion leaving Sara home alone cos she was adamant in preparing herself for a moot competition. Sara complained that I did not call her as I had done with her 2 other sisters while they were in Australia and that I was biased. I told her that it was not so and that I did not feel led to call because I trusted her. I knew she is sensible and take things seriously enough in life to want to do the right things at the right time which is a virtue. She was not convinced but it's the truth. The law student is not someone to contend with easily but the course has further imprinted many truths in her and that meant I have less to worry about. I know I can rely on her ; a fact...very kiasi and kiasu just like the mama.

Here, I could not resist a shot of Grace in her Chinese Cheongsam. Doesn't she look good? She was asking for the pass to collect her gown but the lady at the counter could not figure out the family name...Lau ? Der ? Grace ? After much findings they finally found it under ...guess what ?

On the programme book, her family name is DER WEN ??? But fortunately she contacted them earlier on to get her name right on the certificate. The Caucasians never seem to get the first name correct...




As in most graduation ceremonies and processions, there was the fuss and pomp but ultimately the occasion brought much joy to many ; the very young children (spouses of the graduands included) to hopeful youths and fortunate parents. It was a day when we heard the testimony of the Valedictorian who said doing things right is not synonymous to doing the right thing and joked that his fellow colleaques found it hard to pass during the final semester because the lecturers reiterated that to pass a student by half a mark may mean ' a bridge collapsing' and sent the audience applauding at the truth ! The guest speaker was even more inspiring as he started as an engineer but now has landed as a PHD holder in tissue engineering in the Health Science line helping researchers discover new ways for tissue development to help the helpless. He ended his speech by reinforcing that life long learning is the key to fulfilment.

So Grace finally collected her certificate and sent me down memory lane as I recalled her going up stage to collect book prizes during her primary and secondary school years. I was just as excited as before...as though she never grew any older and was still the little girl I nurtured and taught. Daughters always remain as little girls in mummy's and daddy's eyes...



Esther caught a shot of the much coveted certificate and the mortar board and lamented that the University of Melbourne doesn't allow their graduands with bachelor's degree wear one on convocation. Only those who graduate with a masters or PHD degree are allowed to wear the mortar board on convocation. In UQ, they have a different practice as certificate and diploma holders are allowed to graduate complete with the mortar board.

Esther graduated with an Architectural Studies degree from the University of Melbourne in December 2008...without a mortar board.

After the graduation ceremony, high tea was provided but what a shame that the suppy was not sufficient for the guests. So, we went hungry for the evening.




But dad was quick...he managed to salvage 2 bottles of beer and father and daughter cheered each other in joy.



Sarah, a good friend dropped by to congratulate her as they have been pals since IMU days. Sarah is going to be a lovely bride this October and hubby-to-be is also a fellow doctor from Penang. Their wedding is going to be held both in Brisbane and Penang for friends and relatives. Grace said she may fly in again for the wedding and meet up with 'lou yau'...comrades.


Another good friend is Ying Wei, who once was a housemate to Grace in Chermside. I met her mum and she cheerfully said that indeed it was a day that we should congratulate one another heartily for it was a much awaited day. We hugged and shook each other's hands gleefully. Ying Wei, like Sarah is practising in Brisbane and she will most likely get her younger brother across soon for his tertiaty education. Siblings looking into each other's affairs...every parent's dream.



I recalled in 2006 when the 6 friends graduated with a bachelor of Medical Science degree and getting ready to go to UQ for the second part of the course. That was their first graduation ceremony in Sheraton Hotel, Subang.. from the right ; Han Nien, Grace, Sarah, Su Ann, Dexter, Zhao Kang. This was also the first batch to go to UQ in such a number and after that year, more went in droves. The programme began popular overnight.

All of them stayed back to practise in Queensland except Grace. She was adamant on practising somewhere nearer home and I take it that she loves us and wants to be near us all the time. In a way, it is good that we get to see her as often as we want and a great consolation that she is around all the time. We conceded to her decision.

A photo for the album but somehow it isn't complete without Sara. At home, she kept us informed of things happening and related that Por Por called her every night to make sure she had food and was safe. Por por told her that it was a strange feeling to have all her children overseas at one juncture and longed for our return. My dear mother.

Grace at 6 was already a kindergarten graduate and at 25, she really became one. A dream came true. But she has turned into a beautiful swan ready to storm the world with all that she has. Congratulations from papa and mama, Dr. Grace Lau Der Wen...at long last...the doctor of the house.

Coincidentally, some old things stay... like the cheongsam she is wearing is done by the same seamstress who did mine on my graduation many, many years ago... and the fact that she is traditional ... is of the same track mind as mama.



Mama , 30 years ago on the grounds of the then University of Malaya wearing a red cheongsam which she actually wanted to put on...but was somehow missing, not to be found anywhere.

Congratulations once again Dr. Grace ... thank you for working through and making it against all odds.