To God; for Grandma.

Dear God;

You are healer

for it is this healing from Your own wounds

that allows her wounds to heal

it is this healing

that gets her heart beating

it is this healing

that lets her blood flow

and it is this healing

that helps her breathe once again

You are protector

for it is this protection

that saves her from the grasp of evil

it is this protection

that covers her body with immunity

and it is this protection

that hovers over her frailness

You are peace

for it is this peace

that calms her anxious soul

it is this peace

that accompanies her through the nights

it is this peace

that allows her to smile

and it is this peace

that makes her loved ones feel secure

You are provider

for it is this provision

that pays for what she needs

it is this provision

that eradicates the fear of the dollar sign

and it is this provision

that ensures there is no anxiety of debt

You are strength

for it is this strength

that guides her way to recovery

it is this strength

that supports her when she sits up

it is this strength

that lifts her up to take her first steps

and it is this strength

that gives her the courage to trust

You are joy

for it is this joy

that puts the smile on her face

it is this joy

that her family brings into the room

it is this joy

that allows her to tell stories like she used to

and it is this joy

that enables her brave spirit to never be dampened

And most importantly:

You are love

for it is this love

that fills her heart and soul

it is this love

that her children unconditionally give

it is this love

that brings joy, strength, peace

and it is this love

that provides, protects and heals

Dear God,

thank You for never leaving Grandma's side

and I hope, someday, she will never leave Yours

In Jesus' most powerful Name I pray;

Amen.

On Behalf of All Music Teachers

Dear parents:

Your child goes to school for at least 6 hours each weekday. That's physical, mental and emotional exhaustion from absorbing information, facing teachers, playing with friends, joining activities. 

After school, your child attends tuition classes for the next 4 hours. BM, English, math, and what not. 

But oh, your child needs to cultivate their hidden talent and learn to appreciate the arts. Hence, dance classes, art & craft, robotics. 

BUT WAIT! I need some qualifications and certificates for my child to show that he/she is actively upgrading themselves throughout the years! LET'S ENROLL HIM/HER FOR MUSIC LESSONS!

And it all goes downhill from there. 

Excuse me, but the last time I checked, I was well tired out after a long day at school. Give me extra classes once a week on Saturdays or something, that's cool; maybe my math really sucks and I desperately need some help. 

However when it comes to signing your child up for music lessons with the expectations of stage performances, distinctions in exams and producing prodigies, please think before hand. They ask, "how come my child isn't progressing?" Please, I'm the teacher and I want them to progress as badly as you do, dear parent. 

Music, unlike any other "class" that you signed your exhausted child up for, requires tons of practice FROM THE START. I don't care if your child is Level 1, classical piano; he's gonna need all the discipline and practice that he can get. And there's nothing more saddening than hearing this after asking them if they've practiced: "Teacher, I got no time. Every day tuition until 7 o'clock. Come back home then dinner and bath. Need to do homework some more. Then need to sleep already. How to practice?"

Parents, if you're gonna sign your child up for a music class... Give them enough time to practice, and make sure you understand that kids are just like you; their energy levels can deplete, and hence, their concentration. 

Help us help you help your kid. 

the hospital

The vinyl floor shines, the walls are bare

Labels and number signs everywhere

Smells of disinfectant fill the air

Sounds of gentle assurance and care

Wheels squeak, people whisper, machines beep

Behind the doors hearts ache and weep

Tubes and things decorate the beds

As screens show numbers in greens and reds

Nurses move briskly in spotless white

Patients on beds as they bravely fight

Whatever the sickness, whatever the pain

Needles and pills, again and again

Families gather around a loved one

Crying inside as their hearts weigh a ton

The walls hear prayers never more sincere

A child holds mum's trembling hand in fear

Feverish, faint, fuddled and frail

Eyes ringed with shadows and faces pale

Threatened by Death's gruesome face

Only cured by medicine and saved by grace