Our boys have been very hooked on to a theme song in youtube recently. They are a karaoke duo who sing the song aloud again and again together. Of course, I am happy to see our boys so bonded by one heart:)

This song is Singapore’s NDP 2011 theme song “In A Heartbeat“.

Each year, weeks before Singapore’s National day, Brendan would faithfully check out NDP’s official website for the theme song. Then he would sing the song repeatedly till he memorises the lyrics, make his own recording on his handphone and play the song even while he is studying. Then he would pose as the emcee to introduce the theme song. This trend has recurred for the last three years.  Interestingly, he has “infected” Darren.

Singapore must be proud of our two patriotic  boys who are as young as 7 and 11 *hee*.

For me, the video reminds me of many beautiful memories and I am sure it strikes a chord in the hearts of many Singaporeans too.

Those nolstagic memories of kampong life (Hey! Those really remind me of the old sewing machines, ice kacang machine, neighbours and houses in my kampong), university and convocation days, those sweet memories of dating …. and till now those moments of excitement while cheering for our boys in their track and field events - ALL start flashing across my mind.

The video indeed echoed what has already happened and is going to happen in my life. I guess this is why they name it “In A Heartbeat” because it is meaningful to each Singaporean.

I recall those few years ago when I deliberated and gave up the idea to uproot our family and relocate to where Papa Ed was working overseas. Yes, even when it meant that we had to live apart from Papa Ed for a number of years.

I remember how mum-in-law suggested to raise Brendan in the States. No, we did not take that option.

Yeah, we actually did comtemplate to move on to Hong Kong, States, Shanghai and Australia. As I mentioned before, with grandpa, auntie and uncle in Hong Kong and Australia, and mother-in-law in the States, we could consider these options. However, at the end, we stayed on.

I recalled those many times when I was overseas for work and training and how badly I missed home, the local food (satay, hokkien mee, chicken rice and especially my dad’s homecooked food), my parents, the law and order, and my boyfriend . It might seem silly as I look back at how I would shed tears when I came across a Singapore TV programme being aired overseas, how I would travel all the way to Chinatown just to savour Chinese food while spending some time in Australia and how I would get very excited when I met a Singaporean overseas.

Of course, while overseas I do love those vast nature, those wonderful weathers and those magnificent landscapes and landmarks that might be lacking in Singapore. I do adapt to food and weather wherever I go.

However, something is never the same because here is where my heart belongs. Perhaps, those happy childhood days and bond that I have here have a big part to play.

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