Free Fridays: Best reminder this week.

27 June 2025

"Don't forget to submit your family photo," Teacher Mona reminded me at school pick up.

"Oh yes, thanks for reminding!"

How tiring it must be for teachers. They not only have to remind the kids all the time, they also have to remind the parents for stuff.

Teacher Mona is Idris' nursery teacher. A wonderful one. Idris may be so boisterous at home, but at school he's super shy. And only Teacher Mona could crack his shell.

"Hello, my darling friend," she'd greet him cheerfully every morning.

He wouldn't move out of the car if he didn't see Teacher Mona first. It was like she was his safety net in school. He needed to know she was there for him to feel comforted, especially when he first started school.

On his first day at nursery, he hugged my legs and cried begging me not to leave him. It was an unfamiliar territory so understandably he clung to me like a magnet. Then Teacher Mona entered the room and sat with him. Instantly, they bonded over a box of toy vehicles - diggers, dump trucks... She did vroom vroom with the toys and Idris chuckled. My heart melted seeing that, and I felt better leaving him a few minutes later.

For Teacher's Day, Mommy Idris made Teacher Mona a card.

It was the two of them every morning, just like how she walks him into the school everyday.

Let’s ummm make doa for Mommy’s Idris’ art skills…

Bless her, she didn’t even laugh at this card. In fact, she loved it. It shows her short hair and the apron she wears. #yesiamawareitlookslikeaplasticbag

Shoes are a bit sus, though she didn’t mind.

Idris and Teacher Mona forever. <3

I remembered her reminder about the family photo and finally got round to finding one. Found a recent one of us in Langkawi and whatsapped the photo to the school number to pass to Teacher Mona. Done!

The next day, I got a reply from the school.

Oh no, I hope it’s not them asking for an alternative photo.

I clicked on the message.

I don’t even remember if I moved a limb in the next five seconds.

I was absolutely speechless.

She... died?!!

She… died.

It took me a while to process it all. I re-read the message again because I just couldn't believe it. I just spoke to her. I just exchanged smiles with her. We just laughed about how Idris' hair looks funny after nap time.

My heart sank and I teared.

I hardly knew the lady. I didn't even know her last name until that day. But I will always remember how kind she was to my son and how she helped build his confidence. And how she calls him "darling" and "friend" and was so warm to him. The magic that she had was undeniable and I will always be grateful for her presence and impact in his life. Even if it was just borrowed time.

I wish I had the chance to say goodbye to her.

And I wish so badly that I had said thank you to her.

So she would know how special she was before she died.

My heart still feels heavy but I had to share the best reminder I learned this week: Life is short.

Any one of us can be taken away at any time. So if there's someone in your life you appreciate for the big or little things, this is your reminder to say thank you to him/her today. Don’t let life pass you by until you miss a chance to tell someone how thankful you are for them. Don’t let them leave this world not knowing how amazing they are to you.

Teacher Mona, thank you for everything you've done for my son. Idris still mentions your name and says you’re on a “long holiday”. I’m going to let him have that memory of you. Farewell for now, "our darling friend,” you are dearly missed.

May you rest in peace, Teacher Mona.