It’s About Time

TIme really flies with all the shuttling to and fro, to see Amanda. It’s been almost a fortnight since I last written anything here. Thank God that there was much progress and it’s a delight than a dread to go see her everyday. Admittedly it was tiring enduring the humidity and heat of the day, traveling plus working ahrd to interact with Amanda. It was challenging but real learning experience doing that.

Yesterday’s visit with Amanda was fantastic – she allowed us to carry her downstairs for a walk. We did so for a good 15 minutes. We were elated definitely.

This morning we return obviously having the same expectation. Amanda wasn’t a happy camper. Perhaps the dress she has was too warm for her and she started crying while we were in the playground nearby. She was also having running nose that cause her some irritation, and perhaps not having warmed up to us, she began to cry. Poor thing.

Today being a public holiday also meant the whole family is home. That means fighting hard for Amanda’s attention. It was an uphill task no doubt.

In retrospect, Jismyl and I agreed that today’s event is a reality-check as it sort of brought us down to earth and not to have unrealistic expectation that things will be as yesterday’s. This makes us less disappointed I think.

Anitha told us they gave Amanda a name, “Ashishtra” meaning “happy child.” That was nice. It does fit her personality for sure.

Coming back to Amanda coming home. Jismyl remarked that we need to brace ourselves for incessant crying. This makes me feel sorry for the child. Can’t help it though you wish she didn’t have to go through it. Just need to pray and depend on God’s mercy and grace.

Ah Hwa from the carpentry company came to take detailed measurement and assured us that the cabinets would be installed latest Dec 1. He reiterated that it could be a week earlier. That helps us since Anitha mentioned today that the officers from the agency mentioned that Amanda could follow us home as early as end of this month! That was news but in a way good for that gives Jismyl and I a month of concentrated effort since it’s still school holidays.

Amanda, we love you and hope for the best for you. God help us to take care of you and help you through this transitional period.

Today we went to the foster home of Amanda albeit about an hour late due to Jismyl’s forgetfulness in bringing the blouse along. We turned back at Toa Payoh. Thankfully, we arrived safely but it was embarrassing to note that the two lady officials from MCYS was there too and they arrived at 2:30pm.
They appeared satisfied with our explanation. Amanda hasn’t fully recovered from her sickness. She has appeared thinner due to lack of appetite for regular food and meals. Otherwise she is good in many ways.
After quite awhile she became warmed up to us and allowed us to play with her. It was exciting to see her respond as we had hoped for. It was thrilling to see her allowing me to hold her for awhile. The best part of the visit was when she lunged forward to allow me to bring her outside the house, and then going on to downstairs along with Jismyl.
It was a beautiful sight to behold the child with us individually. It was so “family-like.”
Shared with the church tonight and glad to have that taken care of. Later as things progresses, I will share with the church in serenely.
It was a good day and a happy one for me.

Jismyl teased me the other day when I related to her about wanting to strip the filtering plastic sheet that was pasted onto our study room window. It has been on there for 10 years and due to daily exposure to direct sunlight, it has shriveled literally and looks rather ghastly. I’ve wanted to do it but somehow lack the motivation to get on with the program so to speak.

Because Amanda’s coming home could be as early as December, we all need to ready the room for her. So with the old aircon out of the way, and having seen the plastic filters in DYI stores lately, I am ‘pumped’ to try doing it as a personal project.

Jismyl teased because she noticed that I’ve been doing several household projects – like changing the florescent bulb which led to the change of starter, and finally realized that it wasn’t either one of the items but the ballast which had died of old age. Thankfully the hardware store is just across the road from our place. I’ve to walk a couple of time to and fro though just to get the light fixed so that we don’t have to wander around in the kitchen in some form of darkness.

Then the flush system in the toilet of the master bedroom broke down. It has also seen better days. My first thought was, man, when it rains, it really pours! Things are following the first law of thermodynamics. Realized that I had to change the whole flush valve, and in order to do that, I have to unscrew the bolt and nuts that fasten the flush system, and then the screws that ensure the porcelain container doesn’t fall off. It is a humbling job having to kneel before the toilet bowl and bent underneath the flush system to remove the bolt and nut. On top of it, I sweat like an apple that’s been sitting on the table after having been taken out of the fridge for a while. Sweat profusely due to the humidity. Anyway, after everything was stripped the last part was a plastic screw/nut that was hard to remove. It was frustrating not having a spanner that could stretch that diameter. Had to wait until Sunday evening to continue the job as only Lee has the tool. Finally, the last screw/nut was remove and the whole flush tank was empty of the contraption.

After removing the old flush valve, I got to replace it with a newly devised flush valve. A clever design I might add. Happily I replaced it and everything was fine and dandy in terms of putting everything back in order. It was another sweaty experience. Free sauna and weight program! However, the cover could not be placed back with triggering the flush valve, and water would start flowing (well, flushing that is) without even pressing the button. Went back to the DIY store where I bought the flush valve and the man said that I could saw off a segment of it and that would solve my problem.

Well, the thought of having to remove everything again sort of discourage me. Then an idea strikes me that I could leave it and saw that segment horizontally rather than from ‘top-down’ if I remove the valve totally. The man at the DIY store gave a free saw blade for free (good relations or sheer pity at this silly who spent several hours just to change a flush valve?). Finally, the sawing was done, and the parts put back to their places, and it was done! Everything was fine and operationally ready. Phew! It was tiring but satisfying since I didn’t have to call the plumber and spent $$ to fix a problem.

Jismyl was happy that I did those things but she did remarked that “joker, Amanda coming you start doing stuff like that; in time past you couldn’t be bothered to do such projects.” I think it’s really the fatherhood thingy that’s emerging. She also thinks that I will love Amanda dearly. To that I replied, “will see.” Actually, I think so too. Oh, my smart wife.