My father never had enough money. In my primary school days, I was always the last in the class to have all my textbooks as my father could not afford to buy all at one go. The school fees was another. I was always the last to pay.
Nevertheless, if there's one thing that he paid serious attention to, then it is education. He will never compromise on education. To him, education is the passport to a better future. Education is one thing that he will make sure all his children gets, no matter how difficult it is.
He always reminded us children, I cannot give you money but I will make sure you get education.
Off course, when I was young, I couldn't understand his obsession with education. I cannot understand why he wouldn't let me go for a swim at the old mining pool nearby, play football all day long at the small field near the house or go roaming around the kampong with my friends. I envy my friends. They were free to do what they wanted but me, I had to get permission and more likely than not, the answer would be no!
He would scrutinised my school books, asked me about my homework and checked my test results every now and then. A red mark would mean instant question and answer session. Although he never raised a hand on me, his stare is enough to scare the shit out of me.
But it did had the effect of making my marks always on the high side. I never like it then and always wish he would not be so hard on me.
But then as I get older, I begin to understand. Now I am grateful for what he had done! I owe a lot to him, to say the least.
He might not be around anymore but his legacy has a lasting effect on me. I am practising it on my children.
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