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My brother got enlisted today. The rite of passage for all Singaporean men. Ever since the dun-know-when law got erected that all men have to serve as conscript soldiers, batches and batches have to leave behind all that they have to spend 2 years of their lives holding arms and building the buddies bond that will last a lifetime.
Actually I am sad yet happy for him. Sad that there's no one at home for me to kajiao and nag at. Maybe for him, he's just so relieved to serve NS. Happy for him in the sense that I know he will grow. Grow into a young man with character and personality shaped by the training he will receive in the army. Hope he will find his direction in life and realise his potentials.
Specially took leave to be part of this special stint in his life. For me and my dad, it's dejavu. It seemed just like yesterday, I was standing amongst the boys making that National Service Oath. "To protect the Nation with our lives." I bet my brother doesn't know what he's reciting. Me too that time. I only know it's an oath which will strip me of my hair, Pink IC and 2 1/2 years of my life. The pain of leaving the family, gfs and friends. But looking back, I am just so glad we have national service. If not, I won't have buddies who motivated me when my morale was ultra low during the shit we went through during missions (72 km marches.. Uncountable amt of fast marches... uncountable tekans to earn that beret... the fear during the night before the actual parachute jump the next day...), who stood by and supported me when i broke up with my first gf, who feel my joy when i graduated from Uni, who gave me support when i was running my first marathon.... I am just so glad for them to be in my life. I am sure my little brother will find his buddies in the years to come.
Hope he will train hard and safe and realise his potentials during this 2 years stint.
Actually I am sad yet happy for him. Sad that there's no one at home for me to kajiao and nag at. Maybe for him, he's just so relieved to serve NS. Happy for him in the sense that I know he will grow. Grow into a young man with character and personality shaped by the training he will receive in the army. Hope he will find his direction in life and realise his potentials.
Specially took leave to be part of this special stint in his life. For me and my dad, it's dejavu. It seemed just like yesterday, I was standing amongst the boys making that National Service Oath. "To protect the Nation with our lives." I bet my brother doesn't know what he's reciting. Me too that time. I only know it's an oath which will strip me of my hair, Pink IC and 2 1/2 years of my life. The pain of leaving the family, gfs and friends. But looking back, I am just so glad we have national service. If not, I won't have buddies who motivated me when my morale was ultra low during the shit we went through during missions (72 km marches.. Uncountable amt of fast marches... uncountable tekans to earn that beret... the fear during the night before the actual parachute jump the next day...), who stood by and supported me when i broke up with my first gf, who feel my joy when i graduated from Uni, who gave me support when i was running my first marathon.... I am just so glad for them to be in my life. I am sure my little brother will find his buddies in the years to come.
Hope he will train hard and safe and realise his potentials during this 2 years stint.
His first botak haircut
Our farewell dinner for him. Other members not inside the pic. Not onli me and my cousin.
The farewell lunch at Pulau Tekong.
Just as I was about to post this post, my brother called back home. hahaaa... He will survive.
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