It’s a running joke for most of my age that whenever ask about favorite subject in school, one would easily consider recess and not any other academic. I can’t blame them; most of us during our younger years really anticipated for food breaks, didn’t you? 
In my son’s preschool, it has been a mutual decision between parents and teachers for kids to celebrate their birthdays with their classmates during their 30-minute recess. It makes their birthdays memorable when fun is shared within the classroom. So when there’s a school party, there’s always more to look forward to recess!
When Gabby started schooling more than 3 years ago, I have been religiously involved in preparation of his birthday but this year’s different. Because I am presently here in Penang, the responsibility was left only to Tina. Despite the fact I have sent my remittance a week before his birthday, I felt so guilty being physically absent on one of my son’s happy moments. 
My homesickness heightened when I received the photos from Tina. Oh well, the agony of an ordinary expat…
Here’s the birthday boy with his dutiful Preparatory teacher, Ms. Janet…
I asked Tina to buy him a shirt at TriNoma Mall; I was expecting Gabby will pick something bright yellow for it’s his favorite color but he has other preference now…sign of a growth and development?
Goldilocks doesn’t disappoint…
Weeks before this occasion, I asked Tina to compare kiddie birthday packages of common fast foods but she opted to go with our usual tradition every Gabby’s big day –home cooked yummies. So there were the usual macaroni cooked ala spaghetti in tomato sauce + lotsa cheese, breaded chicken fingers+cheese powder and juices in tetra packs, solb!
Thanks to my budget-conscious, ever efficient and loving wife, our son’s teacher and his classmates, the birthday party in school last October 5th brought another widest smile to our dearest, Gabby.
Make good in school not only in recess, anak, OK?
I love you, Gabby!
Give your mom a long embrace and sweetest kisses for me…
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OPINION COUNTS…