Flying without wings” can mean achieving greatness or a feeling of euphoria through something other than physical flight, such as love, ambition, or spiritual fulfillment. It symbolizes transcending limitations and finding a sense of freedom and accomplishment through inner strength and unconventional means. The phrase can also have specific symbolic meanings in religion or be the title of the popular Westlife song, which is about finding the “one thing” that makes life complete.
Li Na passed by a house in a rural village. An unkempt, half-naked man was squatting over a drain outside a half-burned house.
The driver said, “he is a mentally-ill person. He was probably trying to cook some food.” A lady sitting next to Anna chuckled, “… and burning down his own house, crazy fella.”
Li Na was disappointed with the elderly lady. “But, but, this house is so near the hospital! He needs treatment!” Li Na exclaimed. “The police would not come and take him to the hospital because no one reported it,” the driver explained.
… Society has failed him. … Our mental health safety net has failed, …His family members have failed him and not gotten him treated. Li Na felt guilty too for not picking up the phone, as the team moved on.
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The above anecdote is an example and illustration of some neglected persons.
Covid-19 causes stress and potential mental disorders risks in society and work places as well. Safety net policies need to be enforced for these people at risk
Special angels (Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com)
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It was an annual dinner. The doctor held his child’s hand as they walked towards their table. The happy and excited child (with cerebral palsy) walked with jerky and clumsy limbs besides his dad. At the table, he started to hit the cutlery on the plates, enjoying his ‘music’.
“Behave, dear!”
Immediately he stopped!
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Quotes:
These ‘angels’ (parents) have so much patience and compassion; not many people have these qualities, and no university can teach one these attitudes, too! – Chen S.P., August, 2021
The question: Why me? Because you are the chosen one! … So do it well! – Chen S.P., August, 2021
This is a poem, titled after a hand-painted bowl which was created by the author, a few years ago. Whereas, the poem is inspired by the many tragic news of perished immigrants on rough seas. They were trying to reach a better-land in this, ironically, vastness of land on mother earth.
In this vastness of land “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
In this vastness of land “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
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In this vastness of land stretching and circling this bowl round and round, but, to no end!
From the bowl’s interior radiates that phosphorescent glow a beckoning promise, almost superior!
Across the wide seas and oceans breaking families, risking lives to find that elusive ‘greener grass’ notions!
On rough waters, human lives are inhumanly packed in overcrowded sea vessels clutching desperately to partners and wives.
“I see the land, I see the land!” But it was, many a time, an illusion to touch beaches, to kiss the sand.
Can you see the land, a better land? Will freedom be your stand in this vastness of land?
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Quotes:-
“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt
2. “What has happened to us in this country? If we study our own history, we find that we have always been ready to receive the unfortunate from other countries, and though this may seem a generous gesture on our part, we have profited a thousandfold by what they have brought us.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
Here’s my basketful with blessings and gratitude for healing my wounds!
Gratitude is a basketful of vegetables (Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com)
A former student, Ms Paat S.L. narrated how she put stoma and wound care into practice when she went back to Sarawak. It was very satisfying to see her patients recovering and healing. Some patients’ relatives came from the far interior (in Borneo Island). They would bring a basketful of vegetables or fruits as a token of appreciation upon discharge!
Stoma and wound-care can be very challenging, yet rewarding, indeed!
I am glad she found the ‘ikigai’ in this new field as the first stomaltherapist in Sarawak!
She went on to train many other nurses in the Borneo Island.
I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
Michael Jordan, Basketball Player
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As quoted above, failures should be taught to be are part of a journey to success.
It is worrying to see young school children committing suicide because of their inability to cope with homeworks and examination stress.
Chen Song Ping 