Wrapping Up

Maisie is sad today, the last day of class here for both her and Hudson. She cried and cried as we left. Vanessa - who has been her shadow teacher - also really broke down when she hugged Maisie goodbye. Seeing somebody love my daughter that much made me cry, too. We were a river of tears. Hudson saved the day. He said, “Don’t cry, Maisie,” and gave her a big hug which made us all smile. Vanessa is an intern so my guess is that she will always remember Maisie because she was one of her first students. I know I'll always remember Vanessa.

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen their connection. I even got a glimpse of it in a photo the school sent me. In the photo, I could see Vanessa watching Maisie with love, concern and pride - all rolled into one.

We went to WeeCare because two friends told me they had kids there and liked it. Since it was just four weeks, I figured it’d be fine. We saw the place and it seemed pretty darn great, but who cared what it was like? I mean - it was just four weeks, right? 

I had no idea how lucky we were.

Hudson’s first ever school experience was at this school. As only a true mama’s boy could, he clung to me like Saran Wrap the first couple of days. By the second week, he was standing by the front door at home wearing his backpack, screaming, ‘Tacky!" (his word for taxi) and  "School! Let's go!” a full 20 minutes before it was time to leave. That says everything.

The school turned out to be a great fit for Maisie, too. The woman who runs WeeCare understands sensory issues and has a lot of knowledge about autism. She totally got Maisie’s needs. As you know, that’s a rare thing in Singapore. She assigned Vanessa to shadow her and I think the improvement in Maisie has been amazing.

WeeCare is one of the most creative environments I’ve ever seen. The main room changes every week. The lessons are unusual and tie into an overall lesson plan. I have never, ever seen more creative updates from the staff either. They come in a comic book-type letter with all sorts of photos and captions. The teacher to student ratio is very high and the teachers really seem to care and work as a team. When is the last time you saw an American teacher care enough about your kid that she cried when you left?

But I’m still me. I was a reporter for 15+ years and a producer before that. I needed to research what’s here. I needed to explore every avenue. Heck, at home, we sold our house and moved to the school district with the very best therapy in the county - all because we wanted Maisie to get what she needed. That’s just who I am and I am lucky enough to have a husband who supports my craziness.

I’m not sure if we’re coming back or not, but my gut is that if we do, the kids go to WeeCare again in the Winter - if they’ll have them. It’d be nice for them to reconnect with friends and teachers which would also make the transition back here easier. After this semester, we may move them to an international school or a bigger preschool that has stronger connections with the Singapore American School. As an American, I just can’t get over the feeling that school shouldn’t be in a mall - even if there is an outdoor space. Maybe I’d get over that in time. I don’t know. I feel badly because the school discovered my blog yesterday and my research into other schools - before I could chat with them about my thoughts. They've been so good to us and we think so highly of them. The whole thing has made me quite ill today.

I have heard from some of the local moms there who have children that their kids were far ahead of other kids when they moved to the higher grades. However, an education consultant also told me that WeeCare is considered a special needs school (first I heard of it) and that going there can make transitioning to an international school next to impossible. That would be the biggest concern.

Time will tell, but for now, I’m just so very grateful that we ended up there. The universe really came through on this one.

Since today was their last day of school, I spent my morning doing something I knew I couldn’t really do with them: I went to Tekka Market, the wet market in Little India. Wow, talk about fresh food!!! I mean - the fish is practically swimming on the table. 

I saw all sorts of things I haven’t seen before - vendors grinding fresh coconut into flakes, baby sharks ready for eating and piles and piles of eggs, each with a different label and price. I've never seen many of the vegetables and fruits for purchase. I really wish I'd had my telephoto lens to get photos of folks who worked there. Next time!

I was a little worried about going because I went to something similar in China years ago and came back a vegetarian which stuck for four years. I was more prepared this time though I must say I have no desire for meat or fish just now. Some booths definitely had a smell I didn’t like. Other areas were knee-deep in jasmine flowers so they had a fabulous odor.

Little India is getting ready for Deepavali, also known as The Festival of Lights, the most important of all Hindu celebrations. It celebrates good over evil, light over darkness. Little India is already decked out even though the holiday isn’t til the end of the month. I went in the morning because that’s when Tekka Market is cranking, but I’d be interested to go at night to see all the lights lit up. We may have to do that before we leave.

I also went into Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (you better believe I had to check that spelling a few times!) which was simply gorgeous. Unlike a mosque, I didn’t need to be covered, but I did have to take my shoes off which always kind of wigs me out walking barefoot with a million other bare feet. The outside is similar to other temples in the area. Inside, there were bare-chested, partially-painted, hair-in-buns men delivering fruit from worshippers to the various idols in individual rooms. It was fascinating. I was welcomed by all. 

Tonight, we’re resting up and starting to pack for China - and home. Tom has finished what he’s come here to do. Now we need to decide what the future holds. I am so ready to have an answer. Limbo is not easy - though it’s been pretty fun! Ha!

 One not so fun thing? The AC went out today! I spent almost five hours inside without AC waiting for it to be fixed. Maisie had another great day and was pretty funny. At one point, she said, "Mommy, I'm all sweaty and it's kind of gross. Can't somebody just come fix this thing already?"