At the school gate..

I was waiting for Nadeera at her school gate this evening. Around me, there were other mothers and fathers waiting for their kids too. Few mothers talking to each other, but as usual, I didn't pay attention to others (need to improve on this?..hmm..), I just stood quietly waiting for her. When the school bell rang, the usual rush, kids everywhere walking quickly and some running to the gate. Excited maybe, to finally finish the day or maybe, happy to see their 'comfort' waiting at the gate.

Among the noise of the kids laughing and talking (or screaming), somehow I overheard a mother telling to her talking partner, "See, I sent her to school all tidy and neat, look at how she turned out at the end of the day" and making all the remarks on how her 'tudung' is not properly done, how her dress is not straight, and her shoes is not tight.. I saw that little girl walking towards the mother, when suddenly when she reached her, the mother gave a smack on her head and started fussing about how undone she looks.. Was I surprised by this?! Definitely!..

What did she see when she saw her daughter at the gate this evening? I can't tell you what she saw. But I can tell you what I saw when I see my daughter this evening at the school gate. I saw a six year old (who thinks she is already seven, well not yet Nadeera, not until 27th August ok.. don't grow up too fast!), running and half jumping with a big smile on her face. Yes, she ran towards me, she let go of her friend's hand to run to me. Am I glad? Yes, definitely.. To see my daughter ran towards me like she has not seen me in months! Is she all clean? NO! She had stain, a black stain on her 'tudung' I bet it is from her small fingers scratching her head, maybe, trying to figure out an answer for a question. She had some hair coming through from the side of the 'tudung' as well.. her dress, of course it is not straight, the side has come up to the front. Haha.. Well, it is a tough life in there! Can't blame you for not showing up a bit more presentable little girl!

I hope, I pray that mothers out there don't go smacking their kids' head like that.. It hurts their ego more than their head!