Benjamin
Jam gave his best in everything. He loved to read the Bible, can quickly memorise verses. He did Kumon and became very good with Math. He loved to sing and whenever he did, it was always full of passion. He learned to dance before he could walk. When he was four, he started watching sports games on TV instead of cartoons. Whenever he tried out a new sport, he’d come home saying, “This is it, this is my favourite sport!” He tried out almost all sports – basketball, tennis, soccer, footy, taekwondo, rugby, table tennis, swimming, baseball, fencing, bowling and rock climbing. Jam was very competitive and always wanted to be the best.
His remarkable zest led to parents asking me if I used to be a sports person to which I would awkwardly reply, “No, not really.” Most of the time, I wouldn’t even understand the rules of the game. There were a few instances when I confidently cheered him on. The last time he played basketball at Mini Hoops and shot the ball without touching the ring, I was so proud that I stood up and shouted, “That’s my son!” Yes, I got those looks from the other parents but I didn’t care, that was a moment I will never forget, ever.
Once when Jam arrived at a birthday party at a friend’s home, he saw kids playing with their tablets/phones. Jam went to his friend’s dad, asked for a ball and the two started playing. His laughter and enthusiasm were so contagious that not long after, most kids left their gadgets and played with him. This is how I hope we’ll remember Jam.





While my friends talk about the Terrible Two moments, mine were Terrific Two moments. We never had to run after him, he will never walk or run far from us. We never had to install child protectors as he always listens to what we tell him. He remained the sensitive, happy, obedient and passionate child.
I will always be proud of my title, Jam’s mum.


A letter from Northside Christian College, 2017