my cousin was reading a storybook to the twins today while we were at my other cousin's place. as they sat and listened attentively (though by the glances they shot me I knew they couldn't understand - we all agreed the book was too wordy for them, but he still read it all the same.) to the story, I cant help but be reminded of myself more than 10 years ago. In the living room of our rented flat, I was struggling to read my first book Alice in Wonderland with this very same cousin.

I rem it was very stressful for me then, cos my english was damn lousy during my P1-P3. I didn't get to enjoy the joy the gals felt at someone reading them a story. Cousin was teaching me how to pronounce the words properly. page by page. word by word. till we finished the whole story and he'll fish out another one from the huge box of books and other stuff he brought over.

Of course I couldn't understand the importance of what he did then, neither did i appreciate it. But even till now, I am deeply grateful for what he did. As some of you may have heard this story before, I honestly owed what I have now to him. If it wasn't for his persistence in brushing up my english.. where would I be now?

I never dared to think the answer to that question. But while sitting at the couch with him just now, I couldn't say all this to him. Not with his daughter on his lap, or the twins sitting side by side me. I was afraid the tears would drop.. haha. cannot be so emo.. so, I say it here..

Thanks kor. You're more a father to me than a cousin, for that.. thank you.