Dear papa, I want you to know that I am very thankful for you, bringing me up all these years. First and foremost, it was your decision to bring me into this world, as mom was originally against it. You taught me what was right, and what was wrong, you disciplined me to become a better person, and eventually the person I am today. I have learnt so much from you. You showed me the evils of the world, but also the small things that make us happy, and human. There are many things that I am sorry for, and many things I wish I didn’t do, and for that I am sorry.

You introduced me into the world of fishing, the preparation of setting up the flour bait, how to cast the bait into the water, and the excitement when I finally baited a fish. You brought me into the best fishing spots in Singapore, some of them possibly illegal, and showed me how I could start catching my own fish. Unfortunately, my hobby lay in something else, and for the rest of your life you were confined to catching fish on your own. Having grown older now, I wish I had perservered and fully learnt how to fish properly, as it is a useful lifeskill. As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish, and it will feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you will feed him for the rest of his life.” Thank you, papa.

You flung me into the exquisite and unique world of Singaporean food. You showed me how tasty kway zhap is, and how lovely pigs intestines can taste like, despite the fact that they are really pigs innards. I might not have grown to love it but still, thank you for the experience. I remember the day you brought me to try Tulang Merah, how apprehensive I was towards the fact of eating bone marrow, and how delicious it eventually was. I remember eating satay, and tasting the juicy meat on the stick, coated in what was the most delicious peanut sauce ever. I remember eating mee goreng and savouring every mouthful of those noodles. Lastly, I remember drinking a cup of coffee with butter inside, and thinking how odd it was, but how nice it tasted. Thank you, papa.

There are many other things I could thank you for, in my entire life, but the list will just go on and on. I know I rarely ever show my love to you, but please keep in mind that I, as a son, will always love you. We both have flaws, but in the end, you are still my father, and I am your son. Thank you, papa.

 ME. Chia.

One-off submission- from M.E Chia