Hello, I’m writing another post sooner than I thought that I would have. I have been struggling with school projects recently and haven’t been feeling my best. I guess everyone feels this way at some point of time and it goes up and down just like roller coasters. Maybe, that’s an evidence that we are alive.
I know that some of you might be struggling too but, trust me, your struggles are valid. Be it if you’re a homemaker, taking care of the kids or if you’re working hard outside to feed your family, or even a tough day at school where you feel like you’re never good enough, all these are definitely valid. And, no one should or can ever compare their own struggles. You know how you feel and don’t brush it off just because someone else told you otherwise. If anyone tells you, “aiya, like that only”, when you’re sharing your problems, I guess it’s time to disconnect.
Recently, my friend introduced me to a Korean drama, “Twinkling Watermelon”. And, I’ve got to say, the storyline is really meaningful. Rather than the typical romance, it also includes struggles of a family, struggles within friendships and even another perspectives of life that you’ve might have never thought of. The struggles that your parents had when they were as young as you. How every little decisions now would affect your future. How your grandparents would ensure that you’d always have a full belly and love you in a different way than your parents would. And, sign language was being used in the drama.
Back in 2021, I picked up sign language (SGSL) and it was definitely one of my best decision. Growing up, my mom has a friend who is hard of hearing. But, my mom told me that she could lip read and even make use of her vocals when needed. That was so inspiring and I joked that she could probably work as a private investigator since she could lip read. Back to story, she’s a really nice person who always compliments me in every little things that I do and it really encourages me a lot since I grew up in a traditional Asian family where encouragement isn’t being portrayed by words but other form of rewards. And, I have always wanted to learn sign language so that I could communicate with her. She married someone who is hard of hearing too but they gave birth to a lovely daughter, a child of deaf adults (CODA).
My mom has always told me that she’s a very smart girl who doesn’t even cry when she wants to ask for something but instead, try to capture their attention somehow. I couldn’t imagine what she has experienced, having to be the interpreter and rushing to her parents whenever they need her. This was portrayed really well in the drama and the expectations that the male lead’s parents have on him just because he was the only one who can speak.
Another reason why I took up sign language - I was afraid that I might lose my hearing one day. I can’t imagine how silent the world would become and the only way that I could possibly communicate with others, would probably be signing. Lip reading would be difficult since there are various languages in Singapore.
In the drama, they also showed how the hard of hearings would often be at a disadvantage end, unfortunately. Very often being accused as they are unable to express themselves with words and are seen as lower than the rest in the society.
But, we are all our twinkling self and no one can ever take that from us. On tough days, I hope that you’d be stronger for a better day. There was once in my life where I felt that I’ve lost all colours but, I picked myself back up and that was the best decision ever.