My
first recollection of my childhood is the day I toppled down the stairs when I
was three years old. I was so upset that I cried and cried for nearly
an hour in spite of my parents' attempts at comforting me. Finally, I
quietened down when I was given ice-cream and chocolates. Luckily, I was not
hurt.
My
days were happy ones before I started going to school, as I had good neighbours
to play with from morning till evening. We played games outdoors, dressed
as cowboys and Red Indians and rode about on our tricycles happily. There
were also other games to occupy our time.
At the
age of five years, I had to attend kindergarten and this turned out
to be quite an ordeal for me. To begin with, I felt very sad having to leave my
mother and go off each morning to be amongst strangers. I cried and wanted
my mother around, much to my teacher's displeasure. As the days went by,
however, I made friends easily in class and found company. I became happy
again and actually looked forward to leaving the house each morning.
I
still remember those days when I was learning to ride a bicycle. I fell
and bruised myself several times but I never gave up. Finally, I was able
to join my friends going around the neighbourhood on my bike.
Another
fond memory is the end-of-year concert held at the kindergarten. I was chosen
to play the role of Jack in the play, 'Jack and the Beanstalk',
and I became a celebrity overnight receiving lots of compliments for my
performance.
I now
realise what a wonderful childhood I have had and at times wish I
could relive those days.
