Remembering KY

Remembering KY.

I typed a long lengthy just a while ago about my health check up (slightly high blood pressure) and watching the solo performances of Dip. in Chinese Drama students from NAFA. But the app crashed and so I shan't attempt to recreate that.

After all, the focus on my entry was meant to be on our founding prime minister, Mr KY. Not to be disrespectful, but I don't really want my blog to be traced by keywords, hence the shortened abbreviation of his name.

I spotted this when I was walking to the market earlier today to grab breakfast for my dad and brothers:

Follow that Rainbow

That struck me: How could I have NOT blogged about him yesterday! I was having a bit of writers block yesterday as I didn't know what to blog about, and today I was reminded that yesterday was the day of his death anniversary. Not that I forgot as I actually recorded the shows on CNA on him last night (and watched 1 of them so far) but I didn't think of blogging about it.

I guess words fail me when it comes to being appreciative of how his work over 50 years have built Singapore, the miracle worker's work of art. I personally acknowledge both him and his team of founding ministers / politicians who have fended off, rightfully or not, any perceived threats to the survival of the nation.

My main regret was that I never got to meet the man in person, not even last year when millions of people queued to pay their last respects to him. I wanted to queue, but the queue was shut off due to the crowds, and I didn't hang around long enough. (I was there past midnight and waited till 1+am before heading home; the gates reopened only at 6,7am) Suffice to say, that was just about the only thing I could have done for him, a mere pittance compared to what he has done for my family and nation.

This tribute was about how he once suggested 20 years ago as Senior Minister that we Follow that Rainbow:

"There is a glorious rainbow that beckons those with a spirit of adventure," he said. "To the young and not-too-old I say, look at the horizon, find that rainbow, go ride it."

That, I suppose, is an apt parting gift, or a direction we should take in the years to come as we aim for SG100: to seek out the challenges, and overcome adversity to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I aim to heed his advice, to "keep him alive" by marking his words and to use them as inspiration. To strive for excellence for the country.

There's a little KY in us all, afterall. For we are Singapore.