When my mother, Rosamond Lim, was 6 years old, she went to CEZMS at 134 Mount Sophia Road. Later the school’s name was changed to St Margaret’s School. My mother loved the school dearly and was taken care of lovingly by the missionaries who taught her about the love of Jesus Christ.
My mother made many friends but one was special – Janet Lim. She would refer to Janet as her sister because she had no family whom she could call her own.
It was also at the boarding school where I learnt the love of Jesus Christ and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Miss Tsao, the matron, helped to nurture me during my growing up years.
Just as my mother was encouraged by Miss Inge to write letters, I have developed the love of writing too. I find letter writing a good way of keeping in touch with my friends. I received my first letter from Miss Inge and it is very special to me. The letter was written in braille. It is now in the School Heritage Gallery.
I remember clearly how Miss Tsao coaxed me to eat bitter gourd and Chinese sausage. I detested the bitter gourd but matron patiently made me eat up the food and gave me a sweet after the meal.
Our dinner was at 6.00pm Most of us disliked the time as it was too early and we were not hungry then. Furthermore, there was no supper when we were hungry. To feed our pangs of hunger, we would sneak in some biscuits or some other food. When we could not sleep, we had pillow fights or played ‘ghost’ which made us scream and that made Miss Tsao appear. We would be reprimanded severely but it was fun anyway.
Sometimes after dinner, we would go to Mt Emily Park. The seniors stroll or sit on the benches and relax while we, the younger ones played on the swings and see-saws and ran around playing “catching”. I enjoyed the time at the park.
Miss Tsao often spent time in the evenings reading Chinese Literature and fables to the younger boarders while the seniors were studying. I loved listening to the stories.
I was in the boarding school in the 1950’s. Maureen Tan, Esther Lum, Joyce Lee, Daisy Thai, Elizabeth Latimer, Joan Lim, Mabel Leong and Siew Chan showered me with sisterly love by helping and guiding me. This has taught me what loving and caring for others means.
We boarders learned to forgive and say ‘sorry’ to one another. We were so close that before I could finish my sentence, the others would know what I meant or needed. We shared little secrets and cracked jokes which made us laugh till our sides ached. We made lasting friendships and still meet up twice a year for fellowship over lunch.
