I knew she would be the woman of substance--An address to parents leaving their child at FLAME

I knew she would be the woman of substance

As I watched her leave me

A part of my heart went with her bags I had packed and unpacked for her

A part of my soul was with her to protect her from dangers

A part of her memories were all packed in my tear bags

Yet I knew she was flying away to be woman of substance

Days seemed easy to pass .being occupied in my work

The nights seemed impossible,

 Unable hide behind work

And the Tear bag would burst open with the memory of her

I had no one rushing to me and hugging me and saying “Good night Pappa”!

Every night, she and her brother would lie on either side

Draw an imaginary boundary vertically and fight over which half of me belonged to them

Every night saying she wants a long drive in my little car

Now I had a big car but not her to take for a drive

Yet I knew she was flying away to be woman of substance

I had learnt from my father, children never learn by listening

They always learn by watching

So instead of focusing on what you say

Focus on what you do

The best way to draw a child’s attention is to sit comfortably he said

And my child was special

Just like yours is

A unique work of Art

Created by God

I love my child the way she is

Because I knew she will grow up to be the woman of substance

Breaking away from your child for a while

Is the best gift we can give it

It helps them explore

Fumble

Fall

Get up

Adjust

Learn

Unlearn

Build Character

And above all become a human being of substance

So don’t worry Ladies & gentleman

This is the place where we build character

We are all parents first and then teachers

We understand your pain

And your anxiety

But your child is in safe hands

Go back home with the secure thought that

2 or 4 years from now

Your child is going to cry too, leaving us

And we will cry too leaving your child

For our job will be well done

In making them human beings of Substance

Citizens you are proud of

Responsible enough to take care of you.

That’s what FLAME embodies

Go back with a smile

But hug your child and tell her
“I love you”

Don’t turn your back

For if you do

The Tear bag of memories will give way

You will weaken and

They will weaken too...

Go back home home

Thank your child for trusting you

Pat yourself for a job well done

Go back home

For your child too will be a human being of substance!