Not from Harvard or Cambridge, but from a neighbourhood preschool, but who’s to say that my sense of relief and exhilaration doesn’t matter?

People care more about pomp and ceremony these days, so for my son’s graduation ceremony, the principals and teachers banded together and organised a graduation ceremony for all the children from five centers.

This context is important because my boy was one of the four chosen ones to perform a lion dance for the Guest of Honour. He wasn’t acting as the head, for carrying the bulky prop was beneath his strength. But he shook his bam-bam vigorously, channeling his energy in the process. I couldn’t help but feel proud of him. To be singled out and entrusted with an important role.

After welcoming the Guest of Honour, things kinda died down for me. Every kid got his or her five seconds of fame on stage. But this meant that the ceremony became rather tiresome. I would have preferred the ceremony to be held on-site at his school. Smaller setting, more intimate, more time to actually interact and swap memories with his classmates and teachers. But oh well, it is what it is. I entertained myself with my trusty phone haha.

Children from all five centers put up a performance item each. Luckily, my boy was the last to perform. Saving the best for last - Sensei approves! Anyway, the long-awaited moment came. I was pleased to note that he danced in sync with his classmates. I must say that he takes after me in dancing. Always one second’s hesitation behind the rest, always one step slower. But tonight, he caught up haha.

His center’s dance marked the end of the ceremony. And we did have time to express our thanks to his teachers and spam group photos with his classmates. Everyone was in a celebratory mood…

except for my boy who fell uncharacteristically silent. He was feeling 寂しい (sabishii; lonely) at the thought of leaving companions who had watched him grow up. Oh, he has a sensitive soul, my son!

I look forward to my son being entrusted with more interesting roles when he embarks on his primary school journey!!