just read rahman's blog about his father and how generally screwed up his home life is, which is a far cry from the apparently happy go lucky person he is. have newfound respect for him for not moping about with self pity but trying to lead as normal a life as possible.

have discussed broken families as case studies with susanna bay during cd1.2 lectures but it's always just been statistics and seemed so far away. i suppose the thing that's struck me the most about this, is that this shows that it could happen or be happening to anyone, even the people around you who don't appear any different. ie, resilient children who (thankfully) come out from the ordeal relatively unscathed. have realised that rahman is typical resilient child with positive, enthusiastic outlook on life. is good that he's has found a bond with his grandparents who appear to care for him, and whom he speaks very fondly of. "one of the traits of resilient children is that they managed to find a sense of connection with someone in the early years."

(why'm i dissecting this like just another case study? am utterly and absolutely ashamed of self.)

anyway, just wanted to say that it has reminded me to count my blessings- my family, who although don't always know how to express it, i know care a great deal about me, a comfortable and whole home to go back to everyday and friends who care, and during crises, can tell when something's amiss without me saying much and offer advice or provide company which makes self feel v. loved, bless and much better because have taken mind off problems.

it's sad how as humans, we always tend to focus on the things we don't have (often monetary comforts) and take for granted the little things in life that we do have. feel like a hypocrite for saying that, as am guilty of this too.

well, better late than never. jolly good. thanks guys. ya'll know who you are. ;)