FAREWELL

This is the second time I have to say farewell to a group of children who are very dear to my heart. I am indeed very fortunate to be able to meet them on their last day in New Horizons. These children have now 'graduated' from early intervention services.

Despite feeling sad that I won't be able to see them when I go to NH, but I'm also glad that they will be able to move into mainstream education. All of them will be placed into inclusive schools, with quite a number of them into a school near my house.

This group has the largest number of children with Down's Syndrome. In fact, all of them except for two. They are fun, affectionate, naughty, haughty at times, but certainly children I'll miss very much. Most of them came since they were babies. I saw them grow year by year. And they have grown very much, not only physically, but mentally as well.

Some things never change though. One of them is still a dawdler. One is still manages to gets bumps from falls. One still is the fashion icon. One is still unwilling to share his food with others. It just adds different personalities to each of them.

I'm also going to miss these children's mother. They are really a happy-go-lucky and joyful bunch. I'll miss chatting with them.

Farewell to Group 1 of year 2004. May I have the blessings of meeting you all again in the new future.