This is a story about a young boy…
… who was a Taiwan Tourist last March …
… discovering a new friend in a strange red octopus, naming him ‘Octy’ …
… who just recently celebrated his Fourth Birthday (but his Dada didn’t come home early) …
… who also exhibited an extraordinary amount of courage.
Last April, our family (all three of us – Matt, Nina, and Me) went out to our usual hang-out place – Mall of Asia. We dined, laughed, played, and had a ton of fun. Exhausted, and carrying some groceries/stuff we bought, we decided to go home at around 10pm.
But when we got home, we found that we cannot open the front door of the house. A new lock was installed by Nina’s mom during our 3-week stint in Taiwan last March, and we knew that the key given to us was the right key for the front door.
For whatever reason, it would not open.
There was the option of calling the village guards to pry open the door, but I was concerned that they would have knowledge that our door was broken. Nina then realized that we can try to squeeze into a window – but with my size, I could not remotely fit into it (my thigh had a difficult time to go in – I’m that, um, big!). But there was someone who can fit into it – Matt.
We talked to him encouragingly, and tried to check if he can fit in, to which he effortlessly did. But he was scared. He was just 4 years old and his parents now thrust him to go into the dark house alone to open the door from the inside! Crazy parents!
But that was the only solution, except of course I was ready to call the guards. Oh, and we tried the credit card thing and lock picking to no avail.
We told him that it was OK, that Mommy would call to him at the door and that he would be alright. The poor kid was in tears. Nina and I were heart broken. But just as we were ready to give up, Matt offered his help. I was so proud of him that moment. Now, Nina and I were the ones asking him if it’s OK.
We re-assured him again and, getting a flashlight from the bag, tried to show him where he should be going.
He entered the window… Got down the platform near the window… and ran to the kitchen and the front door, following his mom’s voice… opening it finally!
He was near tears again, but Nina and I were very very proud of him. He didn’t know how happy we were that he was ready to face his fears – and conquered them!
A few minutes after, he was a bundle of smiles and laughter again. Who would have thought that such a little boy would carry a big big heart filled with courage!
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I plan to commemorate this act of bravery by giving Matt a badge and a certificate.
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Years down the line, when you’re in your teens, Matt, remember this day that you faced your fears and conquered them. You have a brave spirit, always remember that. This blogpost is a testament to it and to how your Mom and I are so proud of you!
