Theresa Raja and William Raja

Theresa Raja:

“Save my brother, HELP!! HELP!!” On the way to school with my 2 brothers, 1 of them fell into the big drain as it was raining heavily. I cried calling for help. The laundry uncle, together with others, used a long pole to reach out to my brother. After a few tries my brother caught the pole. The uncle pulled him to safety. We went to school separately as we are in different schools. After school I waited for my 2 brothers. I ran to them as I saw them. Hugged and cried. We went home and told big brother and mum. We got scolded for not walking properly. At night we laughed and slept.

I did not continue after PSLE as my dad passed on. I helped my mum to take care of my 2 younger brothers and sisters. Soon, I joined YWCA at Outram to learn sewing and baking. After that I sew single dresses for my sisters. I also took Tamil language tuition as there was no Tamil classes in school. I learn by reading newspaper and short story books. I got married 2 months before I become 18 years old. I become Mrs. Simmon suddenly and was enjoying my pillion ridership on my husband’s Vespa scooter.

After our marriage, I stayed with my in-laws. Soon, we got our rental flat at Jalan Membina block 104. This flat is still there. As years passed on I had 2 boys and 1 girl. Life was tough in the early years struggling with financial and health issues. We did not give up. Soon, we bought our very own 1st home. 2-room flat at Block 9 Holland Avenue. It is a great sense of achievement. We call it our home.

My children grew up fast. We bought our 2nd flat at Jurong east. My eldest started to work and 2nd son in the army while my daughter at NTU. Soon my husband retired from Times House at Kim Seng. Happiness was short-lived when my husband got a stroke. It was my hardest moment. By God's grace, he recovered. He was able to move slowly. There were tears in my eyes which were happy tears to see my husband recover.

Children all started to work and soon all got married. From 5 we become 8 and then 13. We became parents-in-law and grandparents. It was our greatest moment to carry our grandchildren and see them running around our home. Dreams come true.

William Raja:

I grew up with grandma, uncles and aunties. My mum was only 18 years old when I was born. I was a pet of the family especially being the 1st born grandson. As a teenager, my uncle and aunties adored me as their little brother. All of them have nicknames given by me and still in me till now. After completing my PSLE, I had my 1st recall. My dad recalled me back home. It was a very painful separation though we are all staying in the same block. 

From living, with everything I want, now living with parents, brother and sister, I learn of sharing and giving. At Secondary 1, I was bullied by a teacher, who actually bullied every student. I hate him till now. With new friends and new challenges, everything is viewed differently.

Time to go green. I mean enlistment. I was so excited to wear my uniform. Training was tough but was really enjoying. Throughout my 2 years as NS and 13 years of reservist, I had good officers and NCOs. We became lifetime friends till today.

Entered the workforce. So many protocols to understand. Made many new friends and learn from them. Started to save money and travel. Travelling was a self discovery for myself. As we all started to work there was more money. As a family we enjoyed our hard work.

Married my wife. Made a few career changes. Now I travelled with my wife to places of our interest. Brought our 1st flat at Petir Road. I joined Grassroots and understood more of our society. Enjoyed meeting many people as a GRC. Will continue as GRL as it gives me fulfilment.