Looking lost on my first day as an agency teaching assistant I entered Holy Trinity Primary School. I stumbled into the school office and was greeted by a very chirpy Cat. Filled with nerves and anticipation, Cat soon put me at ease with her wonderful smile and pointed me in the right direction. From that day onwards (until she left for Malaysia) Cat was always on hand to help me out whenever I became 'lost' in our little rabbit warren of a school.
As time passed by and I went from agency worker to permanant staff, Cat and I found some common ground...Malaysia! Cat's love of the country and me being half Malaysian we began to chat about our experiences. It soon became apparent the Cat was much more immersed in the Malaysian way of life than I was, and putting me to shame when it came to speaking Malay!
We enjoyed many staff nights out together. But there is one such event that will remain with me for a long time! It was the first staff night out I had ever been to. We went out for a chinese and karaoke. After stuffing ourselves with food and drinks we ventured into the karaoke room where Cat proceeded to sing "We're leaving on a jet plane," in her highest most squeakiest voice. This 'noise' has been etched into my memory!
She has also proved to be a romantic...welling up when I told her the news of my engagement! Then receiving the most thoughtful gift to celebrate this, a copy Cyrano de Bergerac which I have read many times since.
Cat, Holy Trinity misses your presence greatly. Your fantastic smile and bubbly personality was always a help whenever I had a bad day. Have a brilliant birthday. Ben sends his love. We hope to meet up with you and Akira in KL next year.
Lots of Love
Jo Littlewood (was Cheng) xxx
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