During my NCC Teacher Officer course, we had a passing out parade where we had to do an arms drill. It was with rifle and bayonet. For those of who went through NS as combat fit personnel, it was quite simple. But there were women amongst the contingent and also some guys (non-Singaporeans) who did not do NS.
My parents were invited for the parade. I think this might have been the first time my mother saw a rifle and a bayonet up close. She warily reminded me: “Be careful…it is sharp.”
I was already thirty at that point but in my mind, I will always be a child that she has to look out for. Such is maternal love.