Using the details from the novel that you have studied, choose a character, discuss how the character has taught you one valuable lesson. Support your answer with close reference to the text.

                

I choose the novel  Catch Us If You Can written by Catherine McPhail. I choose Rory as the character that has taught me one valuable lesson. The lesson I learnt from him is to be responsible.

                Firstly, his responsibility can be seen by him being caring towards his grandfather whom he called ‘Granda’. Everything changed after Rory’s mother passed away and his father left him and his grandparents. When his grandmother passed away too, Granda had been taking care of Rory all by himself. However, everything started to change after Granda started to have lapses of memory and had the tendency to forget things. Since then, Rory took over the responsibilities of an adult in the household. He took care of Granda; his meals, his medicine and everything. Rory was willing to do anything for Granda. This is because he believed that they (Rory and Granda) only had each other to protect and to love.

                Secondly, Rory’s responsibility can be seen when he decided not to play football for his school. The reason why he made such a decision was because he wanted to prepare or buy lunch for Granda. Usually he would stop at the baker’s and bought pies for lunch. Other than that, he had to be home by lunch time to make sure Granda take his medicine according to the doctor’s instruction.

                Lastly, Rory also shows his responsibility towards his Granda by taking out his Granda from Rachnadar, the old folks home. He knew that Granda loathed that place, ‘the place you go when nobody wants you’. He knew that Granda was not happy living there. Therefore, because he was a responsible boy, he decided to save his Granda by planning The Great Escape. He planned this because he was not happy staying at the children’s home at Castle Street. He planned the escape so that he and his grandfather could stay together, and never be apart again.

                In my opinion, regardless of age, people should be responsible in whatever they do. In Catch Us If You Can, the character of Rory has taught me a valuable lesson that is to be a responsible person. We should emulate Rory’s examples of responsibility and use them in our life. He has also taught us that if we love somebody sincerely, God would give us a happy life in the end.

Waiting For The Rainbow

          Fifteen years ago, my life took a dramatic turn for the worse when I was diagnosed with meningioma, a form of brain tumour. By the time the tumour was discovered, it had grown to 5cm in diameter. Immediate surgery was needed.
          Four days later, I was wheeled into the operating theatre. It was an eight-hour operation and I was glad to emerge alive. I spent a few weeks in hospital and made a good progress.
         After my recovery, I was able to walk, swim, drive and work. Just when life was looking good again, I had a relapse two years after the first operation. This time around, I was advised to opt for stereotactic radiosurgery which involves a precise delivery of radiation to the tumour while sparing the surrounding tissues. The treatment was a success and I was delighted to be given another lease on life.
         However, six months later, I had a violent convulsion which lasted for almost two minutes. Later I learnt that it was an epileptic attack. Following the seizure, my mobility deteriorated gradually and I ended up using walking aids and a wheelchair.
         The loss of mobility was traumatic for me and my family. I withdrew into my shell and spent a few years grieving, daydreaming and wallowing in self-pity. I was at my lowest ebb in life. Family members and friends rallied to my support, and their unconditional love stirred something deep within my being. It was the turning point for me. Gradually, I came to my senses.
          I began to put life in perspective. I registered as a disabled person with the Social Welfare Department. I went through an intensive rehabilitation programme which included physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. I encountered many challenges in the programme which demanded discipline and perseverance but I soldiered on. I knew I could not give up. As my physical condition improved, my confidence grew too.
          I had to adapt to life as a disabled person. Regrettably, not all places I visited were equipped with facilities for the disabled. The disabled want to live life like any normal person. It doesn't help when we come across buildings without lifts, inaccessible pavements, and uneven surfaces.
         As a brain tumour survivor, I have to undergo an annual MRI scan. The results for the past few years were always the same: the residual tumour had not shown any growth or decreased in size. According to the doctor, this is a very positive sign indeed. I am thrilled. Though I am hopeful that my condition would improve eventually, I am aware that it may take a long time.
          Someone once told me that studies have shown that nerve fibres in the brain do not regenerate, but who cares about science? Miracles do happen. Maybe I could be the blessed one.
          Life has not been easy, but the unexpected knocks have steeled my resolve to accept whatever life throws in my direction.

Adapted from : Jackie Ng  Beyond Barriers Star2 Thursday 17 October 2013