Nation

The Heart-Wrenching Reality of National Service: A Mother's Journey

2025-05-11

Author: Rajesh

A Mother’s Emotional Rollercoaster

SINGAPORE – As a mother, I’ve faced my share of sleepless nights during those early years of motherhood, and the heartache of dropping my son off at nursery was tough. But nothing could prepare me for the gut-wrenching experience of leaving him behind on his national service enlistment day.

The Day That Changed Everything

In early 2025, I found myself at Pulau Tekong, watching my son step into a new chapter of his life. The moment he waved goodbye felt like an eternity, and I realized it was one of the hardest goodbyes I’ve had to face as a parent.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, growth, and the bittersweet nature of parenthood. With every passing day, I come to understand that while this journey is tough, it shapes not just my son but me as well.

Looking Ahead

As he embarks on this new adventure, I find comfort in knowing that these challenges will mold him into a stronger individual. National service isn’t just a rite of passage for him; it’s a transformative process for both of us.