POP LOH

Haven't been much active on blog lately again. Then again this platform is more like a diary to record main things that I want to read back again in future.
So much things happened in a week since my dearest recruit POP and we had a whole week to ourselves.
Let's start with his POP.
The last time I went to anyone's POP (passing out parade) was years years ago when my brother enlisted into the army. Then at a young age, I barely knew anything about army, just that he was botak and he had to wear the green uniform. Even when I went to Tekong for his pop, I didn't know what was it about. Vaguely remembered that it was a horrible seasick boat ride over to Tekong, watching so many guys in green matching around, and finally at the end, all the parents headed down to the parade square to find their sons. That moment I was amazed how my mummy knew just where to find my brother. To me, every guy looked the same.

On Saturday I was excited again to attend my Bumpy's POP. Plus now the POP is held at the floating platform, the more I was excited to attend. After all, I have seen many pictures of my friends attending their boyfriend (or friends) POP and the scenery just so beautiful for pictures taking and the fact that you can be down at the floating platform itself makes a lot of difference.

Early in the morning and I was up. The night before was half chatting with my Bumpy on whasapp/text and finding out what time he reached the platform and what he had for breakfast that morning.
It was simple to know where everyone was heading to when they alighted at Promenade and just follow the crowd to reach the destination. Outside, I was quite worried that they would not let me in since they had placed a sign asking the public to show the letter. But watching others walking in without showing the letter, you just follow suit and it works! Hahah. It was easy and the army were nice enough to provide you with two packets of oreo biscuits and a big bottle of mineral water.

The whole event lasted about an hour, watching the recruits march in with their bags and weapons. To me, they first looked like little caterpillar marching to the greenery. And yes, it is still insane to spot anyone from that field of greenery. Even when I knew where his company/section/platoon was, it was difficult to even see which one looks like him.
The event went on where they presented the best recruits their awards, and after that the soldiers marched past us one platoon at a time before they disappear back inside to return back their weapons and come back outside. The final part where they did the recruit roar and threw their caps up into the air. That moment when inside you're like I'm done with bmt. Now for the next phrase of army life.

The next trouble comes when we had to go down to find him. It was a queue of anxious parents, family and friends rushing to find their sons and even I had a hard time wondering where is he. But like all mummies, it's instinct that they know where their son is.
Didn't care that he was sweaty from his walk before and the marching just now, all I wanted was to hug him tightly. Grabbed a few pictures with his family, and his sergeants before we headed off to find his friends.

The day couldn't have started any better than this. The recruit of mine who went into army on 12th August and is now officially a trained soldier.
Sometimes they say bmt is the toughest part of army life, where breakups happen or that some couldn't get used to army life. Maybe it's true. After all, there are times where I miss him real badly, and even when I hear that he couldn't book out on certain weekends, it does bring the mood down. But we learn to get through it together, staying in connect whether through sms or calling or leaving random messages throughout the day, letting him know how's my day and any nonsense things that I done.
After all, in a relationship, it takes two hands to clap. It takes two hearts to fall in love with each other, and it takes two people to mend what's broken and not simply throw it away.
Now my Bumpy entering his next phrase of army life; going into sergeant course.
Naturally it would not be an easy route, it might even be tougher than bmt but whatever the route is, he knows that there are people here to support and encourage him. And at the end of the day, his kitty would always be waiting for his calls whatever timing he's gotta call.