Book camp journey

I was at a course last week , it was a great course. I am so thankful to a kind man name Patrick Ang who claimed to be a book shepherd. It through him I was able to meet the famous author. I met the author Dan Poynter who published 120 books. I learnt alots over these two days. I met alot of friends too.

S.I.P Appreciation Dinner 23 Jun 2009

Photo :Colin and Me

I had a wonderful time there at the dinner. I had an apportunity to meet many people who were with great and positive mind sets. Everyone needs that kind of environment.

email from my readers

From:rosalind
To: scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com
Subject:
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:47:01 +0800


Hi Siew May

It was great to have met you. I am a teacher and I am so touched by your story. I read parts of your story to my class.
Thank you for being so brave to share your life with us.
You are a wonderful soul and many like me are so touched by the strength of your character.

Keep well!!!
Rosalind

Why should you read the book?

A story of cerebral palsy, courage, love and hope... Siew May has written a story of her life and it has been her dream to write a book; a book that speaks of her feelings, care and love. Through the darkest time of her life, there were people whom she met, people who came and made a difference in her life. Siew May was born different; but somehow, somewhere there were people who have shown her love and hope and have made her life meaningful. In turn, Siew May wants to make that difference to other people's life too. Her life story, struggles and challenges have touched many hearts and have already made that difference in many readers' lives. She has made a difference to my life and to the many youths that I have counseled. Read it. If Siew May can see the hope and the sunshine behind the cloud, I am sure we will appreciate the silver lining in our dark clouds!

Ms Marie Chan

Lecturer & Counsellor Temasek Polytechnic

Letter from Principal

Inspiring. The beauty of Oh Siew May’s “Scaling Walls” lies in the sheer simplicity of language and narration as she tells a story of hope and courage, love and friendship through her own personal trials and tribulations. On a deeper level, it reminds you that each and everyone of us have the inner strength to scale our own walls --if only we let ourselves believe we can. Without being pedantic or judgmental, Siew May’s story also opens our eyes to the many prejudices that exists in our society – and within ourselves-- towards people with special needs, people who may be different. It challenges you to count your blessings everyday, be positive and not let the lemons that life sometimes dishes out get you down.



“Scaling Walls” is a must read. For young children, mummies and daddies, grandmas
and grandpas, for everyone. We can all take a leaf from Siew May’s life story to learn some valuable lessons on life and commit these to heart.

Cheers.

Ms Sam Ran Boolsambatra

Principal Consultant

Porter Novelli (Singapore)

email from my readers

To:scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com
From:Hee Ching Long
Sent: Monday, 15 June 2009 9:44:42
Subject: Re: Thks for meeting up


Hi Siew May, thks for meeting up yest'y and the lovely gift u got for Ker Ru. She likes it alot. Attached are the pics we took together. Hope they will bring u fond memories when u see them.

When I touched your book the other day, I was intending to read just a bit. But I didn't expect myself to consume the whole book in 2hrs, page after page, chapter after chapter. I'm very touched by your story. Life have thrown a nasty joke at u but u took it in your stride. U never give up and u always look ahead with optimism. U;ve inspired me tremendously to write my own book.

Hope to see u soon.
Hee

an email from reader

On Tue, Jun 9, 2009 at 1:05 PM, wrote:

Dear Siew May,

I bought your book on the first day of the Singapore Bookfair and finished reading it on the same day. I was so touched by your story that I decided to read to my two boys Yihang (8 years old) and Yiyang (9 years old). Your story will remind us to appreciate what we have been enjoying now and to stay strong whenever we face obstacles in our lives. Thanks for sharing your story with us. I hope more people will get to read your book.

Please see attached the photograph my children took with you on the last day of the bookfair.

May I wish you happiness always.

Sincerely yours,

Tok Foon

________________________________________

Dear Ms Oh,

I felt a bit scared meeting you. I also felt a bit scared reading your story, because there were parts about death which I was not used to listen to it. I feel sorry for you. But your story also made me feel urgent because I want to continue reading it.

Yours Sincerely,


Fang Yihang

________________________________________

Dear Ms Oh,
You are very brave to climb the mountain without giving up. I would have given up halfway if I ever climb the mountain.
It was a surprise that your brother came back.

I don’t know why, but I felt nervous to meet you. Maybe it’s because I don’t meet authors often.


Yours Sincerely,

Fang Yiyang

Suntec Bookfair 2009

I got to know this kind man.

He wrote this on my face book.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1009763547&ref=profile

Wall Photos
@ Oh Siew May's book signing: A very beautiful soul! Born with cerebral palsy, she has faced every imaginable difficulty, yet she keeps on moving with optimism! Very happy to meet her today!!




Talks on 1st and 2nd June 2009



A group of supportive friends that came .



Feeling nervous while I was sharing the reason why I wrote Scaling Walls - My story!

Talk at Tanjong Katong Secondary School on 3rd June 09

I was at the school sharing my thoughts on Determination and Confidence. It was really a challenge for me, but I am glad I did it. It was well received by the students attending the leadership conference.

From:
Date: Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Subject: Thank you for your courage
To: scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com



Dear Siew May,

Today, I received your book 'Scaling Walls' in my office. It was signed by you. You wrote: Dear (requested to be unknown), Hope my story renews your strength and faith in (resquested to be unknown)."

I do not know who sent this book to me. It must be an angel who knows that I need all the hope and faith in the world.

My 4-year-old son,(name Unknown), is autistic. He is so handsome and perfect but we just could not understand him. But my faith that 'everyone has a role to play in this world' keeps me going. I will wait till the day he calls me 'mummy'.

Let's not give up. Tomorrow will be a better day for all of us. Thank you for your lovely book and the angel who sent it to me.

Love,


Scaling Walls- My Story
Order @
Email:scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090227-125020.html

Signing Book In St HIlda s Sec

creating fun and laughters during Founders day

---------- Forwarded message ----------From: Date: Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 1:49 AM Subject: Cheers To A Spirited Fighter - Thank You For The Inspiring Story To: scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com

Dearest Siew May

I have just finished reading your book, Scaling Walls - My Story, two minutes ago and would like to share my thoughts with you.First of all, congratulations on having written such a wonderful story.

I don't know how this book landed in my home and from the front cover, I could tell it was not one of the canonical European novels I was used to reading. But once I opened it, I was held riveted and completed it at one go. This really proves that we cannot judge a book by its cover and it is true on so many levels, in so many ways, as you convinced us in the book.

Your simple and touching story of strength, honesty and courage did not need any embellishments in style or language.I found myself nodding in awe and agreement to your reflections. We all go through times of uncertainty, insecurity and fear. This applies to everyone, from disabled to normal, and ordinary to extraordinary. Yours were perhaps greater in magnitude than many others', yet you persevered and emerged winner in every way.

So thank you for reminding us, through your book, that we should never give up. If you didn't, we don't have the right to, either. After all, you are just like any of us, nothing less, probably more.Thank you, Siew May, also for sharing the love and friendship you've received.

Indeed, there are walls people erect to contain us and still others we build to hide within. But sincerity and kindness from people who care, can fill and break these barriers. Sometimes we forget to appreciate and thank them. You have, again, reminded us to be grateful.To end, this letter is not about me or my experiences but my respect and admiration for you as a spirited fighter with so much grace. I am sure your determined mind and heart will see you through every blessing and challenge further down the road less taken. Along this route, I wish you every happiness and success. I hope you'll continue to write and share with us more inspiring stories that shine and satiate one's soul.

With my very best wishes,
Private

Email from Readers

Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 11:37 AMSubject: Re: Hello Siew MayTo: scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com
Dear Siew May,

I am a friend of Chris Sims and I have read your book "Scaling Walls". It's a very good book & I really enjoyed reading it. You have brought back memories of my childhood as I was also living in a kampong. I was living in Pasir Panjang 10 miles which is where Pandan & Teban Gardens are currently.

You are really such a remarkable person and after having read your book, I feel motivated and also a better understanding of life. You are right. All of us have our fears which prevented us from achieving the things we want in life. Most of us prefer to remain in our comfort zone. And I can't imagine your determination to reach the top of Mt Kinabalu! I have climbed Mt. Kinabalu 3 times and each time I kept asking why am I torturing myself but once at the summit, it's well worth it.

I love climbing mountains because life is just like climbing a mountain. It's steep & treacherous in some part and then it levels off and then up again. It's endless. We have to stay strong, focus & positive inorder to succeed.

My best wishes to you and I hope to meet up with you some day.

Best regards
Lisa Heng

Email from Readers

Date: Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 1:39 AM Subject: Thank You noteTo: scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com

Dear Sister Siew May,

Hi! I'm Poh Long from Charis Tabernacle, forgive me for not introducing myself when I bought your book from you. First of all, really thanks for sharing with us your testimony! If you had not shared your testimony, I would not have the chance to read your book, and be touched by your story.

I guess most of my life, I wallow in self pity too. I came from a poor family, and I always resented my parents for not working hard enough for me to lead a comfortable life. Time to time, I always compared myself to be lower than others, not having nice shoes to wear, not getting to travel to other countries and stuff. When I was 18, my father had a stroke and his left side of the body was paralysed, making him partially disabled. As I was reading your book, I could understand some of the feelings which you went through. I was the eldest son in my family, and my mother was not well educated and does not have a healthy body. So I took the responsibility of taking care of my family in my father's place, because he could no longer care for us anymore.

I never treasured him in my life. Even during the days after he had the stroke, there were times which I even looked down on him. I really regretted my actions that time. Anger and hatred consumed me, because after my A levels, I had to go out and work to get a stable income. I envied my other friends who can relax themselves after the exams, go overseas for holidays and stuff. A year later while I was in the Army, my father suddenly had a second stroke, and this time he slipped into a coma. I only knew of the news when I got back to my bunk after an outfield exercise, as I did not carry my phone out. I never had the chance to speak with him for the last time. He passed on a few days later in hospital.

I was 19 that time. This time round, guilt and depression consumed me. Several times I thought of just ending my life too – I don't see the reason to endure the harsh trainings in army and to lose a family member when I'm stuck in army. My Army allowance was used to support my family, but it wasn't enough. I still have 2 younger brothers at home who are still schooling. My dream of going to university was shattered because there was even hardly enough money to go buy, let alone afford an expensive university education. That was the darkest period of my life.
But I was fortunate. Praise the Lord, I was given a scholarship which enables me to study and support my family at the same time. Subsequently I came to know the Lord through a pastor, and my life is never the same again.

That is why when I read about your life story, I can relate to some of the emotions and thoughts that you were having at that time – supporting your family and pursuing an education. But the trials which I faced are nothing compared to what you have endured through. Thank you so much, because through your story, I have learnt what is true courage, and I am inspired by you to live to the best of my life. You're right – one must have a dream to keep things going. And from now on, every time I feel like giving up on something, I will always remember the many lessons which I learned from you, and I will never give up trying.
You mentioned in your book that you want to be a contributor to this society. You already did. Your book has made a difference in me. Thank you so much!
May the Lord continue to bless you always.

Yours Sincerely,Unknown
Brother in Christ

The most unforgetable moment!

Scaling Walls-My Story Launched 28th Feb 2009

On 28th February, 2009, I celebrated my birthday. I also had a book launch at Jurong Regional Library Singapore! It was the most memorable and happiest day I ever had. I am so blessed to be able to get Scaling Walls-My Story published.
The greatest blessing for me was not just because I was able to get the book out. To me, it was the joy of having a group of fun and loving friends around me.

After the launch in the evening, two good friends brought me to Pasir Ris beach for a candle light dinner under the open night sky to celebrate my birthday! It was the most unforgettable night I even had. The place was so cool - facing the deep ocean. I was so happy then. It was my first time spending my birthday under that kind of ambience. I received a bouquet of flowers from them too.

Although there wasn’t a handsome prince, but to be able to spend my birthday with my close friends was really a great blessing. I was so contented. After ordering some yummy food and beer, the weather turned bad. Suddenly it started to rain heavily.

We waited for a while hoping the rain would stop but it did not stop. Sigh. There we were, shivering in cold. Finally we decided to head back home.

Even though we were unable to finish up the yummy food, we enjoyed the fun we had on that night.

It was the company that had made the whole journey different. I want to say Thank You to all friends who have come along my way. It is God who has sent you all. I am really thankful for you who have been there always for me.

My voice on the air?

As I have speech problem, going for an on-air interview was something I never thought I could do in my life. But then, what one resists are mostly likely what would occur! I was told that I would be interviewed on radio station Live 93.8 on 23nd January 2009

Can you imagine how I felt on that day? I could not believe it was happening to me. "Me , with my voice like this going on air…" I pondered. I was so nervous and scared, but I told myself, "I want to have a breakthrough no matter how scared or nervous I am. I want to do it."

Fear was there. But finally I decided to challenge myself, because I want to be a voice for the disabled. I want to create more awareness amongst the public to understand more about us and how we feel. I hope to create more employment opportunities for the disabled.

I am very thankful for having friends who are so supportive. One of them, Trudy, made a point to go with me on the interviewing day. I was so touched by them. Some had given me their support by sending encouraging words to me.

This group of friends is my treasure in life. It was them who created the possibilities and made one of my dreams come true. God is so good to me!

Stepping out of my "FEAR"

Me in Social Innovation Forum in Singapore
( with my GOOD friends angels cheering for me)

I have speech impairment as the result. I am slow in speech and I can not pronounce some words clearly.
"scary but I wanted to speak clearly"

















It was so amazing I was able to step up on a stage during the SIP. I have never done this before. Standing on stage,sharing my experiences and creating an awareness of Being Disabled does not mean unable.

Even Through, I was scare and worried at the very moment, my aim was to get the message across. My focus is on creating a better awareness for the public to understand more on the disabled.

"Being disabled is not a sin. We did not choose to be born thus. I wish to create an awareness of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities in the area of employment. By sharing my personal experiences, I hope to reach out to employers and to appeal to them to be more open in employing people with disabilities. Disabled does not mean unable. Given an opportunity and with good support, people with disabilities can prove to be a valuable contributor to both economy and society. "


With the support and encouragements of my friends, I was able to share my experiences and the reason of why I written my life experiences into a book. Now sharing on stage. It was really a breakthrough for me to step out of my fear and shared in front of many strangers. I guess it is all within our mind, if our desire is strong enough, nothing can stop us. I thank God for His grace and love.

Looking at life and says "I am possible"

"If you have passion, nothing will stop you. 'IMPOSSIBLE or I M POSSIBLE' is the same word...its how you look at it. Oh Siew May looked at her life and said 'I M POSSIBLE.' She made a difference through her book. I believe she will now inspire you to look at how the impossible can become possible. Be the change maker for you can be like her. Be the change maker and make the difference!" ~

Quote for the book by Ms Elim Chew, Streetwear Fashion & Accessories Guru, 77th Street.