Farewell, the ice bucket style

It's OO's last day as a preschooler! She first set foot in this preschool when she was 2 1/2 years old. I still remember her first few days here: new teachers, new friends and brand new routines. She barely spoke English at that time, and now she barely speaks Chinese...

How my little monkey has grown.

Her wonderful teacher Mrs. W made her last day extra memorable by doing the ALS ice bucket challenge with the kiddies. There's something to be said about kids pouring icy cold water on their teacher's head!

Well I got nominated by Mrs. W to repeat the act, or to donate money to ALS research and support, or both. I donated right away, knowing it's the most direct way to help the cause. Then I debated on whether to douse myself with icy cold water and tag my friends to continue this thread.

In the social media sphere I live in, many of the ice bucket challenge videos that populated my news feed have deviated from the original purpose of raising awareness, to becoming something merely for fun. I was saddened to see this. But this is social media for you, a double-edged sword.

On the other hand, I was also inspired by some very thoughtful and well-done videos by ALS patients, celebrities and ordinary people. I believe that it is these sincere pledges and pleas that have touched people across the world.

When all our collective news feeds are inundated by these videos, I have decided to deprive you all of the pleasure of seeing me cold and wet. Instead, I'm going to follow my esteemed friend Mr. C's choice, to retreat to the privacy of my own bathroom for a cold shower in-lieu of a public display.

And you, my friends, instead of tagging you, I hope you will all consider donating to the cause to keep the momentum going.

Many Thanks!