SOME say Singaporeans are a glum lot - but that's because
statisticians only look at numbers; they do not search for the
heartbeat of the island reflected in scenes like the one below,
which are repeated every minute of every day in food outlets all
over this great nation.
Last week, I arrived at Suntec for a 7am seminar only to find I
had misread the invitation which said it would start at 7pm. With
time to kill, I headed off to a McDonald's outlet where I was
grateful to experience a Singapore happiness special: early morning
breakfast. Everyone is greeted with a heartfelt 'Good morning - how
are you today?', whether the customers acknowledge it or not. A
middle-aged man comes in and, with a twinkle in his eye and cheer
in his voice, is the first to greet the staff with 'Good
morning'.
The elderly female employee grins from ear to ear. He wants only
a takeaway coffee and as he leaves, he waves to the staff.
His energy has changed the place. Another guy comes in and I see
that one employee has a pre-prepared breakfast for him. This
customer is a regular; he must come at the same time each day. This
is his breakfast home and the elderly woman greets him like a son.
The Chinese and Malay staff laugh together and share stories and
photographs. Thank God for Singapore's racial harmony - it makes me
happy to see such a connection between the races.
A young child comes in with his mother, with this slogan
proclaimed on his T-shirt - 'Growing up Gifted' - and the great
message warms my heart.
Another regular couple are greeted like long-lost friends and
they retire to a corner and exchange sweet nothings. Fast-food
outlet (Suntec City's McDonald's) at 7.20am - all of life is here,
beauty is here, caring is here, family is here, tenderness is here.
Nothing more is needed and I am at peace and content.
This is happiness - Singapore style.
Singaporeans may not shout their feelings from the mountain top
- but that does not make the love and happiness any less real.
Just stop and look around you right now - I'm sure you'll see a
happy Singaporean.
Philip Merry
