Kuala Lampur, Nov. 3 -- "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,

The medicine go down-wown,

The medicine go down.

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

In a most delightful way."

As a child, when I was sick, I waged a constant battle with bitter medicine.

My mother, ever patient, would coax and cajole, but I resisted with all the stubborn strength a little boy could muster.

At last, after much struggle, the dreaded potion went down - never alone, but always followed by a sweet stream of honeyed water.

Occasionally, there was a toy after much haggling. I didn't realise it then, but my mother was teaching me something profound: even life's bitter moments can be made bearable with a touch of tenderness.

It remi...