Dear Readers, thanks for your grandfather stories and memories

Writers and readers share a special bond when readers' imaginations and emotions enliven the words penned by an author. Sometimes, that bond spawns more stories.

- Chua Mui Hoong

The relationship between a writer and reader is a tenuous thing - you can't see or touch it, and yet, when it exists, it brims with life.

Described variously as a sacred bond or a magical connection, this link is described by some scholars as one where the writer and reader co-create an experience.

As a student of literature, I am aware of the important role of the author who writes a text. But that text has a life of its own as an entity independent of the author's intention; and the reader brings to the text his or her own experience and expectations, and breathes into the text his or her own reality.

And so, in that alchemy, a writer births words into the world, which the reader enlivens with his or her imagination to turn it into a unique experience.

The bond between reader and writer is a secret tie of the mind and heart.

It has been over a year since I stopped being a political commentator and became more of a lifestyle columnist writing about life transitions and personal growth, interspersed with occasional observations about Singapore society. Where once, many of my readers responded to my political analysis, these days they are more likely to engage me on issues closer to the heart.

This being a festive time when many of us engage in introspection and feelings of gratitude about the year past, I am devoting this week's column to you, dear Readers, for reading and responding to my writing, and challenging and encouraging me in many ways.

A GRANDPA'S STORY One notable response this year came from Mr Patrick Tan Seng Chiang, who said he was inspired to write his Grandfather Story after I suggested that SG60, Singapore's 60th anniversary celebration in 2025, was a good time to showcase the stories of ordinary pioneer citizens, going beyond a focus on Pioneer Generation leaders.