It’s Mother’s Day tomorrow, and what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to prank your mum?

Let me introduce you the lady of my life.

I have high respect for this lady here not only because she’s my mother but she’s my superstar mum - no, she can’t sing.

See, I grew up in a really poor family squeezing in a tiny house with several other relatives. Growing up, I have to wear used clothes and my slippers have to be repaired using wires at least 5 times before they can be thrown away.

I remember when I was young, she’ll wake up before the crickets stop chirping (she’s very loud when she brushes her teeth, that’s why I know!) to do the laundry, boil water, make breakfast for us and then she’ll come to my bedroom window and go as loud as she possibly can without waking the neighbours, “CHA BEE HOON!!!” (Cha Bee Hoon means fried rice vermicilli) or “Monster Chan!” - Geez mum, thanks for those names!

She was fierce! In fact, she was probably one of the fiercest ladies I know. Oh, and she has the loudest voice too! She used to scream, at the top of her lungs, my full name when I did something wrong, and then I’ll get the caning. But overtime, she grew softer, I don’t know what, but she just did.

She dropped the canes and then her voice - I think she can hardly scream or beat anyone nowadays. :P

And when my uncle passed away all of a sudden, and with my best friend’s sudden death following that, my mum slowly became the world’s best mum. She became a best friend, she’s open to suggestions, ideas and thoughts although she might not agree. And she tries her best to understand although sometimes she struggles because of the difference in generation. But I must say she’s doing a pretty damn good job.

The best thing she has given me is to allow me to be myself, and search for who I really want to be. She let me leave home at the age of 17, and let me experiment with life. When I make mistakes in life, she make me learn from the mistake rather than make me feel guilty. She made me stronger and tougher.

But most of all, she made me loves life and celebrate life. Truth be told (*whispers) she’s given me tons of advices but I often forget most of them but there’s one I remember and probably will remember forever, (in chinese) “If you want to do or try something, go for it. Life doesn’t wait”.

She didn’t just give me that advice, but she supported all my decisions from that advice since. I love volunteering and as a Red Crescent member, I had to be on duty at odd hours like 3am or 4am, and regardless of what time I had to be there, she’ll make sure I get there on time, or earlier. I was a swimmer as well, and she made sure I was at the training every single day. She drives us from school, to tuition, to swimming every single day for 12 years of my life. At 16, I wanted to do charity but I had no money and didn’t know what to do. I wanted to buy some candies for the kids at the School for the Blind. I told her about it and she drove me to the shop, bought me the candies and some chocolates too! She puts us first and herself last, and she put up with my ever changing passion and interests and supported me all the way - never did she once say something to put me down.

And now all her kids are getting old (and so is she, although she believes she’s still young like me *ahem*), even the fat kid she’s holding (her precious baby whom she babysits) in the first picture has turned into a princess, attending pre-school:

And as for me, I have turned from this fat kid to who I am right now (an underweight kid - weighing less than 56kg)!

Another thing you have made to be, is making me so strong. So strong to the point I never call home! BAHAHAHA! I know it’s bad. My housemate calls home on a daily to weekly basis, and most of my friends call home at least thrice a week, but I only call home, maybe monthly - if I have credit that is. Hehe. But don’t you worry, my love for you is not measured by the number of times I call you. :P

Ma, we’ve all grown and I know you’re very proud of us, but we’re more proud of you! Well, at least I know I am. :)

But ma, there’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you but I never got the chance to…

Looking at uncle’s wedding pictures, at the dinner:

Your hair looked like shit!!!!!

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

But still, I love you, mum! Happy Mother’s Day! :)

***

I know a number of mothers who read my blog as well, so happy mother’s day to you all! :) Be the mum you always wanted to be. You might struggle and find it difficult in the first 18 years of their life, especially when the hormones kick in and they become rebellious at youth, but it will all be worth it in the long run. My feelings go out to those who don’t get the chance to celebrate this special day with their mum like my “grandfather” and zewt.

But hey, don’t celebrate the loss, celebrate her life. :) Let her legacy lives in you and guide you through life.