To Mom

Dear Mom,

I still remember the times when I lay in your arms, playing with the buttons on your blouse. I still remember the times when I sat outside the bathroom watching you washing our clothes by hand and we chit-chat about my day in kindergarten. I also remember those days when we had to get up very early in the morning to travel from the West to Pulau Tekong to visit your parents (i.e. my grandparents).

However, things changed when Dad met with a serious accident and you had to make major changes in your life and our lives. From a lowly educated housewife to become the sole breadwinner of the home. U had to take care of Dad's medical bills, our living and education expenses. You always complained that you had a bad life. But I know you will never leave us, even when times were tough. Subtlely, you taught me about family, responsibility and commitment.

Although there are seven of us, u strongly believed that no child of yours should be deprived of the chance to get education. You should know that I like to go to school cos I'll always dress in uniforms (including shoes) about an hour before setting off to school. To tell the truth, Dad's accident had an enormous impact on my life. I dreaded the first week of school term because my textbooks to be sponsored by the school due to our tough financial situation never arrived on time. I had to share the books with my classmates (some of whom made nasty remarks about our family). Luckily, I met some good natured ones. You taught me that though we were poor, we should always stand tall. We should never do something bad or harm anyone.

You also taught me about planning and saving. With just 30-40 cents in my pocket everyday in primary school, I had to think very carefully where I should use the money.

You always think that I'm weak cos I'm a crybaby. I cry NOT because I want my way. I cry because I'm sad, angry, frustrated and pressured. And whenever I cry, I remember your words "If you fall down, you have to get up yourself". I realized that this simple theory applies to life too. Whatever hurdles I faced, I had to get over them myself. Even if I were "knocked down" by someone, I can't expect others to help me up. So thanks for training me to be so strong since young.

THANKS for giving me so many precious life principles and I'm still trying my best to grasp some more theories from your words along the growing up road. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and stay healthy.

P.S. Pls don't keep popping the question on "kids". So much so I wanted to have one, but there are many other factors involved which made it not the best time now. I feel terrible every time I faced this question, so pls stop making the situation awkward. I promised you will be one of the first to know if there is any good news.