Oh Ibu....

"Selamat hari ibu untuk semua ibu-ibu".

Why only one day for mothers, when mothers never spare a single day for us
Why make a big deal about sending a card for mothers, when mothers would give us their hearts
Why shout of what we have done for them, when mothers gave their lives without a whisper.

I salute all mothers, especially mothers of children with special needs. I have seen mothers' love at their best - overcoming all sort of tests.
I admire mothers who have to do it alone. Left on their own - yet they stand tall and never falter. Single mothers - are simply selfless, parenthood where two-is-in-one is never easy yet they face each day with a kind of resolve which no eyes can really see.

Mine was a single mother too when "chek" ( I called my father as chek)

died when I was aged 10.
Mak tapped rubber, planted rice and cooked and sold kueh for a living. Infact Mak did everything for a living. She planted ubi setelo and water melons, she looked for 'pucuk kayu' and sold them in exchange for rice and sugar. My mak was so enterprising, I guess she had to be. She was strong, my mak. But I saw how she cried in the darkness of the night - perhaps when she missed my chek. Mak never asked, she always gave. And on her death bed in 2002, she made me promise to be a good Muslim and to do my Haj. That was the first time she actually asked from me something.
Yesterday - in front of the Kaabah I kissed the marble floor and let my tears flowed as I prayed for her soul. I saw mak yesterday - she was smiling down on me. I heard her voice encouraging me to continue living. While I was praying for her, I saw mak was praying for me. She was praying for my success, for my health, and for my happiness. Mak knows something which I have not disclosed - as mak always knew when she was alive. Saying with words how much I missed and love my mak is never enough and can never reflects how I feel.

She and I connected yesterday - and she lives on in my heart.

I have to say it, even if it sounds so inadequate, " I love and miss you mak - and thank you for raising me with your love - I am still trying to be who you wish me to be".

And to LiL, a special wish and tribute "HaPPy mother's day". You have been a pillar of strengths. You raised our children when I was busy getting my career raised. You shelter them from the wild wild world - while I was traveling the world. You helped them with their homework, when all you deserve was to rest from the exhaustion of a never ending housework. You have been a nurse, a teacher, a manager, an entertainer, a listener. I am lucky to have you as a partner, and the children are lucky to have you as their mother.
"We all love you".