The bond that endures

I was at my Father's house yesterday on Mother's Day. Sister and I talked a bit about Mother, basically comparing Father with Mother. While driving home I thought a lot about my Mother.

I can never forget the fact that it was Mother who gave me the support to apply for a place in University. After completing Form 6 (that was 45 years ago) my Father had encouraged me to work. I remember he showed me an advertisement for a Cadet Journalist position with the New Straits Times and asked me to apply. Probably he was worried that he would not be able to support me as well as my 3 younger brothers through university.

At that time I had already got hold of an application form for placement in University Malaya. I was therefore hesitant to apply for the job and at the same time I dared not apply for a place in the university. I filled up the form in pencil, photostated all the necessary supporting documents and placed it in the drawer. But everyday I would take it out and look at it. After about one week my Mother waved me to one corner of the house and whispered "You want to go to university right?". I nodded. "Then apply" she said and she took out the form from the drawer. "Where to get money to pay the fees?" I asked. "Don't worry, I'll see what I can do" she said. Up to today I never knew how she got the money to pay for my first term fees.  Although it is almost 14 years since she passed on, I still miss her a lot.

Indeed, what am I, without you, Mother!

"A mother’s job is probably the most laborious in the world, often comes without a Manual, and once appointed, there is no such thing as turning back or throwing in the towel. Once a mother, always a mother!From morning sickness to labour pains, a mother’s worry for her child ceases only with her last breath. Sacrifices she makes often come unrecognised, undervalued and often, taken for granted.

Her sweat was probably dry before you could even notice it. Her burnt skin from the kitchen was probably forgotten. Her tears went unseen. Her sleepless nights unrecorded. Her fatigue, unmentioned.

But yet, a mother’s love will always stand strong like a flame that burns despite all odds. This is the real meaning of “Unconditional Love”. Untainted. Come rain or shine".

Quote: Sairana Mohd Saad in what-am-i-without-you-mother