A letter to my mother

Dear Mother

You don't have to wait until Mother's Day to know the deep love and appreciation I have for you, for being my mother and bringing me into this world, showering me with unconditional love and nurturing me into who I am today. Know in your heart that I think of you everyday with love and a prayer that you will enjoy peace and good health as you wake up to each new day.    

The world has changed a lot since your time. I cannot imagine the hardships and struggles you went through in post-war Malaysia to bring up nine children! - a Herculean task that not many of us women are prepared to do these days; but you did, with fortitude, courage and hard work.  As a mother myself, I can now understand the challenging/trying times you must have had, by the demands made on you and with whatever limited resources you had those days. You taught us valuable lessons in thrift, honesty, respect, to be content with what we have and not to compare with others - lessons which carried us through life and which we now pass on to our children. 

As each of us grow up and leave home to have families and careers of our own, you must now feel the loneliness of an empty house. But in your heart, I know you are thankful, happy and proud that we are all successful in our own way.

Now in your old age, as we visit you during festivities and family get-together, I could see the joy on your face, but I also sense an ache in your heart. Joy to know that we are doing well; joy to hear the din and laughter of your grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they gather around you; an ache because you wished we could still be with you, and the farewells after each visit is painful. I know it is difficult to let go; but there is a saying that the best gift we can give our children are roots and wings. You have given me that, and much more; and for the love you give and for all the sacrifices you have made for me, I am eternally grateful. Happy Mother's Day with all my love.  
                                                       
                                                     
                                 

                            Blessed is the mother who is too busy to worry in the day-time;
                                              and too sleepy to worry at night.

                                                           -Anonymous-