Mum & Mala

Mum & Mala

My first Blog… And I would like to dedicate it to my Mum. Would like to share my past, present and my future with her as the main cast in my first blog, as she is, in my life.

I come from a family of six kids and I was the youngest baby of the house. My mum took up two jobs to support us after my dad’s  sudden passing, when I was in preschool.  My mum has never been schooled but she is, in my eyes, very well educated, in the wisdom of life, grit and values. She worked very hard to see all her kids through school.

Mum is eighty six and the perils of age has caught up with her, especially over the last few years. She seemed to have aged swiftly, and sadly, with the onset of dementia.  Her memory is failing and she is also getting weaker.

I moved to Western Australia last year, with my husband and kids to have a more holistic lifestyle.

My mum was pretty upset when she realised I was planning to move to a faraway place where we have to take a flight to see each other.  I realised she was upset not because I used to be there for her but because she will not be able to be there for me. Whenever she stays with me, she makes it a point, that I take my meals during my busy work schedule, coaching my boys on their school work and doing my household.  When I am ill,  she will insist my siblings to fetch her to my home, to make sure she is there for me.

I am proud to say. I am independent and strong like my mum.  Though she is aware of that, she still treats me like her little baby girl.  I am still a little girl in her eyes, though I am neither little nor young anymore.  She was afraid, if I move far away she will not be able to look after me.

Early this year, I went to visit mum after nearly ten months.  She teared when we surprised her with our  visit.  Mum has aged, and looking at my frail mother, brought back flood memories of how she has religiously put her kids above herself with sheer selfless dedication.  I’ve never seen my mum craving or desiring for anything. Her children are her life and her world.

During our time of departure from our hometown, mum set her feelings of sadness aside and tried to portray a brave front.  She cooked my favourite meal, that I will miss, though she was extremely sad with the reality of not being able to see me as often as she likes.

We had our fair share of squabbles during my growing up days…well it is part of growing up…  but deep down we know we love each other and will be happy to make each other happy while moving forward with our new paths and dreams.

Life has been awesome here and we have made Australia our home.  I have created a stepping stone for my teens to be on a wonderous path towards a beautiful life and future.  As a mum, that’s what I want – just like my mum.  I am sure I have the nurture and nature to be a good mum.  I hope one day my teens will be able to look back and say at least half of what I feel and say about my mum.

Looking at my siblings, I think my mum has nurtured a good family. They have always shown love and care to one and all without expecting anything in return.

Thank you, family, for making me what I am today.

I am grateful and blessed with a beautiful mum and family