Dearest Mum

“Mum!” The expression I have heard countless of times. From the time my children were small, they were always trying to get my attention for everything; “Mum, I’m hungry!” “Mum, can you buy me that toy?” “Mum, have you seen the book I left lying around?” And when they started to grow older; “Mum, can you teach me how to cook pasta?” “Mum, I met this boy..” And even now that my children have become parents themselves, they expect me to teach them all about babies and parenting! “Mum, what are these red spots on the baby?” “Mum, is my baby old enough to take solids?” Although it feels good to know your children need you, sometimes it can be exasperating having to solve everyone’s problem. And when times are tough, I would pick up the phone and make a long distance call. “Mum?” I said. A soothing familiar voice answered, “Yes, dear, is everything alright?” I feel better already. Sometimes all you need is to hear your mum’s voice.

The above was written about two years back, but I was recalled to it a few days ago, when my grandmother from Trengganu stayed with us for the weekend. One of the evenings, my mum was very busy in the kitchen. A mother true and true, my grandma piped her little reminder, “Mek, mung mmayang Gaghek dok agi?”* It struck me as cute and amusing somewhat; because I’m so used to hearing my mum say the same thing to us! Before we are mothers, we are daughters first. Mok, I hope I’ll be as good a mother as you are!

* “Mek, have you prayed Maghrib?”