Mom & the Chinese Passover....

I just received a call this morning from my mom asking me to come over to the house for the Chinese Passover celebrations! Yeah! It's "tong yuin" time again! For the benefit of my non-Chinese friends, it's the red and white glutinous rice balls in pandan flavour & gingerly sweet syrup time! [ That's how I like it, actually. ] Nowadays, they would fill the balls with red bean paste and so on. You can get them in season or out season in the supermarkets! This tradition has been with Chinese families for generations and mine is no exception. Honestly, I totally forgot about this and yeah, it's about a month to Chinese New Year! So sweet of mom!~ Love this lady a lot!

Yunno, I am definitely not that kind of guy who would show my affection in public [ seriously, I really can't do it ] but I most definitely can express it through my writing much better.Some say it's good while some say it's not. So, I'm learning to use the middle path, really. A little bit affection and a little bit of writing!

Okay, mom has been instrumental in shaping my life a lot. She is helpful, kind but she has an explosive temper. [ Now, I know for sure where I got my explosive temper!!] She's very concerned about my life but never ever intrude in my life. Mom & dad really gave me a lot of space in my life. I learnt independence early - got into some trouble but mom & dad stood by me every minute of my life. I love mom because she really cares for me and the family. Even though she may be disappointed with me in my early years, she never showed it. Instead, she continually talked to me and got me to think a lot about my life. Yeah! Mom whacks/caned me a lot when I was younger but never abusive. [Yeah! Spare the rod and spoil the kid! ] She treated all of us fairly though her obvious favourite was my youngest brother! She was the one who really took care of our food, our clothes and our daily lives. I want to share one occasion that is very close to my heart regarding my mom. I remembered that dad was working with a very hard boss those days and food was very difficult for all of us. Even on the eve of CNY, dad did not get his salary [ a mere RM 250.00 at those days ] and he somehow managed to get some chicken and some dishes for us. Later in my years, mom confided in me that dad had to sell his favourite working tools to get some money for us to have something to eat for CNY eve. Anyway, as usual, mom was there to cook rice and ensured we had our fill as children and we went out to play. Somehow, as a boy I was always inquisitive and I went back to the kitchen. There I saw mom & dad picking up the scrawny and boney leg part of the chicken [ kai kiok! ] and they had their meal! Those were the only parts that were left. They never complained but quietly eating away. That to me is the epitome of what sacrifice is all about. That stuck in my mind and heart for a very long time. In fact, it impacted me in a way. I learn a lot from those type of experiences from my mom & dad. BTW, we didn't get any new clothes either because dad didn't receive his salary that day. [ BTW, in fact, the boss did not pay my dad for 3 months and it was only when dad threatened to quit that he paid my dad one month salary citing difficult times! Sounds familiar in today's society?! Sigh!] As children, young as we may be, we understood the graveness of the situation faced by mom & dad because they tell us the truth and hide nothing from us. Never mind, if we did not have much to eat or new clothes. We were just happy being together as a family. That was more important to us. There were many incidences of love and sacrifice with mom but suffice to say, she's just a great woman!

Mom really sacrificed a lot when dad had stroke and cancer. But what marvels me was her tenacious will to continue to be with my dad throughout the difficult times and to continue to encourage each and everyone of us to go on with our lives even after his death. Again, she NEVER interfered in our lives and she always reminded me to take good care of my family. She is a wonderful grandmother to my children and my children love her a lot! The other thing that astounds me is her giving heart. Just like my dad, she is always helping out and giving all she could afford. I guess, her good hearted ways and helpful nature rubbed in all of us, her children. She was the one who taught me to speak the truth. She tells me that it is better to tell the truth than continue to speak more lies and get into more difficulties. She also continually reminded me that I am to remain faithful and to constantly protect the family. She never failed to tell me this every time I visit her at home. In many ways, mom is a woman of great courage, a great encourager and most important of all, a mother!

So, as I celebrate the Chinese passover, I just want to express my deepest gratitude and love for my mother, Tan Ah Moy [ I've asked her before "Why Tan Ah Moy? She replied ," Your great grandma says it is easier to remember and it's popular at that time!" ] BTW, she's a great cook ~ Hainanese chicken rice - the bestest!

Mom, Thank you for bringing me up and thank you for your love! You have a very special place in my heart together with dad!

So, to all the great moms and dads out there who had been inspirational & encouragement to your children wherever they may be :- Cheers to you !~