Reach Out For Mum

By Tam Yong Yuee


As Mother's Day neared, my mood turned pensive. The rain pattered on the water convolvulus (kangkong) patch in my backyard. The kangkong leaves are extended, like arms stretched heavenwards, unashamedly glorifying in the life-refreshing rain. Like a child with outstretched hands rushing towards his mother's open arms, reaching for that warm, comforting embrace.

My mother passed way over five months ago. I sensed the desperation (or was it fear?) in her face during the last moments. There are some religious and some superstitious explanations for that. Whatever. It was heart-rending, to say the least. If she had just slipped away in her sleep, I could have accepted it more placidly.

To my simple, finite mind, I could only interpret that desperate clinging to life as the hurt of being forcefully wrenched away from her loved ones.

In life, we take many things for granted. Mother's love for one. Mothers may not express their love in very apparent ways. But tucked snugly in a special corner of their heart, it is there, ready to be dispensed anywhere, any time.

How often when we need her help, she is there to look after our children (her grandchildren), or to prepare that delicious home-cooked meal to warm the stomach and heart - unconditionally.

Yet, it does not take a lot to please her. Just reach for that phone in your pocket or handbag. It will only take a few moments of your precious time. I had often seen how my mother's face lit up as she talked to her offspring on the phone.

So those of you who have the time for your mum today, don't let it end there.

Consecrate a prayerful and loving thought for her in your heart each passing day. May God bless all mothers!

From Starmag