Dear Mum

To the greatest, strongest woman I know, I don't know how you did it but you did. And it may take a hundred mes just to be one like you.

When I was a teenager, I told myself that I was not gonna be like you. That I was not going to be a teacher since they have a meager salary. Later did I realize that being a teacher, the noblest profession, could send these five kids to good schools. Now that I am earning, having my own income, I am still living from paycheck to paycheck. I don't know how you made both ends meet, but you did.

I once asked what "Familiarity breeds contempt" meant. You gave Dad and you as an example. That's why you sometimes have heated arguments because you are too familiar with each other. Then on, I never forgot what that adage meant. Later did I realize that it was a great justification of your fights. I don't know how you make trying situations easier but you did.

I've learned that when I do something, I should do it well. That's why I do things with precision and passion. That diligence is different from intelligence. That even if I am not that intelligent, if I work hard at it, I still can do it. Being a teacher to you does not only end in the four walls of the classroom, yet it starts at home. And yes, you are one of my greatest teachers.

From the beginning, I always knew I wasn't your favorite yet I always felt that you are loving me with all you got. Playing favorites? I should know. Coz between you and dad, you were my favorite, too. (But let us just keep that a secret.)

I apologize that sometimes I am impatient in teaching you how to use the computer. Looking back, you had a bucketful of patience with me -- teaching me how to play the piano, to cook, to bake, to read, to write, to be wise, to be decisive, to be headstrong. I'm sorry for being impatient at times.

I don't know how you draw your strength just when everybody else was weak. You still manage to be generous when you had nothing more left to give. You still laugh even when you want to break down cry. I don't know how to be a superwoman, mum, but you did.

For being firm yet still lenient. For being strong yet still kind hearted. For ageing gracefully despite the trials. For just being you without being condescending.

I don't know how you did everything, but you did everything extraordinarily well, Mum. Thank you.