An Ode to Mum

This post is way, way overdue but with a valid reason. I have been swamped at work and I avoid using my company-issued laptop for blogging. Since my 31-year old Ina-Tay back can only accommodate the weight of one laptop, I had to leave my old but very reliable personal laptop at home. Hence the delay.

WE ARE FAMILY! Ina-Tay (pardon my eye bags; this was after Christmas), Mummy, Ton-ton and baby Leia

Without much ado, I want to greet my female parental unit aka Mummy, a very happy birthday. Sorry that I haven't taken you to some fancy dinner because I've not been paid yet. But a certain portion of my paycheck is earmarked for the delayed birthday dinner and a little something for you.

Mum, let me tell you again that you are one of life's greatest blessings to me - and I mean every word that I just typed. Thank you for being the prayerful mother that you are. Quite frankly, I can't imagine where I or Ton-ton will be without your prayers for our success and protection. Sorry that sometimes I fall short of sugar coating things and I say it upfront. I'm sorry because I was hard-headed and didn't listen when you told me to steer clear of the man who eventually became Leia's dad. I'm sorry for the many times I failed you because I thought I knew what I was doing only to realize the folly of my actions too late. I'm sorry that I have to make the difficult decision to work away from home and be far from you and Leia, sorry that you have to do the cooking again (NOTE: Mum and I refuse to allow the helps to cook; my brother and I got our discriminating palates from Mum).

On the other hand, despite my wrong choices and occasional hard headed-ness, I've felt and I've witnessed the magnanimity of your love for me - and now for Leia. Thank you for cultivating in me a love for reading - I now understand why I never had a Barbie when I was a kid. Thank you for taking the time to write my oration pieces despite your busy work schedule. Thank you for molding us to be good people. I would have wanted some of your gentleness to rub off on me but apparently the Lord made me to become a woman with balls. Thank you for loving Leia the way that only Mommy Dear can, for stepping into my shoes five days a week when I'm working. Thank you for laying hands in prayer on my tummy when she was still inside my womb. Thank you for being there that allows me to focus on the things that I need to do at work and not worry too much about me leaving my daughter. Mum, I wouldn't be as strong as I am now if not for you beside me; for your counsel even when I don't follow; for your mother's love and for your faith even when you had cancer. I draw strength from you even when you were at you weakest after every each chemotherapy session.

Mum, I don't know what lies ahead of me and my child, but somehow the thought that I have you every step of the way dispels my fear of the future. I love you with all my heart and soul. People tell me that I'm doing a good job as a mother but it's only because I was raised by the best Mummy in the whole world. I could go on forever thanking you and asking for forgiveness but I know you shy away from fame. You always allow us to take the center stage and you're always on the front row to cheer us on.

Happy birthday Mummy... a lifetime is not enough to tell you how much we love you. I am Ina-Tay and I am my mother's daughter.