Today we woke up bright and early to go to church.
Just kidding.
Church service starts at 11:30.
Anyway, after church & lunch, my family headed to Capen (my dad's music center) where my brother was holding his Band Coordination Workshop. I did some work, dad got some rest (he wasn't feeling too well) and mom took a nap.
When the workshop was over for the day, we decided to go have a nice dinner for Mothers' Day. After a long and tough debate, we came to the most unexpected verdict ever.
My mom wanted to have Japanese food.
WHOOOAAAA. My mom used to detest Japanese food. She hates seaweed and raw fish (still does), and that was all she thought Japanese food was. We managed to convince her that she can eat all the unagi, ramen and rice that she wanted; and no worries, they're all not raw.
So off we headed to Sakae Sushi, Leisure Mall. We waited in line for five-plus minutes, then we had our Japanese dinner.
Needless to say, my dear mother -- who used to stay fifty feet away from Japanese food -- actually came to like sushi. She said that the seaweed is not as bad as she thought (even though she still doesn't like the crispy, salted type). And we all had a hearty feast, sharing sushi, ramen and laughter.
My Mother:
1. A teacher.
She used to own a kindergarten, the one I attended. So basically, she nurtured me as I grew as a toddler, both as a mother and a teacher. She was an amazing children-person; being in the childhood education line was totally her thing. I remember how she used to teach me how to read, then she'd ask ME to teach HER how to read. Because of her everyday attention to my reading skills, reading has now become one of my favorite pastimes. Also, my memory skills I have to owe to her. She was the one who taught me how to memorize things, in a fun, creative way. She used to challenge me in listing the entire contents of the Bible's 66 books. Ah, so many memories. :')
2. A guide.
As I grew older, she was there to guide me through any difficulties I had in life. At the age of four, I would ask her how to complete a certain task, and with boundless patience, she'd show me exactly how to do it. At the age of fourteen, I would ask her how to complete a task, and with boundless patience, she'd STILL show me exactly how to do it (minus the extra-gentle voice you use on four-year-olds, of course).
3. A coach.
Like any coach, my mom motivates me to start things... And finish them. She was the one who first encouraged me to write. She was the one who kept urging me to work hard. She isn't forceful; no. She manages to pep-talk you up in a way that will make you think and think, then in the end you'll realize she is right. Just like a coach.
4. A drill sergeant.
Now, to clarify this, I'd like to say that she is in no way mean or merciless. She does not force and lash out in anger. However, her strictness is one of the most effective things I have ever seen. Being an experienced teacher for the past few decades, she has the power to discipline children with a glimpse of her eyes. And this is probably one of the most important elements in parenting my brother and I. And she has done a good job, no? :D (no, seriously, she has done a good job.)
She can be strict at times, but it's all for our own good. I have come to realize that. That's because I've discovered that she is a wonderful
5. Friend.
She listens. She pays attention to your every word. She doesn't judge. She isn't afraid to tell you what she thinks. A true friend sticks by you through your ups and downs; that's my mother. She makes sure I know that she loves me, and encourages me whenever I feel like giving up (I tell her that I wasn't satisfied with my grades and she says, 'It's okay, you have done your best. Hopefully.'). And having a friend like her is such a blessing. She laughs at my jokes, however lame. She nods in understanding when I pour out my insecurities. Maybe not all girls are like this, but I love having conversations with my mother because she doesn't leave me out of her business just like how I don't leave her out of mine. Because that's just the way we are.
And last but not least, she is...
6. A mother.
Well, obviously. She has two kids, right? *laughs*
But all jokes aside, there is no better way to describe Ms Josephine Wong Lai Chee. She is a mother, fullstop. Perfect blend of teacher, guide, drill sergeant and friend. God, thank You so much for this wonderful mother of mine.
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Happy Mothers' Day, Mummy.
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