Me: Mama, have you deposited the check yet?
Mama: No... Papa said I will have to pay a transaction fee.
Me: There's only a minimal charge of HK$20.
Mama: Really?
Me: Don't listen to Papa... go and deposit the check tomorrow!
Mama: Hmmm... I'll see! Just don't send home money, save it for your family!
Me: Mama, that's not a lot, plus it's for the New Year. I wish to send you more, may be when I have a job!
Mama: Silly girl... (Mama and I talked for another 20 mins or so)
Me: I got to go, Mama. I need to get some milk and bread for the kids.
Mama: Okay... drive safely... go take a nap when you come home after lunch...stay warm, and be careful, ok???
Me: Okay, Mama! Bye!
My eyes were filled with tears when I hang up with Mama. Though I am in my late 30s, Mama still treats me like a kid. She regreted of sending me off to study in the US some 17 years ago. She thought I would go back to Hong Kong when I was done studying. I guess it was a big disappointment to her and Papa when Johnny and I decided to raise our family in the state.
Mama and I get a long well most of the time. We, of course had our moment, and fight sometimes. :) In fact, I had a big fight with her a few years back. I thought to myself that Mama needs to open up her mind or change her way of thinking... or else no one would be able to live with her. We were mad at each other for a couple of months. Thank goodness, we both made up soon after. The lesson I learn: Why bother to argue when I only get to see her (someone who I love and respect the most) once in awhile? How can I be so dumb and not understand such a wisdom? I am glad that Mama and I did not argue when our family went home last summer, and the time she came over when Jady was born.
Time flies... it's been 17+ years since I left home. Mama changed a lot in terms of health and apperance. In order to take care of me and my brother (we both had school between noon to five), Mama chose to work afternoon shift between 3:00pm-11:00pm in a factory, so that Papa could watch us after work. I remember vividly of her coming home late from work sharing rice dumpling with me. I also remember the many nights she scolded me with a sweet smile of staying up late. She knew I was waiting for her to come home. She was young and full of energy back then.
Mama had low self esteem because she never finish elementary school. But I assured her over the years that she is the best mom in the world, and the most capable housewife I've seen. The house is always clean and tidy when she is around. We never had to worry about what to eat since she always prepare food for us before she left to work or else where.
I love my Mama, I wish she lives close by... I know she wants to see her grand children everyday, and spoil them rotten. I miss her, and I can't wait to see her this summer!
3 comments:
it's interesting that the older we are, the more we miss our moms :-) when i visited hk 2 years ago. there was a scene that i remember very clearly. i was standing behind my mom and saw her back. i almost choked with tear as she is no longer in her 40s before i left hk. she is getting old ... oh my gosh, i can't write anymore. i am at work and can't let people see me cry.
i know... it's so sad that we can't see our parents as often. you're mom is a little luckier coz she still have 2 other dauthers living close by. my mom said a few times that she envy of other moms celebrating mother's day/birthday with her daugher and grand children... that just make me sad.
that is true. her life is surrounded by my sisters and my niece. well have your mom come over more and stay with you longer. i think that's what you can do.
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