Mother’s day - Remembering — mamawearpapashirt

This mother’s day is extra meaningful to me as I had the opportunity to honour the three mother figures in my life - my mother, my nanny and my godmother.

When Channel NewsAsia approached me for an interview, I hesitated because I didn’t feel I had any special story to tell. I was just an ordinary mum going about my ordinary life trying my best to cope with the various demands that tend to fall on the shoulders of women - raising children, family, work, keeping it together.

Then I realised that it wasn’t about me. It was about my nanny, my godmother, and my mum.

It’s funny how I remember those carefree days of endless play, mischief, and childish dreaming. I remember my nanny, how she took care of me, how she modelled to me selflessness, how she grew weaker in her old age (and how that triggered an instinct within me to protect and care for her just like how she cared for me).

I remember how my godma would nag at me to go to church, remind me about values and all the important things, and bring me out on outings to the zoo and on holidays.

I remember how my mum would swing me on this giant swing until I thought I was so gonna fly off and land on the top of the nearby tree. I remember how she was soft-spoken and gentle with me even when I made mistakes. I remember how she never put pressure on me at school and just gave me freedom to do my own thing and explore my areas of interest.

I remember, and I am thankful. For all their love, and so much more. (And now their love and care for the kids too…)

I am thankful that we could somehow encapsulate all those memories in this little video. For my kids and perhaps theirs too, to watch, understand, and remember.

Remembering is important, to know where we come from, and to know where we’re going.

Blessed mother’s day.