She left a military desk job in her prime to raise three kids instead — hauling us through the market, fielding strangers’ stares and sympathy, just to keep us fed and whole. She never once complained, even as it wore her down. Her love showed up quietest at the dumpling table, hands folded into dough, family folded into her.
My mother recounted on her efforts and pains to make sure that her children of 3 grew up properly and fairly.
Despite being Chinese educated, she persevered with landing a role as an admin clerk in the military but chose to leave in her prime to devote her time to family minding.
During her marketing chores and hectic schedule, she would sometimes lead us 3 kids in tow and curious onlookers casting looks and offers of help, curiosity and sympathy, all to ensure that her children would be well fed and growing up happy and healthy.
Even though family minding took a physical and mental toll on her over the years, she hardly complained even though our father was busy working on irregular shifts on short notice as the sole breadwinner.
In her own selfless way, she demonstrated family bonding, involving us in activities such as dumpling making with her extended family, infused with her love and kindness, demonstrating piety and warmness of kinship.
Thank you mummy for all that you’ve sacrificed for your family!