Mother's Day

Sunday, 13 May 2007

Back home, in our families, we don't celebrate Mother's Day. Where Mum and Dad comes from they don't celebrate that or the Father's Day, Valentine's Day. Not that I know of.

According to Wikipedia, one school of thought claims this day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. And it is celebrated on different days by different countries.

In a way, setting it apart, is good. It serves a purpose, especially for people who are so bogged down with their busy routines that they do not have the time to phone their mothers, to visit them, to talk to them, to write to them, to accompany them for walks, to take them for rides, holidays, dinners, etc. etc.

Definitely the opportunity for the business people to advertise their products, be it breakfast, lunches, dinners, flowers, cookwares, furnitures, computers, etc. etc. - that you could buy for your mother to express your appreciation and love, etc. etc. According to a survey, Mother's Day is now the most popular day of the year to dine out at a restaurant. I was thinking how do some of the less fortunate and lonely single mothers feel when their friends relate to them what their children gave to them on this day, while they were struggling with their own livelihood.

As I listened to the talks given by a young lady and a young 'grandmother' at sacrament this morning, my thoughts went to my mother, her life, her strengths, her struggles, her sacrifices and the time we spent together before she was afflicted by the terrible brainstem infarct. I know and I shouldn't, but I wish Heavenly Father would just bring her home to Him because for me she is gone, gone gone, gone, even though her mortal body is still alive. I am not angry with Him but I really pity my mother and Caroline who takes care of her so well.

Mum, I am sorry, I am hopeless when it comes to taking care of you now. I am good in sitting together with you watching the television, listening to you while you talk, accompanying you at home or taking you to places, etc. I pray that you will not be angry with me and I pray that I will stay faithful to the covenants that I have made with Heavenly Father that I would stay faithful to the end so that I would be worthy to be reunited with you when the Lord comes.

Happy Birthday to Me

Wednesday, 9 May 2007

Happy Birthday to me! Today marks the start of my 10th year in the church. Yup - I was baptised on the 9 May 1998 in the Miri branch by Elder Witcomb. He and Elder Redd were the first missionaries that I met. Less than 2 weeks of acquaintance, Elder Redd was transferred and Elder Quinn came. First couple missionaries that I got to admire and love were Elder and Sister Folsom from Canada, who were fondly addressed and remembered as Grandpa and Grandma by the then small number of members.

I am thankful for my membership. Staying on the strait and narrow path isn't easy but nevertheless a blessing of discovery, experience and growth in the gospel and oneself. I am grateful that Lian and Yean were receptive to the gospel as well. It feels wonderful to go to church together.