Wishing all mothers Happy Mother’s Day! Today, 13th May is a special day. It’s the day where mothers are celebrated. Children all over the world celebrate their mothers, be it biological or just mother-figure.
Now, let me talk about my mother. Some of you might know her, but then, some might not. She’s been a great “ma”, and I’m proud of her as my mother!
Her name is Unyang Deng. She was born on the 15th of September, right around 48 years ago. When she was in secondary school, she began to adopt an English first-name, Nellie. Perhaps this is a bit of useless information, but I’ll mention it anyway. Her name Nellie is not registered in her identity card!
Then, after she borne me (roughly over a quarter of a century ago..) she was known as Hinan Kajan (literally, mother of Kajan in Kayan). In Sarawak, especially among Orang Ulu and Ibans, it’s common for parents to be called as father or mother of their first-born.
Early in her life, she’s already been singled-out to be an outstanding person! She was a good student, and a natural leader. Credit must be given to my grandfather, because he knew the importance of education. It’s also difficult in those days, because the norm for women (especially from Baram) when, or should they finish school (GCE as they called it then, SPM equivalent) was just to get married and have children. She had the full support of my grandfather, supporting her financially and encouraging her to go all out in pursuing her education.
She finally got her diploma from ITM way back in 1980, then she got married in 1981, and I was borne end of that year. Had jobs here and there, worked as a substitute teacher, telephone operator, then finally EPF in 1984. EPF is her longest employer, as she has been there for the pass 23 years.
EPF gave her the chance to further her studies in 1989(UKM). It must have been difficult, because she already had two young children, plus the fact that you enter school again with course mates’ years’ younger than you are, only add to the challenges. She was reluctant at first, because she felt guilty not being around to raise me and my brother. My father though, encouraged her, because it’s a worthwhile sacrifice.
To accommodate, in 1992, my father accepted a posting to West Malaysia (Johor Bahru to be exact), so that our family won’t be too far apart from each other. I remembered those days, I was still in primary schools, on some weekends, we’ll be going to KL to visit her. Then she’ll be in JB for her semester breaks. The road those days aren’t like they are now, not to say they’re bad like some roads in Sarawak, but the roads pass through Felda estates, and it’s long and curvy. A trip from JB to KL will take around 7-8 hours, unlike now, it’s half of that because of PLUS highway.
She graduated in 1993, and she was posted also in JB. Then, she was transferred to Bintulu on promotion in 1995. Me and my brother were to follow her, though my father remained in JB.
I had my SPM (1998) in Bintulu. My father was transferred to KL in 1997. My mother, thinking that it’s best for us to be together again, asked for a transfer to KL. It’s also because of me furthering my studies in UM, it was just good! Finally, early 1999, our family is in KL, together again (though not exactly, because I stayed in college).
It’s funny, because back thenm when I told people about myself, that I’m a Sarawakian with my family living in KL, yet my Sarawak-ness (accent and all) is still perfect! When I balik kampung, it’s just in Cheras, KL and not somewhere in Sarawak.
Now, after eight long years… she’s back home in Miri. It’s been for the past two weeks. It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift for her. I’m happy for her. She asked for a transfer, because my father had been transferred here late last year too. She can finally look forward to her retirement, though that’s still a long, long way to go (eight years if mandatory retirement age remains at 56)
God! Guess what? I got side-tracked. Honest truth here, I wanted to write something about my mother but I wrote about our family’s history instead. Thought about deleting, but I’ve spent half an hour doing this, I can’t bear to do it.
By the way, back to my about my mom again. She is a SuperWoman! Smart, Patient, Full of warmth and love! It’s not easy being a career-woman, yet a mother full-time mother at the same time. She epitomizes how a Godly woman should be, the way she loved her family; husband, children, parents, friends and all those around her… I love her. Also, as I grew up to be an adult, she made the transition from being my mom to a friend almost effortlessly. She’s still one of my counsels in life, I love the fact that she trusts me, and believe in me.
My mom’s eyes only… but I want the whole world to know though:
Ma’… I love you… You are the most perfect woman that I know. It’s been said that if a guy is close to her mother, he would looked for traits of her mother in his girlfriend/wife. I’m no different, though for you, ma’, you’ve raised the standard a few notch higher!
Ma’, just don’t nag me though; it’s not that bad to not have a girlfriend. I know you’re itchy to have grandchildren, the time will come. It’s not that I don’t have the desire; maybe the time has not come yet… As in the words of GMB; “The best is yet to come”.
For the future-mother of my children ;P
I’ve said it earlier;
“ It’s been said that if a guy is close to her mother, he would looked for traits of her mother in his girlfriend/wife. I’m no different, though for you, ma’, you’ve raised the standard a few notch higher!”
Now you know my mom, do you have what it takes? I’m just kidding… I’ll know it when it comes. Should you be the one, I’ll let you know. Give me the chance, and you won’t regret it!
My SuperWoman!
