SELAMAT HARI IBU

Bulan Mei tiba lagi.

Masing masing sibuk meraikannya disana-sini.

Aku teringat sekeping nota kiriman rakan lama yang ku simpan sejak belasan tahun yang lalu.

Hari ini aku terpanggil untuk berkongsi rasa setelah sekian lama nota ini ku simpan. apa yang penting jika ia membawa kebaikan kepada kalian, manfaatkannya. Jika tidak abaikannya.

Kepada insan yang menukilankan hasil penanya ini diucapkan jutaan terima kasih dan mohon kebenaran untuk berkongsi rasa.

kepada semua ibu-ibu, SELAMAT HARI IBU.

I had a marvellous mother who loved me, sacrificed for me and helped me in all way possible.

In all of my growing up, through college and eventually marriage ,my mother was always at my side. And when I needed help with my little ones, she was there for me.

Today we buried that wonderful woman. Can you imagine how I felt when I return from the services and found this poem in her desk drawer?

THE TIME IS NOW

If you ever going to love me

love me now while I can know

the sweet and tender feelings

which from true affection flow

love me now

while I am living

do not wait until I'm gone

and then have it chiselled in marble

sweet words on ice cold stone

if you have tender thoughts of me

please tell me now

If you wait until I am sleeping

never will be death between us

and I won't hear you then

so if you love me, even a little bit

let me know it while I am living

so I can treasure it.

I found time for every one and every thing, but I never made time for her. I would have been easy to drop in for a cup of tea and a hug, but my friends came first. would any of them have done for me what my mother did? I know the answer.

when I call mum on the phone, I was always in a hurry. I felt ashamed when I think of the times I cut her off. I remember, too, the times I could have included her and didn't.

Our children loved grandma from the time they were babies. They often turn to her for advise and comfort. She understood them.

I realised now that I was too critical, too short tempered, too stingy with praised. Grandmother gave them unconditional love.

The world is filled with sons and daughters like me. I hope they see themselves in this letter and profit from it. It is too late for me, and I am sick of regrets.

Bangkok post.

1996