No doubt, a mother's love knows no bounds. But my mum is one of those who not only goes beyond the extra mile for her family but also for those around her whom she feels obliged to be taken care of. For more than 40 odd years, my long-suffering mum has undergone various heartbreaking adversities that can make even a grown man cry. Among the worst of them is being marked as a bad omen or curse since birth due to her being a girl by her superstitious biological parents to having to take meticulous care of me since I have bipolar disorder type 2. However, I almost cried whenever she uttered those heartbreaking words, " I wished I wasn't even born in this world at all!"
Compared to the rest of her other siblings, my beloved mum had the worst fate since she was ill-treated even as an infant. When the others were happily studying in school during the 1950s, my mum had to call it quits after merely finishing primary 6. Nevertheless, the reason was that my late Grandmother and Grandpa thought my mum was a bearer of bad luck. Due to that, they forced my poor mum to become a child-maid at the tender age of 12 to help cleanse the bad vibes and to help bring home the bacon.
As the years passed, my mum still obediently took care of my grandparents and her siblings - in terms of financial and domestic. Despite working 'non-stop' tirelessly for her pay cheque, my mum did not even spend a single dime but gave everything to my grandma. However, the situation improved when my mum fell in love with my hardworking dad and married him. When she finally gave birth to us shortly after, my dad, unfortunately, got laid off due to the 1980s Malaysian financial crisis. Hence, Mum stood with Dad through thick and thin and helped to support her young kids by offering food catering to people. At the same time, Mum became a selfless Superwoman who also took good care of my ageing Grandparents. Regardless of how absurd this sounds, believe it or not, she had to cook for her younger brothers despite them being adults and well-abled. *Slaps foreheads*
As a child, I recalled my Mum once tried to break free for good from my ultra-selfish grandparents. Furthermore, my dad bought a new house, especially for us. After all, it is only natural for Mum to be with her husband and kids. But my grandma threw a massive fit and gave my Mum the ultimatum - it was either 'her' or my mum's forsaken happiness. Grandma also used all sorts of devious means and tactics to stop Mum from moving away. Among them is attempting suicide by cutting her wrist. Even today, I still remembered Grandma all bloodied and Mum begging her in tears to stop all the nonsense!
Despite Grandma and Grandpa having passed away long ago, my Mum still, unfortunately, carries the family burden. More than several years ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 bipolar disorder at the mental health clinic. Since Mum loved her children to death and unconditionally, she even accompanied me to see the psychiatrist. Every morning, she would not fail to arrange and put my medicine in proper storage boxes so I could identify and consume them later. Even though I am not a Baby, to Mum, I will forever be the cute but oh-so-stubborn porcupine-haired infant that instantly stole her and Dad's hearts when she first gave birth to me.
Mum, I know I will continue to burden you and Dad since both of you are already in your twilight years - after all, I must live with this bipolar disorder until death despite medication. Furthermore, your evil siblings also keep comparing me with their so-called 'genius children' who are all abroad and doing well with monthly fat, heavy paycheques. However, you would be stuck home with a moody daughter having the highs and lows of mental health for life. But Mum, I love you very much! I give you my word nobody can look down on or degrade me since I will aim beyond the highest stars to be somebody!
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