“I enjoy happy hours with her on the rocking chairs reminiscing tales of yesteryears ” – Emily Kok

My mum insisted on sending me to school although she received strong objections from my dad’s family. Since I was the eldest in the family, my dad wanted me to start working at the age of 12 to support the family instead of going to school. My mum protested as she knew the importance of education. I managed to complete up till a secretarial course in my early 20s.

Fast forward more than 40 years, I am thankful to my mother for making the right decision. I could have been an illiterate. However, because of her, I am hungry for knowledge and grab hold on whatever opportunities that had been given to me. Currently aged at 84, she is still fit to alter and mend clothes and sew blankets for her great grandchildren. During Chinese New Year or other festivals, she is still able to slaughter chicken reared and harvest vegetables planted behind the house. Recently, I just traveled to China with her and she is still in a pink of health.

The best moment I always look forward to is to enjoy happy hours with her. We would be on the rocking chairs reminiscing tales of yesteryears every time I return to see her. I hope I can be as strong as her when I reach her age.