I was born the son of a poor family, which often lacked food. Whenever it came time to eat, mother would give me her portion of rice.
As she placed her share into my bowl she would say, " Eat this, son. I'm not hungry. "
That was mother's first lie.
When I was growing up, mother spent her spare time fishing in a river near our house. She hoped that what she caught would give me a bit more nutrition.
She would cook the fish in a soup, which gave me a good appetite. As I ate, mother would sit beside me and pick the remaining bits of flesh on the bone.
When I tried to give her some of the fish, she refused and said, " You eat it. I don't really like fish. "
That was mother's second lie.
When I was in junior high school, to find my studies, mother brought back used matches boxes which she would stick together. It earned her some money to cover our needs.
Whenever I woke from my sleep during the winter nights, she'd still be awake, working on the little boxes in the dim candlelight.
I used to tell her, " Mother, go to sleep, it's late. Tomorrow morning you still have to go to work. "
Mother would smile and say, " Go back to sleep, dear. I'm not tired."
That was her third lie.
During my final exam, mother asked for a leave from work to accompany me to school. The sun was shining and the day was hot but she waited for me for several hours.
As soon as the bell rang, mother immediately rushed to pour me a cold glass of tea she had brought in a bottle.
The tea was thick, but not as thick as my mother's love. Seeing her covered with perspiration, I gave her my glass and asked her to drink too.
Mother said, " Drink, son. I'm not thirsty!"
That was her fourth lie.
My father fell ill and died, and poor mother had to take on the role of a single parent. She held on to her job but our family's financial situation got worse.
A nice uncle who lived nearby came to our help.
Our neighbours often advised my mother to marry again. But mother was stubborn and didn't care for their advice. She told them, " I don't need love "
That was her fifth lie.
I completed my studies and got a job and soon, it was the time for my mother to retire. But she didn't want to. Every morning, she headed for the market place to sell some vegetables and earn money for her needs.
I worked in the other city and often sent her some money, but she would not accept it. She even sent the money back to me, saying, " I have enough money. "
That was mother's sixth lie.
A company then offered me a scholarship to do my master's at a prestigious university in the United States. After getting that degree, I was hired by the company and paid quite a high salary.
I wanted to take mother to America, so she could enjoy her old age. But she didn't want to bother her son. She said to me, " I'm not used to life there. "
That was her seventh lie.
Mother grew old, got cancer and had to be hospitalised. I, who lived across the oceans, came home to visit her.
Mother looked so weak as she gazed at me in a yearning way. She tried to put on a smile but it looked stiff. It was clear that the disease had broken her body.
Tears flowed down my face as I stared at her. My heart hurt so much to see her like that. But mother, with strength in her voice, said, " Don't cry, my son. I'm not in pain. "
That was her eight lie.
After saying that, she closed her eyes forever.
Submitted by Jessica Tan
This story, although it's very indirect but it touches people in very different ways, I celebrated my Mother's Day with a nice dinner, could've done more, but oh well.
Ma,
I know I haven't been a good son lately, but I'm trying my best to exceed your expectations, I hope you notice that. All these while, the naggings and yelling, I know it's all for my own good. And look at me now, I'm a seventeen year old teenager that's really happy thanks to your guidance.
Happy Mother's Day
card by sis
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