Pay it Forward

I keep on mentioning that it's Mother's Day and stressing the fact that I should be receiving something on this occasion. What I have forgotten is that I am a daughter too, meaning I need to get my mom something... not because she asked for one but because she deserves it!

After my sleepless nights feeding baby and all the countless chores, I just realized how much sacrifice my mom made for me and my siblings. I'm complaining now when I only have one daughter to look after while she had three. I remember my dad telling me after an argument with them, "When you become a parent, you will understand..." and yes, now I definitely get it! Parenting is such an selfless act, painful but very fulfilling!

Now that I have a daughter, I talk to my mom about my needs, my baby, my new life. Have I had the time to ask her how she's doing, how she feels, what her fears and concerns are? Nope! I'm guilty for taking her for granted. When times of trouble, it's so easy to call Mom for help... I need the boogie wipes can you send me some? Can you get me something at Baby Gap? Please pass by Abercrombie and Fitch. Can you send me some cash, I'm broke? I'm doomed if my daughter turned out like me.

I haven't told my mom that I loved her in ages, yet I tell my daughter that more than ten times a day. Plus given the distance of Hong Kong and San Francisco, there hasn't been a chance for me to kiss her either. I feel that for this Mother's Day, I owe my mom something really special (damn, I missed the Chopard private sale last week). I came across this book Because I Love Her which are essays on mother-daughter relationships which could be a really touching gift. I also want to send her a nice picture frame of my daughter. Perhaps throw in some flowers too? I think she would really be happy.



Yesterday, I told my daughter that whenever she would be needing help from me, I would always be there for her. She just continued playing... I don't think she will truly understand what that means til she becomes a mother one day too...