My Mom and I

Mom flew off from Sydney and back to Indonesia last Monday. I feel a little relieved, I must say… Though I had enjoyed all the fun we had, my body simply couldn’t cope with the almost nonstop activities from morning till night. I need my rest. Now that she’s gone, I admit 2 weeks can fly quite quickly.

I can still recall the excitement that I feel when I expect her coming. I got this topnotch willpower to serve her better this time. I determine to make her stay enjoyable. That she’ll fly back to Indonesia with her love-tank full, brag to her friends how her children love her so much and how she enjoys her holiday.

So much for willpower and good intention… When it’s time to actually put those intentions into action, it’s not as easy as it may sound like. I realize I was preparing myself to serve her with condition: I’ll accompany her the whole day if I don’t feel tired; I’ll do whatever she wants me to do as long as it makes sense and not embarrassing me in any way…

I’m ready to serve, but NOT ready to serve with SACRIFICE. I’m NOT preparing myself to be the bigger person; to still love her despite the negative comments; to still serve her though she could be a bit tough sometimes.

I can see her slowly aging in her 55. Black and white dresses is no longer her favorite, she prefers a long sleeve top now. Her movement is slightly slower; the way she reacts is not as prompt as it used to be.

Even with all that, her strong spirit to embrace life never leaves her. She climbed Harbour Bridge when she turned 50 and she conquered AMP Tower on her 55th. I definitely can’t help myself but smiling when I remember the way she sings “Mamma mia let me go…“ (Queen) wholeheartedly though I keep telling her the movie that we watched, Mamma Mia! is ABBA’s song.

On her last day, I left her a note in her wallet, I hope she actually enjoys her stay, I thank her for all the foods & presents, I remind her that despite all arguments that we had, I love her, and I look forward to see her in December.

And till that time comes, I need to challenge myself to have a wiser mind - a tougher heart - a bigger attitude, so that I'll be able to overlook an offense and to love unconditionally...

See you in December, mom!

---

Maria Tanudjaja resides in Sydney, Australia. She works in Finance, but never leave her passions in writing. She loves to share stories and experiences that will uplift and inspire us to live to the fullest and enjoy our life's journey. You can visit her blog at http://billboard-of-life.blogspot.com

 

---

---