04/05/2026
A Love Letter for Mum / Mother / Ma / Mama / Mammy
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. It’s not just a day for celebration — it’s also a day for me to reflect on who I was, and who I have become today.
The saddest thing is, there is no time machine that allows me to go back and speak to my younger self — to stop all the stupidity, arrogance, recklessness, carelessness, naivety, and stubbornness… and especially the hurtful words that came from the same mouth you filled with love.
But Mum, I guess I made things “easy” for you in some ways in the old time when not everyone has iphone in thier pocket. If I wasn’t home on time after school, you just had to check either the hospital or the police station to find me, right? And honestly, I preferred being picked up from the hospital rather than the police station… because at least I’d still get fed before you “body-painted” me (smack). Such an artist.
I used to wonder where all your strength came from after such long days at work. You were supposed to be exhausted. Maybe that’s what people mean when they talk about “the power of a loving mum.”
Thank you, Mum. I’m still here today — and the kindness and compassion you poured into my heart have stayed with me.
I remember the time I argued with you about a drunk customer who stayed in the shop until 3 a.m. I thought you were being greedy over just 50 cents from a bottle of beer. I was angry, and you didn’t explain yourself. You only said one thing — that you were sure we would see him again tomorrow. I remember thinking… not again.
Years later, when I was old enough to understand alcohol and what it can do, and how adult life is. I finally realised what that night was really about. It wasn’t about money — it was about responsibility, empathy and care. You knew that man wasn’t fit to ride his motorbike home. You were protecting him from danger, from a possible accident.
And that’s what you meant when you said, “We will see him again tomorrow.”
Mum, because I stayed up with you until 3 a.m., I fell asleep in my maths class the next morning. That’s why the principal called you. I never told you back then — I thought you wouldn’t understand or be on my side.
Mum, you often say you feel like you abandoned me by letting me come to Australia, and that you regret it every day. But I want you to know… no, you didn’t.
This is my path. I believe God has given me this journey for a reason. And I am grateful to be here in Australia — a country I would stand up and protect with my life. A place that has taught me how to love — not just in my heart, but through my actions toward others.
There was a time when I became busy building my life, earning money… and instead of listening to you or being there for you, I brushed you off with excuses and busyness. I see that now.
But Mum, this country you think you “left me in” has actually taught me how to love my family better — and how to express that love.
Thank you, Mum — for giving me a safe place to grow, for your patience during my rebellious years, and for your love that has carried me through to today.
Mum, I love you.
And Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums in the world.
— Chef Foo
