A tribute to Mother

Today is Mothers Day. It is a western tradition which was introduced into the east long after I left Malaysia so it was never something which we celebrated when we were young. Actually everyday should be mother's day!
Mother was almost perfect. She championed the weak and was very equitable. She also taught me tolerance and compassion, chastising us in our early teens when we were not respectful to our Raub relatives. They came to stay with us for what seemed like a long time and I guess we were a little resentful. She said we were behaving badly and looking back now I have to agree. She also wanted us to be respectful to our paternal grandmother, yes we can be quite cold!
We all put her on a pedestal and it was deservedly so. She had an incredibly strong character. I still recall when her eldest sister's shop went down the gurgler and she was handling the creditors. Those who should be downstairs were hiding upstairs!
She rarely allowed herself treats but rather liked Ling Po movies and would take us with her to watch it again and sometimes for the 3rd time. Her treat is the Chinese movie magazine once a month.
We never had the chance to repay our gratitude nor spoil her.