May peace be upon you
Marriage life was not a bed of roses for Zakiyah. She's borne her husband 10 children. 9 boys and a daughter. She lived in a simple kampong house so far removed from the grand istana [palace]. Yet she never complained. Her husband was just a tranport worker for a soft drink company and his meagre income could barely support the big family.
Therefore she knew she had to help to supplement the family's income. She sold 'nasi lemak' [rice cooked with coconut milk] at the roadside. Fortunately the high grade mango trees she planted many years ago have fruited well. She learned to climb the tall mango trees, to pluck the highly sought-after fruits and sold them to the Chinese 'towkays' for a good price. All the money went to the childrens' well-being and education. Life was definitely hard for her.
One day her biological mother and her brother turned up at her doorstep. It was an awkward re-union. They exchanged pleasantries and then no words were exchanged between them. Her mother did not expect anything from her. How could she? She left her small forlorn child to a stranger. But she just wanted to let her know that she she still cared, she still loved her. Sadly, in Zakiyah's eyes her mother now was merely a stranger.
Today Zakiyah is already in her 80-s. All her children are grown-ups with their own families. She can sigh of relief that she made it. Her children, one is an architect, one studied Geology in Boston University, a lecturer, a bank manager, all of them turned out alright. She said she could have never
imagined that her children could be so successful professionally. "All I ever wanted for them to be healthy and happy."
That is the story of my mother-in-law. I need to write this because I know for certain no one in her family would write her story and I don't want her story to perish just like that. But most importantly, I want her grandchildren to know her story and appreciate her sacrifice. My mom-in-law never spoke bad things about other people. Patient and loving to her children. She went through a lot in her life yet she is grateful for everything God has given her.
We all love her... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
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