KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — A bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, Belgian chocolates and scented candles; these are surefire bets on Mother’s Day.
Still, we wondered if this is all a little too predictable. So we decided to ask five mums what they really, really want... on Mother's Day or any other day:
Bring back the old ways
Educationist Sopiah Suid, 60 says she wants a return to the old ways where “I’m your mother so a) just do as I say b) I know best c) don’t question me! d) no one loves you more than me e) don’t break my heart!"
“I love all the power play and manipulative mama talk which nowadays doesn’t fly no more! Now it’s a constant process of negotiation!
“On a serious note, my wish is for my daughters to know and like themselves and to be empowered to define their own lives.”
Success and happiness for her sons
Florence Cho, a retail entrepreneur in her late 40s, says, “Only one woman is able to love a man more than she loves herself. It`s his mother. Always remember that, my lovely sons. I wish you all the joys of life to come,” she says in dedication to her two boys, Zenvern and Brandon Tan.
“I wish that the life you lead may be praised by God. Embrace knowledge and apply it well to face life as it comes.
“Lastly, I wish you love and everlasting happiness. Know that I love you more than words could ever express.”
A better world
Homemaker Sarah Veerasingam, 45, says, “It is my desire that my sons turn out awesome by being the best they can be with whatever gifts God has given them.
“I want them to be kind and not selfish. To have good values and to be brave and courageous in standing up for what is right and just and true.
“I also want the world to be better and safer for them and I get annoyed when it's not. Why is it no longer safe for children to run around by themselves in the neighbourhood? Why isn’t it safe even for boys to go to the toilet alone in some countries? Yes, I want the world to be a better place for them.”
Slick toaster, good skin and plenty of travel
Liza Ramli, 57, a public relations consultant, has decided that she’ll dispense with all the obvious intangible wants. “Which mother doesn’t want success and the best for their children?” she asks.
Instead she has some very specific things she would like. “My sons, I would like a toaster which has all the key features of a top-performing gadget with slots wide enough for bagels and crumpets. The best part would be the see-through glass sides. No more. Burnt toast. Ever.
“I also wouldn’t mind this super moisturising cream which is said to be perfect for uncompromising women who want the best skincare in the world, without a single drop of chemicals. I’m 57, sons, I need all the help I can get!
“Contributions to my 2019 travel fund. Morocco. Ten days at least. I’m not slumming it as you well know, so you know what to do. Happy saving!”
A break!
Homemaker Danielle Laubenstein, 36, says, “My husband is super loving and supportive and an equitable partner in the raising of our twin sons. He is my rock; it makes me feel guilty for even feeling these needs.
“But I do need a break, mentally and emotionally. I need to figure out how to claim myself back from motherhood. I need the house to be clean and my mind clean; both are extremely cluttered.
“I need daily breaks which aren’t about me running errands. I think a year of raising twin babies has taken a toll on me. I’m having a hard time figuring out what I need and how to give it to myself.
“I need small creative bursts of time so that I feel I am doing something outside of my family life.”
