A Woman's Weekly

My Ma is a formidable strength.

At 21, she rode a scooter to work. To find women living in the city away from the village, and working, was already an uncommon sight – let alone a woman riding around town in a two wheeler.

But she was not the typical kampung girl.

No. She was the livewire of the family. Able to do as many things as the boys in her community were able to do. Fishing at the river? Sure thing. Herd the kampung buffaloes? No sweat. Heck. Give her a shotgun and she could down a gawir! (flying fox)

Even so, when my father passed away and left her with two young children, she was devastated. She and my father were as different as night and day. Complete opposites. Yet to move on with life without him was unbearable at best.

But she did move on. Picked herself up like she’s always been able to and raised us kids all on her own. A few short years later she found herself with another child to raise, again all on her own.

Not one to let adversity decide her future, she pressed on until she found a Strength that was to see her through many more years after. She accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Saviour and since then, has seen many fruitful years in many areas of her life – parenting, coming to terms with who she was and knowing where she was headed after this life.

My Children would do well to learn from her.

It was this 60 years of perseverance, determination and love that we celebrated at dinner last night. Our prayers for her is for many more birthdays to come. The world could learn much from this courageous human being.

Happy Birthday Ma.

We love you.