“Yesterday Was Mother’s Day: All Mothers Celebrated, And Yes, That Included Me!”

Hello, everyone, especially to all amazing mothers who celebrated yesterday. I wish to all mothers that it was a joyful day for all of you, filled with love and appreciation. For me? it was a day of unfamiliar and mixed emotions. even do my husband and our kids' friends greeted me warmly, and I returned the greetings to all the mothers I know, offering them love and well wishes. But one very important person I couldn’t greet a Mother's Day anymore, my mother, who passed away just last month. This was my first Mother’s Day without her, and the absence felt heavier than I ever imagined. It was a day I had always associated with her presence, even though she’s in the Philippines, we always talk by call, her smile, her joy. And now, that day has become something entirely different. It’s not just a celebration anymore; it’s also a remembrance. My mother, who used to be at the center of this day, has now become a memory we hold dearly in our hearts.

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This feeling is new and unfamiliar. my husband ordered some food and wine to celebrate the day. I appreciate a lot that he put in an effort for the day, but I found myself quiet for a while, reflective. I smiled and enjoyed the dinner that my husband ordered, but in my heart, I was searching for her. I found myself drifting into memories, little moments that now feel so precious. I remembered the many Mother’s Days we spent together. We often went out for a meal, usually something special to make her feel loved and appreciated. But she always looked forward to it. She didn’t demand, but she cherished the time we all spent as a family. Especially, the last time we celebrated Mother's Day together, we celebrated and had dinner at a Korean restaurant, the first time she had ever tried Korean food. I remember how curious she was, asking questions about every dish. When the food arrived, her eyes lit up with joy. She tried everything with enthusiasm and laughed at how some of the dishes surprised her with their spice or texture. She had such a simple but contagious way of enjoying new experiences. That day, she was so happy, and we were happy just watching her enjoy herself.


Another beautiful moment that keeps playing in my mind is when we celebrated her birthday, I don’t know, maybe because just after her birthday on April 4, she went to icu for 1 week and passed away; she was with our youngest sister this time. And this memory was from last year, the last birthday she had with my family here in Malaysia. We brought her a birthday cake, and the kids were all gathered around her, eyes wide with excitement as she blew out the candles. She smiled so brightly. The kids were so excited for her, and she was more excited than them. It was such a simple moment, but full of love and warmth. I never thought at the time that I would be clinging to these small details, replaying them to keep her close.





While looking at her photos, she has a lot of fun moments with us and especially with kids, there is a picture with her birthday cake, and simply enjoying her meal. These images now hold so much more meaning. They are the pieces I have left to hold onto, the little reminders of who she was and how much she meant to us. This first Mother’s Day without her has shown me how deep a mother’s presence runs. To those who still have their mothers with them, hold them close. And celebrate them not just on Mother’s Day, but every chance you get. And to those like me, who are grieving, know that you're not alone. Our mothers may no longer be with us, but their love remains, guiding us in the quiet moments and living on in our hearts.