Anak Mami (not the movie)

When I became a "ponnu" (a bride, mami-penangspeak) in 1980, I called my mother-in-law 'mummy'.

My mummy is such a generous soul, very concern and caring, but not isolated from the familiar problems created by her anak, menantu, cucu and cicit....

It has been some 30 years now that I've tried to be a friend and a good listener to all her joys and sorrows....

Eversince papa is based in Miri, my visits to her house has been less frequent. She has been calling to ask when will we come to visit her.

mummy: 'Dah setaun hangpa tak mai!!

mama:'ya lah mummy, taun ni baru dok ada 20 hari!!'

mummy:'Jangan sebab takdak duit, tak datang jenguk mami! Mami bukan nak duit, datang tengok mami pun cukup dah!'

mama:'Eh, tak mummy, ceq tak pernah pikiaq lagu tu!!! Nanti hujung minggu ni, papa ada diKL, kami datang!!!'...

mummy:'Tu nanti, nak makan apa??'

mama:'Tak payah sedia apa-apa mummy, toksah susah-susah'...

So, yesterday we paid her a visit. A spread of roti jala, curry ayam and the likes awaited us. She used to cook very nice Penang dishes before, but now that she is on the wheelchair, she just ordered them.

Before we left, I salam and hugged and kissed her. She held my hand and with tears in her eyes she told me:

'Teh bukan menantu mami, Teh anak mami, dunia sampai akhirat!...




I love you too, mummy, dunia sampai akhirat.....