Happy Mother's Day
Position Title: Mother
Position Type: Full Time
Role / Responsibility: A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being. According to Undefining Motherhood, a mother is anyone who provides care to the world. Or, anyone who considers herself one. Simply put, being a mother is not a definition; it’s a feeling.
There are many views and definitions on motherhood. Today, I would like to say to all mothers out there, thank you for all you do.
When it comes down to it, there is no “right” way to be a mother. Mothers are amazing. It is a tough and thankless job. Some days are tougher than others - and it can be rewarding. My mother is someone who has shaped who I am, and I am forever grateful. My mom may never read this, yet I want her to know, I feel so lucky to have someone love me so much. I know I am not an easy person. I am complicated, impatient, difficult. And despite all of these flaws, she loves me for who I am.
Let me start from the beginning. My mother, a Hong Kong native came to America as a teen. She was familiar with the English language yet connected with Chinese culture over American culture. She worked two to three jobs at any given time. My mother has amazing work ethic and is able to build relationships with her coworkers and clients. She made a lot of sacrifices including her studies. She attended some college and ended up focusing on work to stay fiscally afloat as she lived in Hawaii. When she met my dad, she saw his potential and helped him attend school so he could receive his degree. This is on top of all her other responsibilities. Fast forward, my parents got married and they wanted to start a family. They wanted to give their children the best education to give them a better life. In short, she did. My mother is a powerhouse. She is so smart - she is fiscally minded and understands how to work with people. She has empathy and always wants to be fair. I love her so much. Now as an adult, I want to give her the best life and make her feel special not just today, but ever day.
So a funny story, my mom and dad would always talk about how they love Boston seafood, specifically lobsters and little neck clams. I searched high and low online to order this for my mom for Mother’s Day. Many of the websites did not ship to Hawaii. The two times when I got to shipping page, it stated a permit from Hawaii’s Department of Ag is require for purchase. I called per their instructions and finally, after many weeks of calling I spoke to a person who said that one must apply for the permit and then if the permit is accepted, payment is required for the permit on top of the seafood order. I asked the person from Hawaii’s Department of Ag - when did this permit process start and he said the 80’s. I noted his name as I know my mom would be skeptical if I told her this. Long story short, I was unable to get a permit in time to get my mom seafood from Boston - but I ended up buying local lobster from a friend and had it delivered to her house, just in time for Mother’s day.
“My mother is so full of joy and life. I am her child. And that is better than being the child of anyone else in the world.” - Maya Angelou