Ramblings...

A year ago today, I was embroiled in an Omanis vs Malaysians feud.... was busy to the point that I didn't have time to eat, etc. Today, I am just shaking balls wondering how to occupy my time and to stay sane. I guess if I had extra cash to spend then it wouldn't be so hard but I don't. I got a surprising sms from Kak Siti yesterday. Kak Siti is kinda like the big boss' PA. She only reports to the big boss and handles our pay and claims. The sms read... Gaji jumaat insyaalah (Pay on Friday, God Willing). Wow! This is a first... not a first being late but a first with notification. They finally realised that they should at least inform. It's enough to pacify me. However, based on past experiences it only means banking the cheque on Friday which means I'll be lucky if the cash is accessible on Monday or else Tuesday.

My mom has been calling me daily to update me on her activities. She's so bored. My younger brother is in Australia for work and my elder brother as usual does not answer her calls nor does he responds nor has he been giving her any allowance. Which brings me to one of my observations. Last week I had a chat with two Bangladeshi chaps who were taking care of the resort and our conversation somehow led to families. This was because I was asking questions on how much they earned, how much they saved, what their long term plans are, any family, etc. These two Bangladeshis observed the same thing as I did.

Generally, not just here in Malaysia  but I think it is quite universal... parents can take care of and provide for their children regardless of the situation or the number of children. They will persevere and give everything and all that they have for the sake of their children but sadly their adult children will not reciprocate. If you watch 'Bersamamu' on TV3 on Wednesdays you 'll know what I am talking about. Most of the old folks that they have helped who hardly have a roof for shelter have children... and from my observation, the average is probably 4 working and married adult children... yet they live in such poverty. Thus the saying which I think is Malay... a mother can care for 10 children unreservedly but can 10 children care for their mother? These two Bangladeshis noticed in their two years here that Malaysians don't take care of their parents. One of these Bangladeshis has a wife but he sends his money back to his father and not his wife. His reasoning was that his father brought him up and not his wife therefore it is only right. He also went on to say that they would only marry with their parents' blessings.

My high and mighty elder brother works in one of the biggest IT companies ever in the world and is based in Singapore. My mom constantly complains about him and his ways and I constantly tell her that if this is the way he is then just stop calling. But I guess she just wants him to do his part and not burden me and my younger brother too much and of course... bad son or good son he is still her son.  I think he has forgotten who made it possible for him to acquire the knowledge to pursue his dreams and he also forgets when his parents begged and borrowed to pay for his medical fees when he was bedridden with a broken and infected leg following his motorcycle accident. If my memory serves me well it was RM50 a day just for the antibiotics... and that was more than 20 years ago.

I watch Bersamamu whenever I have the chance... it serves as a reminder to me to do more for my remaining parent. And I hope that all those who read my blog will treasure their parents more... remember the sacrifices they made for us.