Day 3, Quote 3, By Unknown (about Mom)

“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a Mother.”
Unknown

IMHO, no quote more true about Mom than I wrote above. I mean, if you (Indonesian) still remember long time ago we had books called Buku Pintar, I believe we’re still looking for more of answers to our Mom than that books. Nothing more true that when we’re seeking for a manual for our life, we always go to our mother. When we had our first boyfriend/girlfriend. When we couldn’t decide an important things in life. Or….when we didn’t know when the leeks go into that soups. Ha! Aren’t we all?

Mother – Daughter relationship always special yet unique for me. For sure we love each other, but still, sometimes we argue things that we can’t even remember the causes. But then again, we always ends it with stronger bond than ever. Mothers are always daughter’s guardian angel, the compass in their children’s life. On the other side, daughters are always mother’s soul, the purpose in their life. They think that, they’re everything for each other.

My mom and I are blessed that we’re close to each other. When I was still in school, after I’ve done my homework and study (what a diligent student, I was, huh? haha!), I always spent almost an hour just to talk with my mom before I went to bed. I talked about almost everything, tho mostly about school, considering I was only a teenager. Up until now, I always call her when I need her advises. Sometimes, over a silly things such as how to cook things, which clothes to wear during business trips, how to manage my housemaid, or when I need to choose one of her purses that I’d like to borrow for any kind of occasion. Mostly, of course, over some important things in life.

Well, I think a “manual” is too underrated. Like I said, she is a compass in my life.

Thank you notes

Let me write this to the ones that inspires me through my whole life.

Thank you, to my friends, who make me realize that human has unexpectedly limitless power as long as we have the willingness. There’s my friends who finally can run a full marathon after long trainings. My friends who tirelessly learn things that they love, through courses or even chasing doctoral program. Or my friends who manage their time so they can do sooo many things in a day that it seems they have more than 24 hours.

Thank you, to my fellows, who make me aware that there’s no such thing as being late in finding passion. Let alone starting the quest to find one. You who start new hobbies and learn it by heart. You who passionately share things you just love dearly. Or you, who learn a lot of things, because you still don’t find something that clicks, yet, you never stop learning. You’re the reasons behind why I start writing again and learn to paint.

Thank you, to my mates, who show me that being grateful, kind and genuine is not overrated. You, with your pure hearts, make a fundraising as your main activity. You, who’s always being selfless, always put others first. My friends who cares not only their close ones, but also to their surroundings. By helping communities, consulting moms in labor, or regularly doing blood donation.

And lastly, thank you to my families and best friends, who keep reminding me the power of love and support to your closed ones. The way you always reach out to me. The way you’re always there when I need my main “support system” the most. The way you’re mad at me when I made a mistake. The way you somewhat proud of me, even in my lowest time, which is really encouraging me to not giving up.

I’m beyond grateful to know all of you. You’re the actual mentor in the real life.

So, thank you.

Dear, Akas

How are you up there? We miss you here. Do you miss us? or me particularly?

How’s heaven? Earth is quite a mess right now. I imagine if you’re still with us, you probably the one with the most concerned, as you’re always be the one who always caring us the most. Especially when you know Abang is still work from office, I know exactly you’d tell us to take total precaution and telling us the latest news that you just find out on the news. And you’ll keep asking how we’re doing, through Oma or Mom.

I miss you everyday, especially every Sunday. When there’s your fav program on TV, boxing match. I think you’re the most dedicated boxing fans on earth, hehe! I miss you every time I watched PON (National Sport Weeks), because it reminds me you always introduced me proudly with your team when you were chief of Jambi KONI (Indonesia National Sport Committee). I guess it’s one of the reason why I love sports that much. I miss you on every road trip, because it reminds me how I sat on your laps and we’re competing to read all the signboards along the way. It was more than 25 years ago, but it just feels like 25 seconds ago. I miss you when I’m at the airports, because it reminds me most of my first travelings because you always brought me along in every holiday. I miss you every time I see Hotel Indonesia, because you woke me up that morning, carried me into your car, and took me there to eat the famous chicken porridge. I even miss you when I read the word “river” and “ocean” or the phrase “I’m feeling blue”. Because it’s one of the many English words you taught me. God, so many memories that triggered me to miss you badly.

Akas, there’s one thing I regret until now. That I haven’t told you this directly. You’re inspiring me. You’re the one who taught me to be kind. As a brother, as a father, as a grandfather, as a friends, as a leader, and as a family. Your kindness are reflected in your sayings, your deeds, and the way you’re listening to people around you (even though it seems like you’re into that video music you’re listening to). All people who knows you always say this to me, “Kak/Pak Alam was a very kind person. We’re really glad and blessed knowing him in our life”. When your grandchildren were gathering around you, you set the TV to our fav channel, just because you want us to feel comfortable and having fun. And one thing I know, your kindness wasn’t because you’re told to. Or because you need to prove anything. It’s just who you are.

So, thank you for all the life learnings (Especially on how to be on time. Very punctual. And by punctual, I mean it’s 30 mins early). For all the sweetest memories that any grandchildren could’ve asked for to their grandpa. I’m blessed I had been loved by you. Al-Fatihah.