The bond that endures

I was at my Father's house yesterday on Mother's Day.  Sister and I talked a bit about Mother, basically comparing Father with Mother.  While driving home I thought a lot about my Mother.  

I can never forget the fact that it was Mother who gave me the support to apply for a place in University.   After completing Form 6 (that was 45 years ago) my Father had encouraged me to work.  I remember he showed me an advertisement for a Cadet Journalist position with the New Straits Times and asked me to apply.  Probably he was worried that he would not be able to support me as well as my 3 younger brothers through university. 

At that time I had already got hold of an application form for placement in University Malaya.  I was therefore hesitant to apply for the job and at the same time I dared not apply for a place in the university.    I filled up the form in pencil, photostated all the necessary supporting documents and placed it in the drawer.  But everyday I would take it out and look at it.   After about one week my Mother waved me to one corner of the house and whispered "You want to go to university right?".  I nodded.  "Then apply" she said and she took out the form from the drawer.  "Where to get money to pay the fees?" I asked.  "Don't worry, I'll see what I can do" she said.  Although it is almost 14 years since she passed on, I still miss her a lot.