A story for working children

This is a story for children (not the young-and-small-person sort of children, but the son/daughter kind).

I regularly go to the hospital every Mondays to Wednesdays to provide audiological services. Because it is a goverment hospital, I see people from all walks of life with all sorts of behaviour and manner. Many are very humble, others can be proud and arrogant.

But yesterday I encountered a humbling experience. A pakcik came to the clinic for hearing aid counselling and advice. He gladly agreed to be fitted with a new hearing aid as the one he has now is already 10 years old. While taking the impression of his ear, we talked about mundane things; my hometown, how long have I been living and working in Kuantan, etc.. Then came an unusual question:

"Mak awak ada lagi ke? (Is your mother still alive?)" he asked.

I said yes.

"Bagi duit kat mak tak? (Do you give money to her?)"

I said yes.

And then he launched a lecture: Don't ever forget to give money (ie. a part of your salary) to your mother every month. Never mind the dad (sorry to all dads out there), he can fend for himself. But don't ever forget your mom, she raised you; it doesn't matter if it's only RM5, just that she knows that you remember her. Before you put food into your mouth (that was the exact translation of his words), give her some money. If not, you will not feel comfortable sleeping at night. It's for her berkat...

I laughed.

Don't laugh, this is serious, he said. I kept on laughing, even though tears started to well in my eyes.

Remember that, he said.

Before he went, he apologised if what he said hurt my feelings. I said it was okay, what he said is true.

And I only had bread for lunch - I lost my appetite as I have yet given my mom anything this month....