To mom, with love
I can’t believe I’m late for a Mother’s Day tribute! I felt ashamed of myself because I couldn’t express my love for my mom in writing, unlike how Destiny and NoktahHitam did (read their entires! It’s a must) - I love her a lot, and I’m extremely grateful that she’ve been through so much hardships and obstacles to accompany me through my childhood and adolescent years.
My mom’s birthday happens to fall on the day before Mother’s Day, the 10th of May 
every year, we celebrate her birthday alongside with Mother’s Day - double the fun and double the love.
When I took my baby steps, you were always there. I’ve been a little disaster since I was born - I barely managed to speak, babbling incomprehensible, one-syllabus words when I turned two. You were so worried that I might have some developmental problems. We shuttled between hospitals, doctors’ and specialists’ offices - they’ve reassured that I’m okay, although you were clearly distraught. But, but and but, you’ve never called me stupid, you’ve never gave up on me. You would spend hours each day talking to me, trying to extract a ‘human’ word from me. And I did - when I turned three.
When I started to learn and to grow, you’ve never left me alone. I was a weak little kid when I was young. Constantly bugged by illness, I missed lessons frequently. But you never got frustrated at me - instead, you’ve combed books for homemade remedies, stayed up late to brew some bitter-tasting Chinese herb. When the exams are near, you make sure that I do my revisions, sat patiently by my side to answer my questions. You’ve never engaged a tuition teach for me until I was eleven - you preferred to teach me yourself.
When I went far away from home, you’ve never stop showering me with love. You’re always so supportive and caring. 6 years ago I left for Singapore alone to pursue a better education in a country that places great emphasis on meritocracy instead of your skin colour, race or religion (well, I’m not trying to hint anything, but I’m just stating the facts) - and I found the new environment horribly daunting. Rejected by my peers as a foreign spy (I couldn’t believe how childish people can be even when they’re already thirteen) and being very, very bad at English, I faced a lot of problems in terms of coping with the academic pace as well as trying to fit into the new schoolmates. You are always there, over the phone, to soothe my hurt feelings and to motivate me.
When I’m going through my hardest time, you gave me advices and not harsh words. In my adolescent years, I grew emotionally mature, but there’s still that testosterone, puberty-driven aggression and rebellions. I find myself growing progressively distant from you, I find myself hard to relate to not only you, but my other friends. But you’ve never scolded me for being not sociable, inconsiderate, insensitive - you gave me advices, words of kindness and guidance. You are my beacon of light, my source of unwavering support. You are a pillow for me to fall back on, a shinning knight to save me whenever I’m in trouble that I couldn’t possibly resolve myself. You are a wall to kick against during my rebellious years, but you’ve never muttered a word. You’re my benchmark, my starting point - I learn to be close to you emotionally, but set my personal standards independent of yours, to differentiate myself from you and dad but to remain close to home.
Thank you for everything, mom. I love you.
Feeding time for my babies!
Let me take you on a short trip to visit the kittens during their mealtime!
I think I’ve mentioned this before, that I’ve unofficially adopted a bunch of stray kittens and cats in my neighbourhood 
it was quite some time back I knew that they’re living there, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve assumed the role as the unofficial adopted. They’re just too adorable and angelic to be neglected. Since mom has a chronic fear of fur and a chronic love for cleanliness, it is impossible for me to even purchase a pet (except fish, that is), not to mention adopt a bunch of strays who are probably never toilet trained.
The last time I counted, there’s actually 9 cats to the family, but two are missing in this photo. The reason is simple - one doesn’t like the meat I feed them (I think he doesn’t like the taste of Chinese herbs because the meat is actually used to give flavour to mom’s many Chinese-herbs-based soup), while the other is too busy roaming the neighbourhood.
Let me introduce the 7 little adorable angels in this photo - from bottom left and in clockwise order:
- Ms Valentine - the reason is simple: do you see a patch of dark fur that resembles the shape of a heart on it’s right thigh? She loves bullying her sister (the next one to the introduced) by chasing her around the place, but she never tried to snatch food from her sister. How nice! Her favourite toy is man-powered, moving dry leaves. I’ll pick a dried leaf and use it as a surrogate mouse-toy to play with her.
- Ms Fuzzy - her coat of fur is exceptionally fuzzy, I didn’t know how she got that trait because none of her parents got those. All the cats in that brood has straight, smooth fur. She is still a little wary of people, so I will approach her only after I’ve squatted down.
- Mr Flower Coat - I didn’t know much about him because he usually appears only when I start feeding them. And he doesn’t quite like me caressing his coat, so I’ll just let him be himself them, and he’ll regret it! Haha.
- Mr Alpha Male #2 - the first alpha male isn’t around (he’s the one I’ve mentioned who doesn’t like the taste of the meat). I think he’s an alpha male instead of simply an ordinary one because he makes sure that he is the first one to eat, and will snatch food away from those who’ve arrived first. How bad! If I find him doing such hideous acts, especially to weak but lovely Ms Valentine and Ms Fuzzy (they’re my favourites!), I will spank his butt AND wrestle the piece of meat away from his as punishment
- Mr Grey Coat - he is the first of the few cats I’m close with before adopting the family. Back then, Ms Valentine and Ms Fuzzy weren’t even born yet! I’ve never heard a meow from him before, but he does give a soft purr when you scratch his ears - he loves it!
- Mrs Snowy - she’s pregnant with another kitten! That’s why usually I’ll keep a few extra piece of meat in my hands after feeding the rest of the cats because I think she needs more nutrient to keep her little baby healthy! She loves sunbathing, lying on the hot tarmac when I do my occasional lunchtime visits (I usually go before dinner, in the evening), and her pregnancy didn’t stop her from enjoying lots of tropical sun.
- Ms White - she’s the mischievous one! Everytime when I play with her, she would instinctively grab my fingers with her CLAWS! That hurt a little, so I’ll usually put her on my lap so she can scratch my khakis without harming me. After searing a few threads of my khaki, now I only entertain her with the man-powered, moving dry leaves
This is not my first time featuring this feline family 
they’ve been introduced twice before this post:
Cute Little Furball! - posted when I embark on a trip to capture the face of the cute little Ms Valentine in photos. She is cute, isn’t she? Read post »
Cute Kittens! - my first experience on animal photography. The photos were taken before Ms Valentine and Ms Fuzzy were born! Back then I only knew Mr Grey Coat and Ms White. Read post »
I guess I’ll wrap up this post here!
Dear Readers,
Do you keep any pets at home? And what kind of experience is that? I’m starting to learn about the habits and loves of cats, like how they love to get their heads and ears scratched and etc - do you have any experiences with handling felines?
18 responses to To Mom, with Love & It’s Feeding Time!
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May 13th, 2008 at 1:55 am
Aww Teddy. That was such a beautiful tribute! Sprung a little tear!
Cute kittens! Bless their souls. *heart* We have two cats, who we keep inside with us, safe and warm.
Check out Brandy’s last blog post: Smashing time.
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May 13th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Teddy, the tribute to your mum, like brandy has said, is very very beautiful. your mum sounded like a wonderful mum. you put me to a shame -for not expressing my love towards her, be it through my blog’s post or to her, directly. you reminded me of how bad I am as a daughter. I’m totally the opposite of you. my mum kept sighing of how social I am and for that, she is always so worried of me.
nonetheless, I’m proud that I have such a loving mum. she kept giving me second chances, for a lot of times and I always disappoint her. what a shame.
I can’t believe I’m actually saying this in a piece of comment!
Check out Aisyah’s last blog post: the. gig. was. fun. uyeeh.
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May 13th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
@Brandy:
The kittens are really adorable, but mom forbids me to take them home. I’m planning to save up and buy each of them a different-coloured collar band - they’ll look cute in those! It’s so nice if you to give your cats a warm shelter, food and love. They’re so lucky to have youy around!
Thank you!
p/s: I hope your leg is getting better! Wishing you a speedy recovery, and don’t overexert your injured leg for a month.
@Aisyah:
you can use what you’ve said in a post! Haha!
Thanks Aisyah! No don’t be ashamed for not writing a dedication to your mom. I was ashamed because I had something to write but I procrastinated until her birthday and Mother’s Day is over. Your mom will be very glad if she knows that you love her from the bottom of your heart
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May 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
i have two dogs at home. well, it’s definitely an addition to the family. i don’t know what to say, so shoot away with questions if you want to.
Check out jason’s last blog post: Competition
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May 13th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
My mom had to celebrate Mother’s Day alone, and it made me sad that it had to happen. I am still making something small for her for when she comes back, though. She taught me knitting the week of Mother’s Day, so I thought I’d thank her.
Your tribute was beautiful. =) Your mom’s lucky to have a son like you. =)
Check out Id’s last blog post: Deliberate.
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May 13th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
@jason:
they’re really lovely if you get them to be obedient. I know some dogs are notoriously known to be big destroyers - tearing up shoes, sofa, pillows, newspaper, toilet papers and etc.
Wow that is fun! I’ve always wanted to have a dog or cat at home
Just a question though: do dogs like to be scratched like cats? I know it’s stupid, but I’m just curious, haha!
@Id:
since the first time I’ve met you online, I know that you aren’t that kind of person who will not care about her parents 
you’re a really nice person, you know. Not to mention a compassionate and caring one.
*pats pats * Don’t feel bad about that, it’s not as if you didn’t want to celebrate with her, but just that you couldn’t be there. She’ll understand, and I guess she’ll be delighted that you still wished her a happy Mother’s Day over the phone
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May 14th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
not exactly scratching. stroking their fur. well there are some spots they like, differs in each dog. and if they really like you, some will turn over and let you stroke their underside.
Check out jason’s last blog post: Random thoughts.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Oh I see! I’ve never really touched dogs before since I barely have time to familiarize myself with them and they seemed uncomfortable to have a stranger stroking their fur. The moment I try to touch their backs, they’ll turn their head and try to bite. Whoops!
May 14th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Teddy, your mom certainly have the patiences to nurture you since you were small. I think you’d agree with me, that men really want to marry someone just like their mom.
You never fail to impress me with your optio! Anyhow, I do think a P&S works better compared to a dSLR.
Check out NoktahHitam’s last blog post: My First of Everything, Tagged.
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May 14th, 2008 at 1:12 am
haha you make the cat so photogenic!
Check out razifmustapha’s last blog post: UTeM BITD Grand Dinner
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May 14th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Beautifully written… You’ve also been able to put into words the things that I still cannot say “thanks” for, and not enough of. Often times, we forget or are not even aware how our mothers refill themselves to continue to be a mother to one. Of course, not all mothers are as nurturing as yours or mine, and it’s unfortunate that some never have even experienced that love. We need a heart of appreciation in everyday that we live.
Oh my goodness… you’re a CAT person!! Heheh, nothing against cats… I had to learn to be around them for the last year and a half as my boss is a cat person. But you have a very open heart to adopt these cats and to feed them and take care of them. Very nice shots, I’m going to avoid using the word “cute”. Heheh, I hope I didn’t offend you or anyone reading this!! I’m just more of a …. dog person… ^_^
Check out Destiny’s last blog post: It Feels the Same
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May 14th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I got the motivation to write this dedication only after reading yours, really
you’ve said a lot of things that I couldn’t express in writings as well! I’m wondering what is keeping our mom to continue to be great moms - as the popular saying goes, everyday is Monday for a mother. There’s no such thing called weekends! I pity those who are orphaned or have lost their mom at an early age - they wouldn’t know the warmth and love of a nurturing, caring mom. I wish I could give them a hug!
Lol why should I be offended? Everyone has their unique taste and preferences, so don’t worry. I’m not exactly a cat person
although I like them because they don’t bite your head off when you irritate them. Dogs are equally great pets as well, as long as they’re not too aggressive. And it scares me a little when a dog jumps up towards me - I understand that this is their innate way of expressing welcome, joy and excitement, but it’s a little scary!
Do you have dogs at home? And if you do, what breed is it? I love German Shepards because they’re loving and loyal, and beagle for it’s cuteness and being a ball of energy! My aunt’s neighbour has a beagle at home and she’s nice to let my aunt’s guests to take the beagle for a walk.
May 14th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Thanks for the comment on my site. I’m glad you found my blog, because it led me to yours! I’m impressed!
First of all, what you wrote about your mom was really sweet of you. I’m sure she’s very proud of you.
Secondly, I have an adorable 18 year old cat. I’ve had her all of her life (she was even born at my house). We’ve gone through a lot together, and she’s gotten herself into quite the trouble sometimes. She has FIV (feline AIDS), but she is doing really well with it, and has surpassed all the statistics about cats who acquire FIV. Your cat pictures are adorable! I always feel so bad for stray cats myself. Cats (and all animals) just need a someone to love and take care of them! How sweet that you fed them.
Lastly, your site is really awesome. I love the use of color. I am a rainbow fanatic myself, and I love the way you implemented colors throughout your site. I will definitely be back!!
Check out Ashley’s last blog post: Weird and Random Meme
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May 14th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
You’re welcome, Ashley! I should be the one who’s grateful because I find your blog very interesting!
Wow that cat of your must have been an awesome companion for the past 18 years! Sorry to hear that it has FIV (thanks for telling me about it - you’ve gave me a chance to learn more about cats!), but I’m glad that you’re taking very good care of it! I’m glad to know that she’s still as fit as a fiddle, kudos to you for being such a caring and responsible owners. I’ve known of irresponsible owners in my country who dump their kittens on the sidewalks just because they’ve contracted some easily-treatable skin conditions and etc. The world just need more people like you.
I feel sorry for strays too. I’m just sad that nobody is willing to take care of them. How much I wish I could take them in, but my mom insisted that she wouldn’t want anything that sheds fur at home (so that means that our range of pets is largely limited to fishes).
Thanks for the compliments! I love your style too! Simple and elegant. Mine is a bit of a clutter, heh!
p/s: I hope you don’t mind that I’m linking you!
May 14th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Aww your mum sounds like the best!! Its good that you’ve always recognised her worth and her supporting you throughout your life.
When I was growing up, I had a love-hate relationship with my mum now I’m older we understand each other. I call her nearly every day and she feels more like a sister to me than my mum. (and even though I’m 23 she still buys me clothes!)
Check out Nel’s last blog post: World’s unsexiest woman is…Sarah Jessica Parker???
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May 14th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
That is a sweet tribute to your mum!! On the other hand, I had no time to call mine. I was so damn busy packing. Sigh. I’ll make it up when I go back to Singapore. Besides, I’m the type of person that finds it difficult to verbally express my emotions. It’s easier to show it.
Time for to send a nasty support ticket to MesraHosting or maybe a host change. 
BTW, loading your site today was an absolute nightmare. It took me 30 minutes and I had to refresh so many times!!
Check out Ivy’s last blog post: A Day in Photos
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May 14th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
@NoktahHitam:
thanks for the praises, lol! Anyway it’s a really old camera, I’m thinking of switching to a prosumer or dSLR camera in the future. Well, it all depends on my budget. For the moment being, I shall continue using my Pentax, heh.
I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve said! Since young I am already telling my mom that I wanted to marry a girl that is exactly like her
@razifmustapha:
Haha thanks! They’re actually very cute, but hmmm they’re hard to capture because they’re kind of over-active and love to run towards my camera everytime I whip it out.
@Nel:
Every mom sounds the best when it’s Mother’s Day! Haha. Actually I can get frustrated by my mom’s weird antics at certain times, but I’ll usually get over it as soon as I can. I’m glad that you’re so close to your mom! Not everyone can relate to their parents at such a personal level
@Ivy:
Your mom will definitely understand that you’re at a very busy point of your life! It’s not easy to pack everything for a trans-Pacific trip back to Singapore! I hope you’re coping fine with all the packing - it kind of frustrates me when I find that I’ve accidentally left out things that are meant to be packed in the same boxes, lol.
Sorry about the loading time! I’m planning of changing hosts as well, but I’m not sure which one to change to. My host has been experiencing of frequent timeouts recently, it’s frustrating that sometimes I couldn’t even update my site layout for minor changes (and losing the changes as well).
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May 14th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
ouh hello teddy.
its my 1st time being here ;DD
wow. im speechless and theres nothing more i can say abt ths entry bt its touched =)
ouh yea, and yr kitten, they’re adorableeeee~
Check out Rara Dinzly Lee Codi’s last blog post: Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
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