Mother's Day in Maylasia

Mother's Day in Malaysia

One long time friend of mine in Malaysia has written an
unusual 'Mothers Day' list greeting.

She shared with me that some of her friends were offended by
the list, finding it too negative. Here are my comments
(posted with her permission):


Malaysia_Mom: When I write from the heart, it doesn't go
down well with some people .....like Mother's Day last Sunday
... most people were sending out mails or text messages with
the normal schmaltzy stuff with the usual praises about a
mother's sacrifice (which to me is a mother's duty - no need to
sing praises). so I wrote a mail with something different in it ..
and some were offended .


Sitaram: It is hard to please everyone

Malaysia_Mom: OK, here it is.

Mothers Day List:

(Note: some things on this list will be familiar only to people
familiar with Malaysian culture)

morning sickness
strange picas (note: pica means a craving, like pickles and milk)
stretch marks
saffron in milk
gartered underwear
probing obstetricians
folic acid
invisible feet
awkward sex
inverted nipples
guessing games
baby names
Lamaze
pink or blue
Mummy or Amma
home or in-laws
false alarms
tea & raw egg concoctions
labor pains
epidurals
post-partum blues
engorged breasts
constipation
soiled napkins
midnight feeds
trips to the doctors
measles & pox
cough syrups & antibiotics
potty training
self-feeding
sesame street
sand pits & water play
weaning breasts
ABCs
monkey bars
tetanus shots
sutures
growing pains
birds & the bees
loosening the cord (untying the apron strings)

The joys of re-living those moments .............

HaPpY MoThER's DaY


Malaysia_Mom: To me all those weren't smiling moments then
....... but now they all are

Sitaram: I think your list is most practical and realistic

Malaysia_Mom: Well ...some wrote back saying "Can't you
write something nice"?

Sitaram: Stop and think of the Mel Gibson move about the
Passion of Christ. People who had never heard anything about
Christianity, would find the whole thing of crucifixion morbid,
gruesome.


But people who grow up in such a Christian culture find it
acceptable and inspiring.

You are correct in your list, pointing out that becoming a
mother is no picnic

There is much literature and poetry about war.... and war is as
gory as childbirth and the crucifixion.

And, there is much literature regarding illnesses such as cancer,
which are also disturbingly graphic.

It all depends on what people have been conditioned to,
whether they find something, acceptable and appropriate or
disturbing, offensive, inappropriate.