CHAPTER 2 MOTHER'S PRIDE
Keong often told his mother, “I will support
you in your old age.” She heard these words. They made her very happy. All she wanted was a good future for her son. He must never be lazy like his father.
Keong's mother had many friends. They praised Keong to her.
“He works hard in his studies. At home, he helps you do the cleaning and washing. You have a hardworking son.”She just nodded her head.
Some even asked, “You have brought him up so well. Tell us how to bring up our sons like yours.”
Her employer, Mrs. Kok, said the same thing. “Keong is unlike other boys. He is willing to work hard. I always see him doing something. He studies his books. Or he cleans the windows. Or he mops the floor.”
名人名言
None are so blind as those who won't see.
视而不见。
Of course, Keong's mother felt pleased when they praised her son. Yes, she did a good job in raising her son well.
She was willing to struggle as long as he did not turn out to be like her husband. And one way to make sure of this was to give him a good education.
Keong's mother also did some sewing at night. She stayed up late to do it. This was to earn a few extra dollars.
Sometimes, he saw her working so hard. His heart felt like breaking. He wished he could ask her to stop doing all that.
But, when he told her so, she would tell him she did not mind the hard work.
Her favourite lines were, “Just don't be like your father who was without ambition. Study hard and get a degree.Be successful in your career. All my struggles will be worthwhile.”
So, to show her how thankful he was, Keong studied hard. He wanted to help her as much as he could. This was by helping in the housework and heavy household chores. On weekends he washed the cars of her employers' family.
He had an old bicycle. He would cycle to the shop to buy what she asked. And there were always errands to run.
She would tell him, “Keong, buy a packet of salt. I need it now. Keong, buy ten eggs. I need them now.” He never refused. Sometimes, he was tired. He wanted to rest. But, he never refused. He knew how hard his mother worked.