KUALA LUMPUR: Mothers Day is often associated with flowers, gifts and special treats.
Yet many mothers spend the day much like any other by cooking, cleaning and looking after loved ones.
With Mothers Day tomorrow being an occasion to honour them, daily routines do not take a pause.
Wha Lee Swee, 71, from Cheras, said home-cooked meals and chores will continue for her, regardless.
“Mothers Day or not, I still have chores to do and meals to prepare for the family.
“I’m used to it all these years. What I enjoy most about being a mother is seeing everyone comfortable at home and enjoying my cooking. That gives me great satisfaction,” she said.
Housewife Shirley Kuan, 49, from Sungai Besi, said she will spend Mothers Day juggling chores at home and overseeing her daughter’s tuition.
“There may be plans to eat out, but only for one meal. I still have to prepare other meals for the family.
“My daughter has tuition classes on Sundays, so I will be busy attending to her needs.
“I’m used to it and rest time is usually just for a few hours when my girl is at tuition,” she said.
Kuan said the celebrations have become simpler over the years as family members get busier.
“We usually just have a simple celebration,” she said when met at a shopping mall.
A single mother who only wanted to be known as Lyn, 29, said Mothers Day would likely be spent working and caring for her two toddlers.
“I will probably visit my mother in Sabak Bernam, buy a cake or maybe just treat myself, nothing big,” said Lyn, who is also from Sungai Besi.
“I still have to work because if I don’t, I will not have an income. I am usually occupied preparing meals for my sons and spending time with them.
“I do not complain because it is my duty and I am lucky to be a mother.
“Hopefully when they get older, they will look after me,” she added.
Cleaner Santhy Mathana, 60, from Balakong, said Sundays are her only day off but her hands will be full with household chores.
“I still have to mop the floor and cook meals. If my children decide to go out for lunch or dinner, then I won’t have to cook for one meal,” she said, adding that she plans to make chicken curry for the occasion.
“I have good children who love me, and I am grateful for that. But there is no such thing as a break from chores,” said Santhy, who works 11 hours six days a week.
