Mom used to say that life wasn't about what you had, it was about who you had.
She also said that, time no matter how long or short it is. Should be spent with everyone you love and cherish. Because when it's all over, you'll know who those people are that really made it worthwhile.
My mom was a true, die-hard believer in "love heals all the wounds time leaves behind."
She was a damn hard worker and great mother figure to everyone.
She had a thing with kids too, she always wanted more and more.
She had courage, strength, love and a wicked sense of humour.
She could put down any worries you had, any troubles you were facing with just a smile and a hug.
I remember when I got into trouble with dad and she came into my room and just sat next to me. Almost as if she knew I didn't do anything wrong.
She didn't try to talk to me or try to cheer me up.
She just sat next to me, knowing that when I was ready, I'd lay my head down on her lap and just cry it all out.
Thats what Jeannie Tan is.
She doesn't care whether you were wrong or not.
She doesn't care whos kid you were.
All the cares about is that there is always a better way to teach kids.
That theres always love for anyone and everyone.
I remember when I was in grade three and I was way behind in my timestables.
I came back home feeling all stupid and worthless, because throughout the whole year I try my hardest to learn but I jsut couldn't soak it in.
She told me nothing was impossible when I finally told her why.
She accomplished what my teacher tried to do for a year in two weeks.
TWO WEEKS!
I remember the silent treatment too.
Mom never EVER yelled at anyone.
She just stopped talking when she was done with what she had to say.
And she'd just continue on with whatever she was doing.
That spelt doom for Ritchie, Fi and me.
There were no consequences, but the guilt just ended up eating us from the inside out.
To be a son of my mother is a privaledge, an honour.
A gift from the heavens.
To have known her for twelve years of my life.
They were and are going to always be the best twelve years I've ever lived.
Jeannie Tan knew no pain because she knew after the pain came a stronger person who lived through it. Heck we all knew the excrutiating pain she went through having three kids. She always said it was the happiest moments of her life too!
But she never even flinched once when she was in hospital either.
She knew no anger. She was the most patient and kind person you can ever meet.
She never raised her voice, never threatened. She was always calm and collected, even when shes stressed from work.
She knew no fear. Shes strongest person I know, of course she had moments where she cried and had her doubts. But in the end she was always the one picking everyone else up and giving them a hug. She was always the one that stood strong and held everyone together. She is the bravest, strongest person I've ever known. Except when it comes to cockroaches. She said the flying ones scared her the most.
Mel Gibson was her favourite actor, Kenny G her favourite singer.
She loved fancy dresses and always had home remedies, whether they work or not was up to luck.
She loved PB&J sandwiches and I'd always help her make them in the mornings.
She had two sugars to one teaspoon of coffee.
And mother's Day breakfasts in bed was what she lived for.
I never got to say what I had to say at her funeral.
So here it is, here is what I have to say.
And I know I'm 6 hours and 14 minutes late mom, but it took me a while to write this.
You are beautiful, strong, brave, loving, warm, kind, funny.
You are the most important person in the world to me and you always will be.
You are the one who gave birth to me, took care of me and taught me everything I know today.
You are the reason I'm still alive today and you are the reason I am who I am today.
I love you so much mom, I love you with all my heart and I don't want you to forget that okay?
I love you so much and I wont ever let you go.
Because out of everything and everyone in this world, you are the only reason why I'm here.
And you're the only reason why I keep my head up high, just like you did even when times got rough.
I keep walking down the road of life because of you and I will strive to be my best and to be everything I have for you and I always will and don't you to forget that.
Mom I know that no matter how much I want you to come back, it will never happen.
But I'm glad to know that you're still there and you're still looking after me like you always have. I'm glad to know that you're still there to watch me grow up, and I want you to know that I won't ever let you down.
I know you were there whenever I felt alone.
Sometimes you're so close I can almost hear you.
And I know you'll never leave me because as long as I'm your son, you'll never give up on me.
Even when the world turns it's back on me.
I love you mom, I love you so much and I always will.
And untill the day comes when I get to see you again, I'll live my life for you.
And I'll be the best son I can be for you.
No matter what.
I promise. and you know I keep my promises.
because you know me best.
Happy Birthday.
I love you.
Tan Chew Peng (Jeannie)
Born on the 23rd of October 1961 and lived to the 12th of June 2004.
You will always be in my heart, and I'll always love you.
Live in the sky.
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