There were 9 stories
As the title suggest, it's about the love and courage of mothers.
Which I think the only way I could write about this book is by telling you, my story upon completion of reading it.
Initially I was looking for an inspiration, more like reading stories of how other mothers successfully cope in certain situations just like the volume one precisely. It was however, quickly changed after I read the introduction by the editor, that these anecdotes focus more on mothers with special kids.
Voila!
I felt the gush of urgency to read it. A bonus perhaps. After all it somehow connected what I've experience all this while.
A few stories are somewhat a combination of what we've been through all these days, how they dealt with a son with GDD, a son with autism, a daughter with hearing problem. Yes. We've been through the same thick and thin for years.
One particular story made me worry. It somehow further sparks my curiosity on the future of my kids. Will they get married? How do they cope with a family life? Do they have what it takes to raise a child? What the author shared was exactly the traits that one of my son had. A dyslexic with ADHD. Just that it was written in a different perspective; it was not her son but her husband. Which is why, it makes me worry but I shall embrace this as a challenge. A challenge to do better, a challenge to stick together.
Two stories on the other hand moved me in a way that makes me wanted to pursue my childhood dream that has long been forgotten; but this time it wasn't for me.
When I was about 10 years old, I dreamt of pursuing my study at UK. When I was 14, I aimed to finish my doctorate before I turn 36. After the SPM, I got an offer to pursue my undergrad in UK. To cut short the story, I finally opt for a degree in New Zealand, worked in a multinational company for a few years, resigned and became a WAHM which makes me too busy that I could not pursue my postgraduate study.
Only recently that everything was in track again and I got the chance to do my Masters. Back to those 2 stories in the book, they shared on how studying abroad (basically both of them were at UK) gave them and their special need child the experience that they never had back in Malaysia. I was extremely overwhelmed with the details and yearn to experience the same situation.
My husband had the opportunity to apply for a PhD abroad but I wasn't ready at that moment. Not me literally but I was worried with our sons condition. So he settled down with a local uni offer.
But reading those stories makes those questions spark again:
Can we do something better if we went abroad?
What does it takes to give them opportunity to shine further in a more conducive environment?
And now I'm stuck with this idea
I'm 35. In less than a month time. (hint, birthday is coming soon) I felt my age has defeated me in someway. Most of the recent scholarship in PhD is either require you to be less than 35 or if they don't, it will only cover your expense, not the family.
Conclusion
Motherhood is indeed a very powerful drive and source of unexpected acts. Now I am thinking of getting my second masters and PhD not for myself but for the fact that I know the area of the research will bring a huge benefit to my sons and millions of kids around the world. And the idea of going abroad is no longer to fulfill my dream but to create the future dreams for my kids.
Somehow
Somewhat
I know Allah is looking at me and my little family
There will be a way
Always
To those who contributed to publish this book, I thank you.
