“If I know what love is, it is because of you.” – Hermann Hesse
This quote rings especially true of many of our Jesus Club mothers, who exemplify God’s determined, steadfast, and unconditional love for us. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this May, we turn our spotlight of 3 of our unsung heroes.
Esther and Brian
1. What’s one thing about Brian that you love?
Brian’s personality stands out. He’s a combination of choleric and sanguine. When he’s in a good mood, he can be so fun to be with. Brian’s also very caring. He’s always on the lookout for those around him. When we go to new places, he will check ahead where the toilets are as he knows grandma and mum will need it soon. He will also lead us where we want to go.
2. Share one quirk of his that always cracks you up.
I can’t think of anything that cracks me up, but Brian amazes me with his keen observation and interest in public transport routes. He’s always looking out for bus numbers, toll trucks, and vehicles with loud noises like ambulances, fire engines, and police cars.
3. What’s your proudest mama moment?
When Brian was 8 years old, our family went to Chinatown to do some CNY shopping. We lost him there! I went to the police station to make a report. Grandma went home to wait. Other relatives, friends and even the policemen went to search for him along the route we’d taken. Brian had nothing – no money, no travel card – on him. Yet somehow, he managed to find his way back to our home in Jurong 3 hours later! Thinking back, he had been observing the bus and the MRT route back home, and so, that day, he tailgated other passengers to get onto the bus and train, and got home all by himself!
4. What’s your greatest fear for Brian?
His meltdowns could get him into trouble. Brian gets anxious and impatient over day-to-day matters like waiting for the bus or waiting at the traffic light. Waiting is stressful for him. He has yet to learn how to manage his emotions well and to know his boundaries so as to keep himself and others safe. My fear is that when other people cannot tell that his emotions are escalating, they won’t give him the space he needs to calm down.
5. What’s your greatest hope for Brian?
I pray that he will overcome his impatience, agitation and stubbornness because he has the ability to be independent and to contribute to society. I also hope that Brian will continue to get sufficient support from the community and that he can make a difference to those around him.
Hwee Chin and Duane
1. What’s one thing about Duane that you love?
He’s a very caring son who, without fail, serves me drinks when he comes back from his DAC (Day Activity Centre).
2. Share one quirk of his that always cracks you up.
Duane would recall past events, talk about them to himself and then laugh out loud.
3. What’s your proudest mama moment?
Duane would give me all sorts of medical advice when I’m not feeling well and he’ll also get water for me to take my medication.
4. What’s your greatest fear for Duane?
That we, his parents, die and leave him alone.
5. What’s your greatest hope for Duane?
That he’s able to fare well for himself and live independently.
Constance and Judith
1. What’s one thing about Judith that you love?
Her cheerfulness, her signature laughter, her generous ‘l love you’ expressed daily in her hugs to me, dad and sis when she wakes up.
2. Share one quirk of hers that always cracks you up.
Her spontaneous reply of ‘Yes I am’ to any compliment always cracks me up! Sometimes, she also gives the most unexpected replies! Once, I was angry with her and raised my voice as I corrected her. She responded by saying, “Mum, you must be like God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” I was speechless.
3. What’s your proudest mama moment?
Recently, when I was unwell and resting in bed, Ju came back from work and came in to check on me. I pretended to be asleep. She topped up the water in my cup and covered me with a blanket (although I was feeling hot!). What surprised me next was she started praying for me – it was quite a long prayer – asking for God’s healing. My heart felt strangely warm.
4. What’s your greatest fear for Judith?
My concern is for her personal safety because of her vulnerability and her overly-trusting personality. I also fear how she’s going to manage when family is no longer around. Yet I cannot be sure who will meet the Lord first.
5. What’s your greatest hope for Judith?
That she will stay joyful, and continue to enjoy God’s protection and blessings. Also, I hope that besides her sister, she will have good friends and relatives to journey with her till the end. And that she’ll always know that Jesus is her ‘all the way’ friend.