Happy Birthday, Ma...

Ma,

Today is your Xth birthday and I never feel so close to you.

You always take my random speeches seriously and twist your eyebrows into a knot whenever you find me worried.

You always smile like a lotus flower that my friend says you are younger than me.

You always keep everything so organised that I could never find an excuse to complain.

You always speak "bad" English that renders me both embarrassed and amused.

And...

I love you so much for your occasional outbursts of laughters that sound like Grandma.

I love you so much for your stubborn solemnity whenever I offend you.

I love you so much for your understanding when I drop from a "crust" to a "trough".

I love you so much for your self-appreciation whenever you make a wise decision on choosing the right goods.

Let me whisper in your ears...

Do not forget to go for your regular medical check-up, or I will show you my trademark "cucumber face".

Do not overexert yourself at work and remember to walk around during "teapot" break(to check whether the water in the teapot is boiled or not).

Do not erase the words I wrote on our kitchen door before I left you one year ago. They show a childishly-phrased truth----"ma ma is a good thing".

Do not get nervous when I pour my "sour juice" on your heart. You know too well that I do not mean it.

Let's see...

I expect you to be a grandmother in 15 years.

I expect you to sing "Heng Duan Shan" in No.10 Block when I come back this year.

I expect you to cook "Fried Sauce Noodles" for us when it is your (X+1)th birthday.

I expect you to go snowfighting with me and see whether you can handle it when the next snow falls.

But before all that...

I will work hard and graduate happily.

I will stay healthy and sound.

I will keep worries off your mind and sweep away your sadness.

I will let you know that you are one of the treasures that I will defend with all my heart.

So...

Wait for me to finish my journey and come back to you.

Wait for me to dust off all my childishness and frivolousness.

Wait for me to snuggle against you in the cold winter nights.

Wait for me to give you a hug and a kiss...

And in such...

I shall wish you a most awesome birthday.

(And my old dad, if you are flipping through the dictionary to check out the meanings of my love with Ma, please remember to wear a sweater, it is cold in there, and nice sleep, Ba.)

Your forever awesome daughter,

Amy (DY)