A mother’s love – it’s never a bad time to tell your mum you appreciate her, but no better opportunity than Mother’s Day

My mum has always been my best friend and confidant. As a student, I cannot buy expensive gifts for her. However, I know that as long as I prepare something special for her, be it a card or simply a breakfast, she will be thrilled.

This year, I made a quilt out of my baby onesies. A square of each is sewn together to create a small quilt.

I also planned a short day trip to Discovery Bay, which has always been our favourite island in Hong Kong. I read online that there would be a Mother’s Day market on the island with gifts made by local artisans. We would then end the day with a hike from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo. This hike is very special and holds a lot of sentimental value to me and my mum.

Planning the day reminded me of how little time I have spent with my mum ever since I entered secondary school.

I always acknowledge how my mother has gone the extra mile for my family as she engages with almost all of the housework. However, I am frequently busy with completing assignments and scrolling through social media.

Hence, I barely have any time for the family. This Mother’s Day, I plan to ensure that I show my gratitude to my mother for each of her contributions to me and the rest of the family.

Even though my mother enjoys being treated like a princess, she has not experienced this for a long time. On Mother’s Day, every activity I’ve planned aims to make her feel pampered and cherished, from doing housework to preparing her favourite breakfast and giving her a home-made card and gift.

By taking on tasks, including sweeping the floor and tidying up rooms, I will not only lighten her load and recognise her hard work, but I will also set the stage for a day fit for a princess. Creating a clean and serene environment can help enhance the overall experience and make my mum feel more valued. It will help me to understand her burdens. She always puts others before herself, so I want to treat her to a day of pampering.

This Mother’s Day, my sister and I will take our mum back in time to the pandemic when the pause in other activities gave us time to enjoy the outdoors every weekend. Along with a professional coach who can equip us with tools and oversee our safety, we will head to Tung Lung Chau, an island near Clear Water Bay, for rock climbing, abseiling and zip-lining.

I also plan to decorate a chiffon cake I ordered, with chocolate and coffee cream or fresh fruits to suit my mum’s taste. Since my mother is a fan of Cantopop and Mandarin pop songs, I have created a medley connecting some of her favourite songs, in hopes of bringing yet another surprise on this festive day.

Nowadays, Mother’s Day is very commercial – shops use it to sell merchandise while restaurants raise prices – but ultimately, it is a day for us to spend quality time with our mothers. As I grow older, my busy and packed schedule reduces the time I have with my mum. I will take this opportunity to have a small talk with her, so that I can thank her for her contributions and her unconditional love.

There are countless ways to show your mother how much you care and appreciate her on Mother’s Day.

This year, I will take her to Home Baking Day – a baking store that provides baking instructions, ingredients and toppings since my mum loves baking. We can spend quality time with each other, and also enjoy our handmade delicious treats after baking.

Mother’s Day is not just another event on the calendar. It’s a day of immense significance and a day to honour and respect all mothers. They have all gone through the pain of giving birth to new lives, and this day is a reminder of their selfless love and sacrifice.