Michelle says that her mum Gina always stands by her side. This was despite the fact that Michelle dated a boy Gina objected to.

Michelle elaborates:

"My mother is my pillar of support, a best friend, and a sister. For as far as I can remember, my older brother and myself will always come first on her list, be it studies, interests, even holiday destinations. Sometimes, when I think back about all that she's done for us, I wonder if there is another lady quite like her?

"My mother comes from a closely knit family. She shares the same love for her siblings and those around her, and advocates that I should learn the same values to pass on to later generations. On almost every occasion, she would try to get the whole family together, birthdays, anniversaries, even mother/father's day get-togethers.

"Even though I wasn't a studious person, she has given me the confidence to continue studying despite doing badly for my O Levels and barely making it into Poly. Three months before my exams she still engaged private tutors to help me with my failing subjects. This was despite the fact that she was angry and almost gave up since I didn't study hard for my O level exams.

"Against my brother's wishes, she provided me with a hefty amount, which she always called it her 'guan cai ben' (retirement savings) to continue my studies at a private university, knowing that a certificate in higher education would prove to be essential in my later years.

Even though I got average results in university, she still prodded me to continue learning, encouraging me to take on a third language.

"A few years ago, when I met my ex-boyfriend, she initially objected to the relationship and did not see much coming out of it. She advised me not to put my all into it, for fear that I might get hurt eventually. Being the childish and immature teenager that I was, I refused to listen and even quarrelled and disobeyed her many times.

"I did exactly what she advised me not to. I gave up many things and friends for him. It reached a point where she had no choice but to give in and try to accept the relationship. I had many ups and downs during the course of the relationship. She was there as my counsellor, to advise me on what should have been done between us, and reasons and ways to mend the situation.

"Many a time after our quarrels, I would be bawling and crying my eyes out and she was hurt to see how despondent I had gotten. But she never gave up on me. Eventually when we broke up, she went as far as to look him up just to show him some concern, as we had been together for 3 1/2 years, and I had been his first girlfriend.

"Now that I'm in a whole new relationship, she still shows me the exact same love she had. Whenever I tell her about my plans for the day on weekends, she would plan her time so that it suits mine as much as she could. This is so that we could have the family car to drive around for our convenience.

"When I'm in the room having some alone time or just lazing around, she would send me text messages instead of coming into the room directly to ask me if I had any plans, or just asking me about things. Just thinking about this warms my heart, and I don't know any parent who would do such things for their kids.

"Even now, as I'm struggling between jobs and even when I was working short term previously, not only did she not get upset at me for not giving her any part of my salary (Yes, this is where I am guilty of being a bad daughter, as my salary was not high too). And she still provides me with extra cash for the preparation of buying my new house with my boyfriend.

"When I would be waiting for my interview results or not getting any call backs at all, she would even look out for opportunities through the internet and newspapers and giving me cut-outs of jobs she thinks is suitable for me.

"My mother is a truly a supermom. Even when we're upset at each other, she still thinks for me indirectly to let me know that she still cares despite our quarrels.

"That's why mum, you deserve the Top Mum Award. I know I don't say this to you enough, but I love you mum, and I appreciate everything that you have done for me and our family."

Prizes are sponsored by Aramsa Spa and Concorde Hotel.

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