Childhood.

Does branding matters that much to you? 
It does not, at least to me.


I have went through certain hardships during childhood to know the preciousness of hard-earned money. 


I remembered having to go through darkness at home with no electricity for a few nights, with a few lighted candles around the house, because we have no money to foot the electricity bills. I remembered how tough was it for me to go sleep without electricity because there was not any working fans and the weather was too hot for me to fall asleep. I remembered how my mother would bring me to my grandparents place asking for financial help, and each time with a very heavy & thankful heart. I remembered how some would shun my family because it involves financial assistance at times. I remembered how much i enjoyed company with my friends during school days but would rather starve myself than to go home early for meals because I wanted to be with my friends. I remembered that I would lie to my friends either that I am not hungry or I have already taken my meal before meeting them, yet the real reason was just because I did not have the money to eat. I remembered how difficult it was for me to have my own toys, clothes and even studying materials. I remembered how envious I was when I saw my classmates having new books and stationery, and I only get to use second-hand either from siblings or outsiders. I remembered how frequently I would make a trip to Fei Yue Family Counselling Centre with my mother, and remembered vividly the topics shared from my mother. That's why I love my mother a lot, because she have went through so much more than I have and she deserves a lot better. There are many other memories that I remembered, and not to mention the root of all these problems. I will never forgive and forget, at least at this point still. 


Though life's gotten a lot better now that my whole family is working, but I still have my loans to repay and I am working towards my goal. I do not really have the spare cash either, it's hard to maintain. I'm sure I cannot complain much since I'm positive that there are always people who are still living in poverty and worse than me. What about you then?


I have been envious of my friends, who can spend freely & afford to pamper themselves well, even up till now. I have to think twice before I will actually make a purchase at certain shops even shops which targets middle-income like say F21. There were times when I see things that I like but just could not make the purchase because of the price, so I'm now trained to rather not look at it. But at least, i'm kind of proud of all my cheap loots. hahaha, thanks to my sister who I have always look up to as my role model. I have learnt and still learning many things from her. 


Today, I just realized that maybe not all children are that appreciative of their parents who have suffered along the way when we grow up. 


Or back to basics, isn't it the very minimum of you to at least appreciate a present and not just dump it aside after giving critics to it?! 


I hope I can knock some sense into you, really. 


Mum, I love you and I really hope to earn enough money to support you in the most luxurious way that I can afford. I remember the floor plan of the dream house i drew when i was very young, wanting to give you the best. If given the opportunity, I will realize it for you. I always get very afraid whenever I think of realizing the best for my mother because I am afraid of the time. I'm really scared. Please give me a chance to do my part, I want the best for your retirement. 


I will work hard and I will live hard.