The Greatest Contortionist

Mom lived with such great flexibility - if translated into physical terms, she would be the greatest contortionist! She adapted herself to all manner of situations whenever we made a request for her to help jaga our children when they were young - always making herself useful, always meeting our needs on our terms. To some extent, we have taken her for granted sometimes... justifying last minute requests just because we knew deep down that she would say "Ok. No problem. It can be done". The word "Cannot" was not in her vocabulary. Even if plans were to clash, she would be able to figure a way out, somehow. Her own needs were sinple: she could sleep over at any place - guest room, sofa bed in the hall, mattress on the floor, sleeping bag. She would eat whatever we prepared. Whenever I asked what she wanted to eat, the answer would generally be "chin chye" (anything also can). Her adaptability is keenly felt when she volunteered to support us through our confinement and other significant moments of need. She was willing to travel far and wide and adapt to foreign situations - US, Shanghai, Malaysia, Australia. In the last 2 years when I'm preoccupied with my studies, she came to my house periodically, entertained herself with TV while I did my stuff. Between us, we knew that if there were things she wanted me to help her with, all she needed to do was ask. And if I were to share an idea with her, no matter how ridiculous it might sound, she would be open-minded enough to listen. Imagine how it feels like not to have to second-guess her because she is just so easy to please.