Show of affection: Teh (centre) being showered with kisses by her husband and daughter. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Kisses on the cheek, a petite handbag and dinner at a fine dining restaurant were only the beginning of Elaine Teh Gaik Leng’s Mothers Day celebrations.
One of the benefits of being able to work from home was that Teh, 40, a sales adviser for a Chinese media house, was conveniently at her home work station when her husband and daughter revealed their surprise on Friday.
“I was very happy. We celebrate Mothers Day every year, but this year feels extra special,” she said.
She added that while she was working, her husband Chan Chuan Wei, 39, and daughter Chan Xin Yuen, 14, snuck up from behind and showered her with kisses on her cheeks at their house in Jelutong.
They then presented her with a small handbag bought and chosen by her daughter.
“I thought they were planning something on Sunday itself and didn’t expect them to pull an early surprise,” she said with a laugh.
Chan, a property manager, said he and his daughter decided to celebrate early and while Teh was at work to add the element of surprise.
“My daughter was the main planner. She bought the handbag, which she was sure her mother would like,” he said, adding that it was a rectangular design, a perfect fit for a handphone and a purse.
He said the celebration was an expression of appreciation for his wife and for her sacrifices as a working mother.
“This is the least we can do,” he said, adding that he and his wife have been married for 18 years.
And the celebration is not over yet as Chan has arranged for another Mothers Day dinner with his parents and in-laws today.
“This is for all the mothers from both sides of our extended family. My daughter will love it because she can show her appreciation to her grandmothers too,” he added.
