'Miss you as always': Woman texts late mum on Mother's Day, receives reply from someone who also lost their mum - AsiaOne

TikTok user Pamminnie's mum died four years ago.

Since her mother's passing, Pamminnie would send texts to her late mother's mobile number every now and then to feel like she was still talking to her.

On May 8, she sent a WhatsApp text that read: "Happy Mother's Day, mummy. Love you and miss you as always."

And amazingly, about six hours later, a reply came.

Not only was it a sweet "Happy Mother's Day" wish, but the person who took over her mum's mobile number mentioned that they too had lost their mother.

Pamminnie told AsiaOne that this experience gave her the "shock of [her] life".

Last Sunday (May 14), Pamminnie took to TikTok to share this special conversation she had with a complete stranger.

@pamminnie Cherish your mum…Happy Mothers Day to all mothers in the world ❤️ Song: 滴答 by @Rao Zi Jie ♬ original sound - Pamminnie

In June 2019, one of Pamminnie's earlier messages to her late mum had her saying how much she missed her.

"Good night mummy. I'm sorry for not cherishing the time with you," she wrote.

Over the years, similar messages were sent to the same number.

When she received an actual reply on May 8, she was stunned and offered an apology to the other person before mentioning that texting her late mum's mobile number was her way of dealing with the loss.

Amazingly enough, the person at the other end of the line was going through a similar struggle. What are the odds of that?

"My mum also passed away just three months [ago], it's okay. No problem," the person's reply read.

The both of them then had a genuine moment of connection when they promised each other that this WhatsApp chat could be used as a safe space to share anything about their late mums.

My entire world

Strong, kind and fun-loving. 

These words came to Pamminnie's mind when asked to describe her late mum.

Despite going through chemotherapy and radiation for three years, she continued to live an active life and never gave up.

Whether it was working a full-time job as an interior designer or picking up a new hobby like painting, Pamminnie's mother lived life to the fullest.

She died at the young age of 49, and Pamminnie admitted to having a "really hard time" thereafter.

"I [would] always read back our old messages and listen to her voice recordings. Somehow, I just continued to text her whenever I miss her and it feels like I'm still talking to her," Pamminnie said.

Initially, she felt like the death of her mother would remove the possibility of her posting anything about her mother.

But her view on this has changed as Pamminnie now wants to commemorate her mum and remind people of the independent and capable woman she was.  

"Your strong spirit will always be my motivation."

Dealing with loss 

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a complex process in which one may experience a myriad of emotions.

Sadness, anger, guilt and shock are just some of the emotions that can overwhelm us during this period of time.

However, there are ways to help someone who is coping with loss.

It's important to lend an ear and allow the grieving person to talk about their thoughts and feelings regarding the deceased as a display of support, according to Brenda Lee, a clinical psychologist with The Psychology Practice. 

Another way is to be patient with the grieving party and allow them space and time.

Candice Tan, the principal medical social worker with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, advises not to impose your expectations or offer patronising statements as they would make no sense to the bereaved individuals.

ALSO READ: 'Wah, your case is very special': Woman opens up about journey to becoming a mother via IVF

amierul@asiaone.com

No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.

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2023-05-17 04:25:00Z
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Japan ramps up G7 security after PM attacks - CNA

In Hiroshima, signs across the city and in hotels remind locals and tourists alike that the summit will cause disruption, including the closure of streets and access to the island of Miyajima, which leaders are expected to visit.

Dozens of schools and other institutions have simply opted to close during the summit, according to local media.

The measures are likely to be closely scrutinised less than a year after a gunman assassinated former prime minister Abe as he campaigned in the city of Nara.

Then in April, a man hurled an explosive device towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shortly before he was due to deliver a campaign speech in the city of Wakayama.

He escaped unharmed, but the fact that an assailant was able to throw the device at such close range so soon after the Abe murder prompted renewed criticism of security arrangements in Japan.

The head of Japan's National Police Agency, and the local police chief, resigned in the wake of Abe's assassination after an investigation confirmed "shortcomings" in the security for the former leader.

The investigation slammed a system under which local police were given responsibility for the security of visiting senior officials and argued that with better measures, it was "highly probable" the attack could have been prevented.

Kishida has instructed police to step up security around the G7 "so that guests can visit Japan with peace of mind".

Leaders from G7 members Japan, the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union will be joined by invitees including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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2023-05-17 05:12:04Z
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Ukraine war providing lessons for Taiwan: Austin - CNA

WASHINGTON: Ukraine's war against invading Russian forces is providing lessons for Taiwan, showing how a smaller military can successfully defend against a larger one, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday (May 16).

"We've learned a number of important lessons from Ukraine's ... war with Russia," Austin told a Senate hearing when asked about strategies to defend Taiwan against potential military action by China.

"One of those lessons is that with asymmetric capabilities and asymmetric tactics and techniques, a smaller force can do a really good job in defending themselves against a larger force," he said.

With international backing in the form of weapons, supplies and training, Ukrainian forces have not only kept Russian troops from overrunning the country, but have also regained ground seized by Moscow.

Austin also told lawmakers that the congressionally authorised authority to draw weapons from US stocks and provide them to Taiwan - as has been done with Ukraine - is "critical in our efforts to provide Taiwan what it needs" to defend itself.

"We are working on that initiative and we hope to have an action forthcoming here in the near term," he said, without providing a specific date.

China views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory to be retaken one day, by force if necessary. The island lives under the constant fear of a Chinese invasion, and Beijing has stepped up its rhetoric and military activity around it in recent years.

Tensions between Taipei and Beijing soared last year after China staged massive military exercises around the island in response to then-US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

Last month, Beijing conducted war games simulating a blockade of the island in protest against a meeting between Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen and Pelosi's successor Kevin McCarthy in California.

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2023-05-16 23:20:00Z
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Thailand's Thaksin lauds 'disruptors' Move Forward for election triumph - CNA

BANGKOK: Thailand's influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday (May 16) hailed the election-winning Move Forward Party as disruptors who mastered social media, and said ageing army generals central to years of turmoil should retire with dignity.

The self-exiled tycoon, a towering figure in Thai politics whose family is the driving force behind the dominant Pheu Thai party, said Move Forward proved social media and user-generated content (UGC) can triumph over big-spending campaigns and vote-buying.

Before Sunday's vote, Thaksin's populist political juggernaut had won every election since 2001, despite being ousted from office three times. It lost to the progressive Move Forward by 10 seats.

"They used UGC on TikTok because the youngsters use TikTok. It's getting votes and canvassers organically and you don't use a lot of resources," Thaksin said during a two-hour political discussion streamed online.

Move Forward had strong appeal and organisation in university towns, Thaksin said, adding many young people convinced their parents to vote for Move Forward.

"Pheu Thai got hammered because we did not disrupt ourselves enough. Move Forward's trend overcame Pheu Thai and the other parties that had money," he said.

Move Forward rode a wave of excitement among the youth generated by its liberal agenda and promises of bold change, including tackling monopolies and amending a law that prescribes long jail sentences for insulting the monarchy, a taboo issue.

Pheu Thai has agreed to form a six-party alliance with Move Forward, hoping more will join to keep the defeated pro-military parties out of government in the coup-prone country.

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2023-05-16 21:30:05Z
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Singapore students are top readers in the world, but fewer enjoy reading than in previous years: Study - CNA

A LOVE FOR READING

Despite topping the charts, fewer students reported enjoying reading over the years, the study also found. 

The proportion of students who reported “enjoying reading a lot” fell to 51 per cent, compared with 55 per cent in 2016 and 60 per cent in 2011.  

The proportion of students whose parents reported “enjoying reading a lot” also dropped to 48 per cent in 2021. It was 53 per cent in 2016 and 60 per cent in 2011. 

“These observations are not unique to Singapore, and the decline in reading enjoyment may in part be driven by the rapid proliferation of other forms of entertainment and content formats (for example, social media) over the last decade,” said MOE. 

At Casuarina Primary School, Primary 1 and 2 students read digital books on a platform - with the audio, or out loud and can record themselves doing so. 

“The digital books are accessible from home and allow for collaboration. From our observations, the digital books excite and enthuse our students to read more,” said vice-principal Steven Wong. 

“Nothing beats the sensation of touching a physical book,” he added. This is why sets of physical books are rotated across the Primary 1 and 2 classes as part of the school’s structured reading programme. 

The interconnected world makes English proficiency even more necessary, said Mr Wong. 

“Our understanding of literacy and linguistic skills in English has been shaped in recent years due to the rapid development in information technology.  Ultimately, in this digital era, we aim to nurture not just proficient but discerning readers as well, those who possess broad worldviews by staying abreast of current events and are self-directed in the use of information,” he added. 

Xishan Primary School tries to nurture and build a love for reading in students, which is “more than just building strong fundamentals and literacy”, said vice-principal Latha Sinasamy. 

“In today’s digital era, I think what’s important is that students must be able to engage with texts that are multimodal in nature, that means more than just the print,” she added. 

“We already know that the children are exposed to websites and information online, and this helps them to become more literate in terms of their digital literacy or media literacy skills, so that’s something that we’re trying to cultivate as well.” 

For example, in the applied learning programme, students are introduced to the concept of fake news, and how to identify what information is relevant or not relevant. 

“Considering that they’re younger learners, I think we try to give it to them in bite sizes,” said Ms Sinasamy. 

“But it’s critical that we start from young, because by the time they pass primary school, they’ll be exposed to this more readily.” 

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2023-05-16 08:00:58Z
2026016490

Son recalls mother's parting advice - New Straits Times

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1. Son recalls mother's parting advice  New Straits Times
2. Siblings among 4 killed in crash near Kampar earlier today  Malaysiakini
3. Boy in car-lorry crash succumbs to injuries  Free Malaysia Today
4. Crash which killed mother and three children claims life of fourth child  New Straits Times
5. Woman, 3 siblings killed in car-lorry crash  Free Malaysia Today
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2023-05-16 04:24:58Z
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Orange wave sweeps Bangkok streets as Move Forward marks electoral victory - CNA

ENOUGH SUPPORT TO FORM MAJORITY GOVERNMENT

The Move Forward Party leader told his supporters that they have enough support from political allies to form a majority government.

Currently, the coalition includes five opposition parties namely Move Forward, Pheu Thai, Prachachat, Thai Sang Thai and Seri Ruam Thai, plus one newcomer – the Fair Party.

Together they have 309 members of parliament (MPs), which is more than half of the 500-seat House of Representatives. 

However, there is still uncertainty about whether the Move Forward Party can eventually form the next government and who will win the premiership.

The selection of the prime minister under Thailand’s current constitution involves both the House of Representatives and the 250-member Senate – the upper house of parliament.

For a candidate to become prime minister, the person must be approved by more than half of the combined assembly. 

This means the Move Forward Party needs to consolidate at least 376 votes – either from both Houses or only from the Lower House – in order for Mr Pita to win the premiership and form the government. 

“Whoever wants to go against the people’s consensus and your voices, tell them it won’t benefit anyone,” the prime ministerial hopeful told his supporters. “Close the door on a minority government.” 

Before he ended his speech, Mr Pita shared his aspirations for the country’s future.

“We will never let an opportunity like this go to waste or fly away. We have to build the Thailand that we love, which is full of everyone’s hopes and dreams,” he said.

“Soon we will have the next prime minister named Pita Limjaroenrat and we will change this country together.”

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2023-05-16 02:50:38Z
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