"...let me know once you get the award...

"...let me know once you get the award. I am sure you will, but still, confirm once you get it..."

I heard my mom say, as I slipped my shoes on. Her instructions were clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. I was nominated for an award and I was just leaving home for the event in the evening. The award ceremony began at around 7.30pm and Mom's prophecy came true – I received the award. Nothing surpasses a mother's conviction. They probably also understand that, no matter how detailed their instructions are, their children, regardless of age, are likely to forget. It was around 10.30 pm when I remembered I had forgotten to inform Mom. Since it was past her bedtime, I decided not to call. Entering home past 1 am, I quietly went into my room, ensuring not to disturb her. I decided to tell her about it the first thing the next morning.

"You didn't tell me you won the award," Mom exclaimed as soon as I stepped out of my room the next morning. It felt like she had been waiting there all morning to catch me. "Sorry, Mummy, I forgot to call you at first, and then it was too late, so I didn't call," I defended. "Why didn't you WhatsApp? I was waking up in the middle of the night to check for calls or messages from you," she protested with a smile. I knew Mom rarely used WhatsApp, but I also knew she rarely missed a message from her kids. It was a big miss on my part.

Today, I am delighted to be recognised as one of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗥 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 by WORLD HRD Congress & CHRO Asia. The first thing I wanted to do right after was WhatsApp Mom, "Mummy, I got the award!" However, I know the message would linger on the WhatsApp screen with a single grey tick for eternity as I have lost the joy of seeing two blue ticks in that chat window.

Remember to share every little piece of good news with your parents (and other loved ones). No appreciation, recognition, award, hike, or promotion is small or inconsequential to them. It's likely to bring them more joy than it would to you. Do it while you still can.

Thank you for the recognition once again, WORLD HRD Congress & CHRO Asia 🙏