TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE - Honda Malaysia

Honda AND YOU: Owner’s StoryA MOTHER’S LIFE LESSONFOR THE SOULLai has been an ardent crafter for aslong as she could remember. Whether itis quilting, bead work or cross-stitching,she does it all with the dedication andgentle touch of a doting mother. “I lovegardening and getting busy with mycrafts, such as making beaded jewellery,handmade coasters and quilted covers,simply for personal fulfilment.”Being a parent to three children,however, became a huge responsibilityso she has less time to spend on herhobbies. But Lai has a sentimental visionof being a parent. “Whatever you do asa parent, your children are watching.If you take care of your parents, yourchildren will practice the same,” shesays thoughtfully. “I do not ask for muchfrom them. I just want my children togrow up honest and trustworthy, and toraise their own family and appreciate lifeas a parent.”For someone who had an early tasteof the working world as an AssistantResearch Officer for seven years, careertook a backseat after her twin daughterswere born. “They were premature at birthand taking care of them was a challenge.Financially, it was also a struggle forboth my husband and I but we didall we could to monitor their growthclosely and began cultivating strictdisciplines, just to ensure that they werealways protected because they were sosusceptible to illness.”Sharing her promise to her family bringsa tear to her eye. She does not divulgemuch but you know it is strength andselflessness that permeates her innerself, making her glow with a gentlebeauty. You would not realise that sheis actually carrying a permanent scar onher face as a result of a tragic accident10 years ago.“My husband bought me a local sedanfor our 13th anniversary and within aweek, I reversed by mistake and rolleddownhill very quickly. The car fell past afenced wall and overturned on a lowerground. My earring got caught in theseat and was tearing up the right sideof my face,” she describes painfully.“After the incident, I count my blessingsdaily for surviving and my husbandimmediately got me the Honda CR-V,which I much prefer because of its greathandling and safety features.”With her three children in universitiesabroad now, would she be lonely drivingin a big car? “Hardly,” she exclaimswith gleaming eyes. “I look forward tohaving some time for myself and for myhusband. I can now resume my hobbiesand start travelling. We should travel toexplore countries far away when we arestill able.” Life is short, she reminds us.04 | with dreams with dreams | 05