Some people say single mothers are “strong.” But strength isn’t a choice when you’re the only one left to carry the weight.
That’s the reality for a single mother in Ipoh whose quiet sacrifice recently went viral after a heartfelt conversation was shared by Instagram user @zackmerican.
Two jobs, zero rest
In the now-viral video, @zackmerican speaks to the woman while she’s tending to her burger stall. Despite her visibly tired expression, she talks about her routine with a sense of calm and purpose.
Every morning, she works at a school canteen. As soon as her shift ends, she heads straight to her roadside stall to flip burgers, often late into the night, and does this every single day without fail.
Children source of motivation
When asked why she works so tirelessly, her answer is simple: her kids.
Her eyes light up as she shares how proud she is of them. One child is studying at UTM Skudai, another at UKM Bangi. Her third child is pursuing a TVET course in Lumut, while the two youngest are still in school.
She may be physically drained, but emotionally, her love for her children keeps her going.
A quiet backstory of loss
As the conversation deepens, @zackmerican asks about her husband, and that’s when another layer of her story unfolds.
She shares, with a wry smile, that her first husband passed away. Her second husband? “He disappeared off the radar” she says, almost laughing at the irony.
It’s a moment that is both heartbreaking and telling, revealing how she has had to step up and become both mother and father to her children.
Since the video was posted, thousands have flooded the comments with admiration and support for her strength and perseverance.
Watch the video here:
