Have we ever taken a step back occasionally and asked if we truly cherish our parents? Do we sometimes take them for granted because we know that they will go to the ends of the world for us? As one become a parent yourself, we will start to realize that a parent would do anything for one’s flesh and blood, sacrificing whatever is needed to ensure that the child has a better future ahead.
My dad is 87 this year and mom is 82. I am always amazed that as a sole breadwinner of the family, he managed to raise the 5 of us kids. Mom had to make do with just his wage to support a family of 8 every month, including my grandmom. Usually, having chicken for dinner was a rare treat for the family. We stayed in a small 700 square feet public housing apartment. My 4 sisters had to share one bedroom and when I was old enough, I slept in the living room. Somehow, we all made it and it is because of the sacrifices my parents had make.
As we can financially support our parents now, we make it a point now to spend quality time with them whenever possible. Their movements are slower nowadays and short-term memory is not as good anymore. To keep them active, I had requested that they come over to my place twice a week to help me watch over the house. I will drive them home during these 2 evenings and have good conversations with them in the car too.
Today, I brought them to a nice place to have tea together in the afternoon. They seemed to like the experience and I want to cherish these moments with them.
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